Kelsey Williams - "Running is a gift"

Allison interviews Kelsey (“Dr. Williams”), a Mississippi runner and assistant principal at Florence Middle, about completing her first marathon at Jackson’s Run the Rainbow, a hilly race benefiting the state’s only children’s hospital.

They discuss how they connected through Kelsey’s social post, the emotional impact of running past the hospital, and Kelsey’s running origin during COVID after a difficult period that included her father’s death and a divorce.

Kelsey credits the Run Strong community and coaches Claire and Jeremy for personalized TrainingPeaks plans and support, shares favorite races (Run the Rainbow, Mississippi Blues, Louisiana Half, Coast), and goals including a sub-two-hour half and “Death by 5K” (10 timed 5Ks in 24 hours).

They cover fueling preferences (Gu gels), recovery habits (massage gun, staying mobile), must-haves (music—mostly worship), Brooks Launch shoes, and encouragement that every pace is a good pace and anyone can start.

Kelsey Williams - https://www.facebook.com/kelsey.williams.180072


Races Mentioned
Run the Rainbow
Molten 9-Miler
The Mississippi Blues Half Marathon
Louisiana Half Marathon
Coast Half Marathon
Big Butts Trail Run
King of the Mountain
Cocodonna 250
Death by 5k
Madison Station Half Marathon
Maine Marathon
Breaking the Loop

Shout Outs
Selena Daniel
Rod Simmons
Run Strong
Claire
Jeremy
Kinda Gritty
Whitney Stopp
Skye Guy
Allie

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:15

Hi Runner Story Family, this is Allison Gillyard with Runner Story, where every story needs to be heard. And I'm so excited about you guys meeting my friend Kelsey Williams and getting to hear her run story. I actually have not officially met Kelsey. We know each other through social media, and I met her through social media because her first marathon was Run the Rainbow. Kelsey, you're crazy, my friend. I absolutely adore you. She has become a Mississippi soul sister for me. I absolutely love her. We're both brand and graduates, so that's a really cool fun fact. One of the things that Kelsey talks about is that running is a gaft and every pace is a good pace. I'm gonna say that again because it is so good. Running is a gaft and every pace is a good pace. Absolutely amazing. Kelsey gives us so many nuggets of knowledge and just ugh, just I could talk to Kelsey all day long. And I cannot wait to go run a race with her and just hang out with her. Just what an incredible human being she is. And I mean, I think it's pretty cool when a principal is also a runner. So all the kids listening that are part of Dr. Williams' school, I hope that you know that you have one very cool principal. She's absolutely amazing, and I am very grateful for her story. So thank you, Kelsey. You're absolutely amazing. I love you and adore you, my friends, and I'm so stinking and excited for everyone to get to know you too. Making sure that stories like Kelsey's get heard this month are our friends from Cotton Gritty. Cat and Gritty is all about curating one-of-a-kind running event. And one of their signature events is one of my faves. It's round two, so year two forced to loot red, white, and blue at Camp Shelby. Run where heroes are made. Tackle the 11 mile or 11K or 5K on the base at Camp Shelby, which will be November 7th. All I can say is do a lot of hill training. A lot of hill training. But November 7th. Guys, registration, go ahead and set that alarm for July 7th with a 24-hour introductory prize. You guys are going to love this race if you've not ran it. It's phenomenal. So show your support for the military. Every step is salute, every mile of tribute, salute red, white, and blue November 7th at Camp Shelby. You can find out more information at countergritty.com slash events. You can also find out more information at renderstory.com as well. Thank you for Countergritty for all that you do, for sponsoring a chariot for Ansley's Angels of South Alabama, for being what you guys are as a company and also your big old hearts. Just absolutely love Rhonda and the team at Counter Gritty. She's absolutely amazing. Alright guys, so with that being said, get ready, get set, and go run with my amazing friend Kelsey and her run story. Well, thanks, Kelsey, for being here. Oh, I'm so excited. And I want to tell how I came to know you because it's funny, we're both Mississippi girls, which not a lot of people know that. I didn't know that you were.

