Meet Kristie Smith: Texas Strong Woman of the Month

I’m pleased to announce that my friend Kristie Smith–doctor, wife, mom of three, and marathon runner–is January’s Texas Strong Woman of the Month!

Meet Kristie Smith

I met Kristie six years ago through our church. I’ve always been impressed with her integrity, kindness, generosity, and determination. Originally from Lubbock, Kristie lives in Austin with her husband Mike and their three children.

When I met her, Kristie was a practicing pediatrician. Now, she’s an avid runner, who recently ran the Chicago Marathon!

Kristie Smith after running the 2017 Chicago Marathon

Texas Strong Woman of the Month

Your favorite title(s) for yourself

My favorite titles for myself are wife, mom, follower of Jesus, physician, and runner.

Your toughest lesson or challenge

The most challenging lesson that I’ve learned is that I am not in control of my life.

This has shown up in many ways, but having a child with special medical needs has reminded me of this time and again. Through the surgeries and illnesses and long hospitalizations, I have learned to trust God for my strength and peace and not myself.

Your proudest accomplishment

I think my proudest moment was watching my almost-three-year-old daughter take her first steps. We all worked SO hard to get to that point – with many hours of therapy, special braces and equipment, and lots of encouragement.

Watching the joy on her face made it all worth it!

Kristie and her family participating in the 2017 Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas Buddy Walk, in honor of daughter Adeline

Your role models or mentors

My mom, Linda Shaub, is my role model. She is compassionate and loving and truly cares for others. She is always putting their needs before her own.

Your best advice for newbies

Don’t be afraid to try something new! Set goals, but give yourself grace in the process.

How you’re building community

I am currently finding community in my running group. I run with Gilbert’s Gazelles 5 days a week, and over the course of countless hours and miles, I have built deep friendships with other runners. And I love that we all have different lives, but we share the same love for running.

Kristie with her husband Mike

Quote or verse you live by

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV)

“Run with Joy!” – Gilbert Tuhabonye

Favorite nonprofits you support

My favorite nonprofits that we support are Compassion International, Samaritan’s Purse, and HeartGift Austin.