About Kelly

My name is Coach Kelly and here’s a little information about me:

 

I started running after receiving a postcard in the mail that said “Train to End Stroke.”  I had lost my father suddenly to a massive stroke in 2002, when I was pregnant with my son.  I was very close to my father and losing him was very hard for me to say the least.  I had gained weight and couldn’t get myself motivated to do much of anything.  After my son was born I was 207 pounds!  When I received the postcard in 2006, I knew I needed to check it out.  I wanted to “End Stroke”, but didn’t know what “Train To” meant.  Well, turns out that meant train for a marathon!  So, I signed up!  I trained to run a full marathon in Kona Hawaii.  I lost lots of weight and I did it!  I completed my first marathon in 5 hours and 17 minutes, and more importantly, I raised nearly $7,000 for the Stoke Association.

 

My father continues to motivate me today.   Running changed my life!  It helped me find peace and it continues to challenge me daily.  I now just LOVE to run and love racing!  Since my first marathon in 2006,  I have completed 27 full marathons, 10 half marathons, and 26 ultra marathons!  My longest run to date is a 24 hour treadmill run where I covered 106.49 miles!  I have qualified for and run the 2012 Boston Marathon with a qualifying time of 3:47:12. 

 

In July, 2012 I completed the RRCA Certified Running Coach program and started “Running with Kelly.”  In the fall of 2023 I completed the requirements for the RRCA Level II certification, with a youth designation as well. 

 

I have coached novice and experienced runners to reach greater distance and speed.  I also developed and coach the Hero Training Program, a learn to run program benefiting Heritage Christian Services. 

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I am a happily married mother of two awesome adult kids, work as Guardianship Coordinator at a local nonprofit, sing in church choir and I'm the race director for the Heritage Hero Run + Stroll + Roll in Rochester and Buffalo, NY.

 

My favorite quote is by T.S. Eliot:  “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”  I hope to help you find out how far you can go!

 

Happy Running!!!

Coach Kelly