SPEAKER_01 3:23

Oh my goodness. That's awesome.

SPEAKER_00 3:25

Yeah, yes. But we ran Run the Rainbow and you tagged Run the Rainbow and you had this beautiful social media post about this race. And I felt, I mean, I did not run the marathon, so kudos to you because that race is absolutely no joke whatsoever. Um but I absolutely loved your post. And I went back and looking, I was like, this is somebody that I want to know her story, and I want to know how she got here because this was your first marathon.

SPEAKER_01 3:54

That's right. And Allison, thank you so much for having me. It was such an honor when you messaged me. I was like, does she have the right person? I'm not sure. But um yeah, it was my first marathon. I'll probably talk a lot about it today, but uh, because it was it was just incredible. But yeah, so I was so glad that we connected and again, just so honored to be here.

SPEAKER_00 4:14

Let me just say, uh, and that's one of the questions I have for you, but obviously we'll jump into it. But that is not an easy first marathon.

SPEAKER_01 4:22

Yes, that's what everyone told me. I'm a little bit stubborn, so I can explain why it was the one I wanted to do for sure. Yeah. I am from this area, and so which I'm from the Jackson, Mississippi area, by the way, for our listeners, and that's where Run the Rainbow takes place. One of my really good friends, Selena Daniel, is the uh director of that race, and so phenomenal. Yes, and it raises money for our children's hospital, and it's just obviously that's the best cause ever. And she's been doing this race for several years. It's grown every year, and I've wanted to do it. And then also just being able to be local where my family could come. I'll talk more about that, but just wanted them to be able to be a part of it. So it was really special. It was definitely, yeah, the hills, the hills. We'll talk too, I'm sure, about that.

SPEAKER_00 5:09

But um, yeah, it was an incredible day for sure. I love that. And again, your finish line picture is just epic because I only did the half and I did not come across the good play.

SPEAKER_01 5:19

Well, it was a very emotional moment. I'm sure I'll explain why it was too today, too. But that picture was taken by Rod Simmons. I do want to give him a shout out of Rod Rod's racers. Um, he is a race promoter, he's at tons of races in Mississippi taking photos, and he's just the sweetest guy on the planet. So when he took when I saw that picture, I messaged him immediately. And I've gotten so many comments about it. I'll treasure that picture for the rest of my life for sure. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 5:45

You should. I so I a dear friend of mine, she's ran that race many times, and she was like, Listen, you're gonna come up to the rainbow of death. And I was like, What in the world? And sure enough, after the race, she's like, Do you know what I'm talking about? I was like, that inflatable. I wanted to punch a rainbow sword. That is such a deceiving, like that's I don't know, it's it's insane. Yeah, but you mentioned something incredible, and I got very emotional running that, and that was when you run by the children's hospital they have like they have pictures of the kids out there, you're running, and you understand that this is the only children's hospital in the state of Mississippi, and how crucial your race fee is for this, and you know, just going to the expo and buying just a few pieces of things from the expo, just how everything pours back into that. And that's where I say I got dehydrated because I started crying because I was like, This is just so and also being a Mississippi native, I was like, I had no idea about this being the only hospital, and I was like, I cannot imagine that.

SPEAKER_01 6:52

So it's such a special place, and I have several friends that work there, and so I was just again, just always an honor to support. Selena does a phenomenal job with that race. It's in March, so everybody come check it out. It's amazing. Oh, yeah, it's a great, great race, great cause for sure.

SPEAKER_00 7:10

I love that. I'm so glad we had to talk about it. And obviously, as you said, we'll talk a little more about it. But yeah, how did we get here? How did you cross the finish line of your first marathon at Run the Rainbow? How does your run story began?

