Candace Karu's career path may seem like a joyride through life with no discernible connections from one stop to another. On closer inspection, however, one might see the very real ties that bind the experiences into a cohesive, if unusual whole. If the ties are not readily apparent, then perhaps the journey is interesting enough on its own.

After studying Russian and Chinese at Ohio University, Karu went on to promote rock concerts in Los Angeles, work as an advertising and public relations executive in Washington, DC, design interiors for both residential and commercial projects, take up a full-time studio practice as an artist, and work as a freelance writer.

In the early 1990s, as a working mother with two young children Karu took up distance running, a pastime that quickly became a passion. She ran her first marathon in 1990, eventually qualifying for the 100th running of the Boston Marathon in 1995. This experience led her to her first assignment for Running Times magazine, where she started as a freelance writer and eventually became Editor at Large. Her popular column "The Running Life" appeared in the magazine for more than three years. Karu also wrote articles on cross training, nutrition, personality profiles, and apparel and gear reviews. While at Running Times, Karu edited the popular how-to book The Running Times Guide to Breakthrough Running with Gordon Bakoulis.

Karu left Running Times in 2007 and became Editor at Large at Maine Home+Design magazine, where she wrote about art, architecture, design, and cuisine.

In 2009, Karu was named the Consumer Lifestyle commentator for Cabot Creamery in Vermont. In this capacity Karu writes about health, fitness, lifestyle, and wellness issues, as well as representing Cabot at health and fitness events around the country. Cabot is a company rich with ninety-years worth of history, and remains cooperatively owned by the dairy farmers who share in 100% of its profits. It is Cabot's commitment to helping their consumers lead the best lives possible and her own work supporting those goals that brought Karu's career full circle.

In addition to her work at Cabot, Karu maintains an interior design practice with her daughter, Tyler. Their company, Karu Decor, serves residential clients in New England and New York.

Having served on the board of the Maine College of Art since 1991, Karu is now Chair of the Board of Trustees. She is also Chair of the Dean's Advisory Council for the College of Arts and Science at New York University. Karu also serves on the Advisory Board of ZAP Fitness Foundation.

Karu lives in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. She is still a committed runner who has participated in over two hundred road races around the world, including nineteen marathons.