For people who may not have known me for long, running has been a life long passion of mine. I may not look like a “typical” runner (my 115 pound cross country days are a lifetime ago!), but running (and sports) has essentially shaped the person I am today.

My dad started the craze way back when, (when I was a baby!) when he became “hooked” on running. I grew up going to road races to cheer on my dad, from local races to marathons. Later, when my dad became part owner of Marathons Sportswear, running (and t-shirts for races!) became our life. Our annual “family vacation”, was to drive t-shirt orders to the Bix 7 race in Davenport, Iowa, go to the expo and run the race. (Pretty sure driving out to Davenport with a van packed full of boxes with your daughter with no seat belt on is frowned upon now but it was an adventure back then!) The Bix became a tradition. My sister, Kristy, and I would “run” the Bix every year (highly doubt us as little kids actually did the whole 7 miles but my dad let us pretend we did) since I was in first grade. Running the Bix was only the start. From there my dad entered us in many races, the Ridge Run (he would make our whole grade school basketball team run it!), races up in Delavan when we were vacationing with family to any local 5K we could find. Basketball was my main sport and the love in my life but it was my dad who pushed me to go out for cross country and not volleyball so I would be in better shape come tryout time.

I fell even more in love with running (and yes it helped tremendously when it came time for basketball season!) in high school. It was my love of running that led me to see a Registered Dietitian when I was 16 years old. (Was underweight and undereating). The RD helped me increase my healthy fats and calories. With a healthier diet and attitude, I was able to PR in all my race times my sophomore year and became MVP of my track team that season. I decided then and there that I would become a Registered Dietitian to help others meet their goals. So when I say running has shaped me life, I truly mean it!

Through college, I started my running camps at various schools on the southside, helping teach my favorite sport to kids ages 5-14. Running eventually became a family tradition. My dad still runs races when he can. My sister, as Assistant Director of St. Xavier’s Shannon Center, has started 5K training groups and helped direct the Cougar 5K with her manager, Jen. Through this great program (which I used to teach for), my mom finally found her calling to start running! Since then, my mom usually wins her age group in most smaller races we run. Couldn’t be prouder mom! (well, maybe a little jealous but mostly proud 😉

Fast forward to today. I am on state #15 to complete a race in all 50 states and I am now director of the Run to the Pub program.  Which I love because it fosters a sense of community and encourages people to branch out of their comfort zone and try something new (the free beer after each run/walk doesn’t hurt either!). So, why do I love running? If you couldn’t tell by now, Here are just a few reasons!

1. Among the stress in my life (and if you are friends with me on Facebook you know what I am talking about!), running keeps me sane. Without running, I probably would have gone batty by now. Truly.
2. Running helps me focus. Helps clear my head. Gives me energy to do all of the things that I need to do. If you are looking for more focus or energy? I highly recommend running or some form of higher heart rate exercise.
3. Helps keep my weight in check. Let’s be real here. I love food. And beer. And to be able to enjoy it without guilt, running helps offset (some) of those calories!
4. Keeps me close to family. Running has brought my family together for many years. (See below!) I hope to continue this tradition for my kids as well.

5. It helps me meet new people. Great way to get to meet new people with similar goals and interests! (Shout out to all my Pub Runners!). Or just a chance to hang out with your friends once a week! (To register for our next Run to the Pub, click here!

Dedicating this post to my dad. Despite driving me crazy lately, thank you from the bottom of my heart for instilling the love of running in me and our family. XOXOXO

~Kelly