SPEAKER_01 7:21

Absolutely. So I started running during COVID. I played basketball growing up, but never loved running. We had to sprint and do all the hard running, so I didn't really enjoy that. But during COVID, I of course wanted something to use my time because we were at home so much, and the weather during that season when it first started was so beautiful. So I just kind of started running. I didn't really follow a plan right away or anything. I would just get out and run some for just my mental state, honestly, at that point. And then I just started really loving it. It became a really sweet time with the Lord, and I'll probably talk more about that throughout this too. But became a really special time for me. So that's when I got started. Um, and I have run a lot of halves. I say a lot. I mean, I've run, I don't know, maybe eight halves or something like that, but between between then and now. And so I felt like I was ready for that next step. And had always thought, maybe I'll run a marathon one day. You know, I don't know. I'm really, it was the thought of running 26.2 was very daunting, but it was just an incredible moment. And also a very important piece of this too is last August I joined Run Strong, which is a running community, running gym, running group, as whatever you want to call it, here in the Jackson area, also. And we have our coaches, Claire and Jeremy, and they're amazing. And so they work with us, they create our personal plans to help you train for whatever race you are training for, or even if it's not a race and you just want to maintain, they'll create you a plan. And then we have group runs during the week and group workouts and stuff. So they have been a huge part of this because I would I don't know that I would have ever run a marathon without them. And the community there is just amazing, all the encouragement. So it's a really special place. It's over also Spillway Road in the reservoir area, if any of our listeners know where that is in the Jackson area. So it's it's a special place for sure. I'm really thankful for them. But yeah, so I just started training in August and followed my plan, ran two half marathons during the plan, which was or maybe three.

SPEAKER_02 9:29

Three. I don't know.

SPEAKER_01 9:30

But so that really helped too, just for the longevity. I'm getting ready for 26.2.

SPEAKER_00 9:35

So yeah. Dude, that's amazing. And like I said, kudos to making run the rainbow. I went into that race having not ran uh Mississippi like in a long time, other than doing kind of gritty races that I've I've I had been doing at Camp Shelby and the Molten Nine Mile. Multiple and oh, I love that one. I was like, okay, you know, just be bobbing in. And then I was like, oh Mount Lanta, this is wild.

SPEAKER_01 10:03

Well, it's funny because I live in Florence, Mississippi. And the area I run when I'm home is our downtown and it's very flat. So I yeah, but I did do a all of my long runs were over in the reservoir area. So there's some hills over there for sure, and that really helped prepare me. But it was a challenge. Yeah, I had a lot of people, are you sure you want to do that for your first marathon? And I was like, I think I guess. I mean, I'm going to. So we're just gonna see how it goes. So yeah. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_00 10:33

We're gonna wing it. Here we go. That's it. I will say for that one, and I I've shared on the podcast before, and that is that race, the rest stops are just 10 out of 10. I mean the music, but then also that's the first time I've ever had the nerds gummy. Um and that was because I foolishly didn't bring any nutritionals because I was like, it's a half, it'll be fine. Right, right, right. I got to that seven miler and or the six miler where you're going off by the museum or the art area, and I was like, Right, okay, yeah, I'm gonna need something. And I took it and I was like, This ain't half bad. Okay, so I learned something and I've incorporated that into how I feel because oh, that's awesome. Yeah, I actually think was it the nerd clusters?

SPEAKER_01 11:20

Yeah, I heard you all there one of your previous podcasts talking about yeah, I was like, okay. Yeah, I love that so much. Yeah, what I think that was my friend Whitney Stock up there in the past. Yeah, she sure was. She's precious. She's amazing. She's the most cyber department person ever, but yeah, she always has all of the good snacks and good gear and everything. So she's she's amazing. Yeah, that's awesome.

SPEAKER_00 11:43

I do have to give her a shout out because she she was right at the porta potty area at that spot. Yes, I mean she saw me coming and she grabbed my stuff and she's like, I got you, girl.

