Kids Run RVA Profiles: Meet Coach Kirk

By: Jacki Quinlan, Director of Community Outreach and Kids Run RVA Enthusiast

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Kids Run RVA run clubs happen across the region during the school year (click here to check out a map of our clubs!) but this summer some of the Kids Run RVA coaches have expanded their offerings to keep kids moving! Kirk Chalmers, Jr., is one such coach. Starting as an assistant coach with Kids Run RVA at Elkhardt-Thompson Middle this past school year, he quickly jumped on the opportunity to take the lead at Boushall and Binford Middle schools this summer. We’ve seen him in action – with kids out on the track, doing burpees, running stairs – and wanted to know more about this All Star Coach. Get an inside look into the life of Coach Kirk by checking out our recent interview:

How long have you been coaching?  

I’ve been coaching for about two years and personal training for six years. I’ve coached mostly football and this is actually my first year coaching with Kids Run RVA.

What are some traits that define you? 

I’m very ambitious and focused. I speak everything into existence.

What would you name your autobiography? 

‘True Path to Success’

What chore do you absolutely hate doing? 

I used to hate when my granddaddy used to tell me I had to wash the dishes because we didn’t have a dishwasher, we had to wash them by hand. But now, I can just throw it in the dishwasher and it cleans it perfectly.

If you could learn to do something new, what would it be? 

Playing the piano. That’s one instrument I regret not learning.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do? 

Sleep. I sleep. I need to recharge, I do a lot.

What is the best vacation you’ve been on? 

Miami, hands down, best trip of my life.

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13? 

Don’t worry about the circumstances that you are currently going through because it will get better. You control your life.

At what age did you become an adult? 

Probably like, 17.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? 

Batman because he was rich, smart, and he had all the cool gadgets.

If you were to write a self-help book, what would the topic be? 

Healthy living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

What is the first concert you ever attended? 

None. I’ve never been to a concert unless it’s in the shower and I’m singing. That’s next on my bucket list.

What one food do you wish had zero calories? 

(After chuckling) Reese’s Cups! That’s my weakness, I love them to death! That’s my kryptonite.

What advice do you have for kids who are struggling in school/run club?

I know I told one of the kids in run club, regardless of your circumstances you don’t have to be in that forever. If you work hard enough, you can get out of the situation. For example, I grew up in a poor neighborhood, bad neighborhood, but my granddad pushed us through school to make sure we made something of ourselves (me and my brother). You just have to keep trying.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? 

I want to meet Charles Gardner, the guy who wrote the book ‘The Pursuit of Happyness.’ His story is very relatable.

Would you rather be a cat or a dog? 

I would be a dog because in my experience, dogs are more prone to learn and understand compared to cats. I used to have a dog – they do more.

How would you define success? 

I define success as the obstacles and challenges you’ve overcome to achieve a goal.

Who is your role model? 

My role model is my grandfather. He raised me and my brother through the crucial years of high school. He’s a hardworking man, that’s where my work ethic comes from.

What is your favorite thing about coaching with Kids Run RVA? 

The personalities of the kids! They are funny and smart. You can tell that they are going through a lot but their personalities still shine.