June Runner of the Month | Kelly David
When and why did you start running? I started running track in 6th grade and cross country in high school. My parents always pushed me to be in sports and running seemed like the lowest commitment - so sign me up. I really started running longer distances in my mid-20's.
First race? I have no idea, but my first notable race was the San Diego Rock N' Roll marathon in June 2002. I ran with Team in Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Most recent race? Light at the End of The Tunnel Marathon in Washington.
Favorite piece of gear? Garmin - if I didn't track my run it didn't happen.
What shoes do you run in? Skechers GO Meb
Favorite way to cross train? I like lifting weights. I do various videos via Beachbody.com, including the dreaded stretching ones.
Best running memory? This is a tough one, there are so many but crewing/pacing Jill at her first 100 miler was a great memory. It was an adventure and out of my comfort zone since I couldn't plan anything specific! I had to just go with the flow, even run throughout the night (which I hate evening running - lol). But it was so rewarding to just take care of our runners, doing anything and everything to help them finish, meet their goals and a fun trip on a pretty trail!
Bucket list race? I really want to do the Marine Corp Marathon or a National Parks race!
Favorite race so far? Rocky Raccoon 50 miler in Huntsville, TX. I loved it was a course that I could actually run the whole time on and the mud that day was a fun element as well! It was a pretty trail with an added bonus that it wasn't too far away!
Do you have a favorite distance? The Half Marathon!
What is something that most people do not know about you? I really like hugs. Ask all these girls :)
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? I don't really listen to anything when I run, but when I do it is normally Eminem, Drake, T.I and old school jams with explicit lyrics that I can't listen to around my kids.
Best part about running? Running is therapy for me. It clears my head and I come back focused and refreshed. I love talking with people when I run, so it's also my social hour! That is why I love pacing :)
Who inspires you? Active people of any age! It isn't always easy because life gets in the way, but those who make being active a priority and lead by example really inspire me to keep going.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Fracturing my foot two+ years ago - it was my first major injury. Relying on others and taking 5 months off from everything was very difficult (including several races missed) but I learned a lot as a person! Unfortunately, I am still dealing with effects from this injury and have found that running longer distances on the road is less and less in my future.
Any words of advice? Exercise is truly a celebration of what you can do. Keep moving and pushing yourself towards what makes you happy!