SPEAKER_01 11:53

And I was like, she's really like she's an angel. She really is, she's precious. I love her so much. That's awesome.

SPEAKER_00 12:01

I love that. So, with the training and the running being a sacred time, what has been some lessons that you've learned from running? Whether that's been since COVID or that was been through marathon training, what are some lessons that you've learned from running?

SPEAKER_01 12:16

Yeah, absolutely. I think for me personally, it's time for me to reflect on the day, reflect on what the Lord's been showing me that day. It could be that I'm having a really bad day and it helps me process mentally, just kind of get to a better place. I usually run after work. So I run in the afternoons or the evening time when it's summer for sure, since it's so hot. But it's just kind of my way to kind of wind down, honestly, from the day. But definitely have just learned a lot about myself. I've learned a lot personally. When I started running, I didn't mention this, but 2019 was a really difficult year for me. I lost my dad. And then I also don't talk about this a whole lot, but I went through a divorce, which is not what the Lord has. Planned for us, I realize I don't I'm not condoning divorce. I don't think it's a great thing, but that's just part of my story. And so running has just really helped me grow and learn so much about my faith and my walk with the Lord and helped me be able to process, you know, during a really challenging time, it was a really big gift to me. And I think that's a big lesson to me is that running is a gift. It's something that when I have a day where I don't feel like getting out to run and I want, you know, I know that I need to, I just remind myself, you know what? This is a gift that I'm able to do this, and it's something that is a huge benefit to my life. So I'm just really, really grateful for it.

SPEAKER_00 13:32

I love that so much. And you're right, running is such a gift, and it's there for every season of life. And you know, if you need to put it down for a little bit, you put it down and then you pick it back up when you can. So absolutely I love that. So I gotta know because we've talked about your first marathon, run the rainbow, but we talked about several halves. Do you have a favorite race that you're like, I just cannot wait to go back and run this?

SPEAKER_01 13:57

Well, okay, so I thought about this question. I have a couple answers, but I'll be as quick as I can. So obviously, run the rainbow. I plan to do it every year if possible, because it's just such a great race, and that moment was so special. So I would just love to be supportive of like other people finishing their first halves and fulls, and just I think it's an amazing thing. They also have a 50k. So are you looking at that?

SPEAKER_03 14:21

Oh character out.

SPEAKER_01 14:23

Well, you know, of course, like Selena's like, well, next thing I'm gonna do the 50k. Like, of course. So I don't know. I'm thinking about it. We'll see. We shall see. But so definitely that one. I also my first half marathon, this is a really kind of cool story, was supposed to be the blues, okay. The Mississippi Blues was also a Jackson race that's been going on for years and years, and it was gonna be in 2021. So it was right after I'd started running, it was in February. Well, they canceled it very short notice because COVID had resurged right around then, and they canceled it. And I was devastated because I had trained. I had started a plan and I had started training. Well, my family, who is they're amazing, my amazing family, they rallied and we went to downtown Japs on that Saturday morning, and I ran part of the route in an area that we felt good about and they could kind of be close by. And I ran it as many times as needed to get 13.1. And they they like made a banner for me to run through, had signs. Like, I have the best family on the planet. So it was just such a cool day because I still had my medal in my shirt because they had mailed that to everybody or whatever. So I was able to really celebrate and feel like I had accomplished the half, even though it wasn't the real thing. So that was really special.

SPEAKER_00 15:49

Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 15:50

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_00 15:51

Oh, what a great story!

SPEAKER_01 15:54

Yeah, it really was just a moment that, you know, again, I had gone through a lot the previous couple years, and so just a really special accomplishment. For sure. So that's a special moment. And I've run the blues a couple of times since then. It's a great one. But then I also one more I want to mention because it was just really fun. It's a really great put-together race, is the Louisiana half. I ran it in December. No, I'm sorry, January of this year. And I did the half and actually had done the coast half in December and had PR'd my half. So that was exciting. Get it, girl. But then thank you. But then in January, when I was doing the Lithiana, I was like, I'm just gonna have fun. I'm not gonna worry about my time. I don't want to risk an injury before the fall. Sure. And I'm an LSU fan, so it goes through the campus, and that was amazing. So I took videos and pictures and you know, just had fun and ran it just not to get too sappy, but my dad is why I'm a LSU fan. He raised us that way, and so he'd passed in 2019. And so I just thought about him. I listened to his oldies music that he loved, like the Beatles and bands like that, and just really have a moment of just kind of like devoting that race to my dad. So that was really special. And then the post-race of that race is amazing. They have all the Cajun food, red beans and rice and Malaya, all that. And so that was really, really fun. It's a great crowd. It's in downtown Baton Rouge, right by the Capitol, which is a really cool building. So yeah, it's that's a great race for anybody that's looking for a good first half. I've had several friends that send they've PR'd at that race. So I think that's a great one, too.

SPEAKER_00 17:30

That finish line, you know, you come around the corner for that and you see the capital, and you're just like, it's breathtaking. Like I've done that one a couple of times. It's a top tier, like a top favorite of mine, too. And I don't know what it is, but there's just something about turning that corner, and you're like, it gives me a remote, and I know to expect it, but it's a fantastic um. So that that also means you got your Coast to Bayou medal as well.

SPEAKER_01 17:55

Yeah, that was really cool. Yeah, that was really, really cool. I I was excited about that, and I thought, you know, why not? My mileage is getting up for the marathon and went with a couple friends to the Louisiana one, which was just fun. And it was really cool too, because at the finish line, we were waiting on one of our friends, and this woman came through and she was crying, her family was hugging her, and she had quali sign for Boston. And so that was just like such a cool thing to witness somebody, you know, that had quaul signed. Um that's such an amazing accomplishment. She had run the full, of course, in about the time that we ran the first time. Yeah, no, but that's that's usually how that goes for me too. Yeah, right, right, right. But um, so that was just a cool thing to to see, also. But yeah, that's a great race.

SPEAKER_00 18:36

I love it. Absolutely. I also recommend that one. That's a it's very scenic. Well, I'm not an LSU fan, and I wasn't actually supposed to be at that race this year, but my husband got really, really sick. And oh no, yeah, and I have a lot of friends that are in Louisiana, and so it's like a big family reunion anytime we go. Like we just love to hang out. You know, so I was I was devastated I didn't get to go, but they were very, very kind to us. So I I appreciate that. But yeah, highly recommend that race as well. Yeah, it's a nice flat, you just have the bridge at the end, you know. Yeah, yeah, exactly. Yeah, yeah, right. So he is for sure. So we've talked about how great a lot of races are. Is there a race that you're like, I want to go back and redo, or I don't ever want to go back and do that race again?

SPEAKER_01 19:24

A really good question. I'm trying to think if there's one I'd want to redo. I definitely don't have one that I wouldn't want to do again. Like I feel like every all the haves I've done, they've been very well put together and been very good experiences overall. I would say maybe maybe the coast that I went to in December, I would love to have another shot at that. Oh, here's a good reason. Because so I did PR, which was really exciting, by like a very small amount of seconds. But my goal at that was to hit a sub two. And I finished in two hours and 28 seconds. And so I would love to give another shot to sit trying to hit a sub two and actually be under the two, even though it was really close. So that would be uh a goal of mine, and I think I can possibly hit that at either the coast or the Louisiana, just because they're both good routes, I feel like for for PR. So maybe one of those. We'll see.

SPEAKER_00 20:23

You go, girl. That is awesome. All right, yeah. Okay. So I will never run with Kelsey. Got it. Oh my goodness, now it's totally fine, it's totally fine.

SPEAKER_01 20:33

That's awesome. I have plenty of people that I can say the same about. So you know every pace is a good pace. That's right.

SPEAKER_00 20:40

Oh, I love that. Every pace is a good pace. Oh, that's such a great thing. I'm like writing that down right now.

SPEAKER_01 20:48

I so think that's true though. Cause we're so hard on ourselves about it sometimes. I know, and we but I think that because even for me, like I'd hit a sub, or I was trying to hit a sub too. I did hit a PR, but there's always people that you know you're looking at like, wow, I wish I could run like then. And so I try to just keep the mindset of like we're all out here, you know. You got out here and you did it regardless. It had like pace has no bearing on that whatsoever. So yeah, any pace is a good pace. Oh, I love that. That's so good.

SPEAKER_00 21:16

Thank you for sharing that. I love that. Okay, so let's talk about getting into the mindset of the routine. So it's pre-race. How does routine look like for you? Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 21:27

So this is a part that I really should probably work on. I have learned a whole lot from my coach Claire on fueling properly and having everything that you need to fuel, especially during a race. I need to definitely work on the pre race fueling for sure. I do try to carb up some a couple days leading into it, but I'm not as particular about that as I know that I should be if I'm really wanting to, you know, feel good and be at my best. Sure. So that's something I definitely want to improve on as far as having. Everything and what fuels and stuff, which I think that's one of your questions. But I like the gels, which I know is like contrary to a lot of people. But I'm weird about flavors. I don't do a lot of like fruit-flavored things. So I I know, yeah. I'm an outlier weird. But I like chocolate or like coffee flavored the gels. And so I usually just have I use goo, and there's a couple flavors of theirs that I really like. So that's just usually what I have on me during a race. And that's pretty much the only I don't do a lot of variety with my fueling. I should probably branch out and try some different things. I do like the what's the brand that has the little waffle things? Um honey stingers. Yeah, honey stingers. I do like those. I do eat those some when I'm like if I get home from work and I'm hungry and I know I'm about to run soon, I'll eat something like that just to get a little something before I go out. So yeah. But yeah, pre-race routine is definitely something I need to and I also try to get a good night's sleep the night before. It just depends on what I have going on, whether that actually happens or not. But I do try, do try to get a little bit, you know, make sure I'm getting some good sleep the night before too. So yeah. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_00 23:11

So you cross the finish line, you're done with your race.

SPEAKER_02 23:14

What does post-race routine look like? We are going to eat.

SPEAKER_01 23:20

So it's so sweet too. I need to mention like my mom, she comes to a lot of races with me, and she's just the best supporter. She does some races with me too. She has done several 5K's with me over the last few years. But she comes a lot with me. And then if it's a half or the full, all my family will come if they're available. And if it's a local race, so we go eat. We usually go to another broken egg. That's one of our faves. Or primos. We usually do like breakfast eat brunch type food, something like that. So we'll go eat for sure. That's the first stop, no matter what. I'm gonna go eat as much as I can. So but yeah, and then I do try to just move around that day. You know, if it's like it's after the full, that was a struggle, not gonna lie. The woman, it was funny. The hostess had another broken egg. She was like, Are you okay? Because I was kind of like waddling out of the restaurant when we were leaving because I'd been sitting while we ate. But yeah, I try to just try to keep moving that day and then the next day do some type of recovery walk or really light run or something like that. Cause I work at a school and I'm an assistant principal at a school. Shout out to my school, Florence Middle. But have to be able to be but fully back by Monday morning and be ready to go. So I try to do whatever I need to do to get my legs moving and to stay feeling good.

SPEAKER_00 24:43

So yeah.

SPEAKER_02 24:44

Wow.

SPEAKER_00 24:45

Let me ask you this. So after your marathon, did you wear your medal to school on Monday?

SPEAKER_01 24:50

A lot of people asked me. They were like, What? Yeah. And it was sweet. I had several, like, everyone's just so supportive. I try not to, this is gonna sound but I try not to talk about running like just excessively at work because not everyone's a runner and not everyone's interested in it, right? But that's fair. They uh so but I do they ask a lot, which is really sweet. They'll be like, What race do you have coming up? Things like that. So, and a lot of my teachers are so sweet. They like told their classes. Uh one of my teachers said that we her class was actually reading a passage that had something about the Boston marathon in it. And so she told her class, Y'all know that Dr. Williams ran a marathon this weekend, and they were like, How far is that? And she told them, and they were like, and so they were all, you know, congratulating me and stuff in the halls and everything. It was really sweet. But yeah, no, I didn't wear my medal, but everybody was really supportive and it was really sweet. That is precious. What a great story. Oh, thanks. I just hope to, you know, encourage them and start them, and not even in running, but just something really challenging. You know, I want them to see that one when you set a goal, you you can do it no matter how challenging it is. So it was cool for them to know about it and to be excited for me.

SPEAKER_00 26:02

It was sweet. Yeah. I mean, they should have gotten a shirt that says my principal is faster than your principal.

SPEAKER_01 26:08

Oh, that's so funny. I love that. That's hilarious. Yeah. Oh, and I run like I run, like I said, in my downtown area, right where I live in Florence. It's a really small town in Rankin County. And my school is within half a mile of my house, which is very nice. Yeah. So my families from, you know, the community see see me running all the time. So it's just funny because kids will be like, I saw you riding yesterday. Or and I'm like, just don't tell anybody how sweaty I was, or don't tell anybody how slow I was going. You know, I mess with them. But yeah, I get honked out a lot, and students are always giving me shout outs and stuff on the road. It's sweet, but that is absolutely very supportive community. I love that. It's it's sweet. Yeah, it's really, really sweet.

SPEAKER_00 26:55

Oh man. Oh, that'll get you in the heartstrings right away. I know, I know.

SPEAKER_01 27:01

I have a this community, Florence is an amazing community. It really is. And we actually have a, I'll give this a shout-out real quick too. We have a 5K in October that's put on by Performance Therapy, which is a physical therapy clinic here. And it supports my high school, which is Florence High School, McLaurin High School, and Discovery Christian School. And it supports our medical academies and our athletic programs. And it's a race that's been going on, this will be year six. And I've done it every year. Yeah. And it's grown. We had like 250 people last year, which is a lot for a small community race here in Mississippi. So it's August 15th this year. So if anybody is in the Metro Jackson area and is looking for a good 5K, it's on August 15th. But it's a really sweet day. They always have our cheerleaders and different kids from the school come out and are all along the route cheering. And so they're always like, Go, Dr. Williams. You know, like cheering for me and stuff. It's really sweet. But that's a great race if anybody's looking for a five pandet dude.

SPEAKER_00 28:00

I also love that because it's still hot in August.

SPEAKER_01 28:03

And they've just a very hot race. Yeah, they always have plenty of water stops. And I think last year we had Chick-fil-A biscuits. Yeah, we had Chick-fil-A biscuits afterwards, which was a nice treat. But yeah, it's a very hot one for sure. It is.

SPEAKER_00 28:22

So, what is something that you won't go outside and run with? Like, it is your absolute favorite running item. Like, you cannot run without this item.

SPEAKER_01 28:30

Yeah, definitely music. Like my earbuds. I don't think I've ever run without music on. So that is like a must. I even have a backup pair of earbuds in the car just in case mine die. Like um, I think one time I had to just like listen with my phone flying out loud. I'm sure everyone I was ran by, I loved that. But so yeah, I have to have music on. That's definitely a must-have for me for sure. Wow, I completely agree. So what is what is Dr.

SPEAKER_00 28:59

Williams? What is her playlist like?

SPEAKER_01 29:03

I so about 95% of the time probably, I'm listening to worship music. And that might sound cliche to some people, but that that's just what fuels me. It's what keeps me going. It's definitely just what the Lord has used again in that time for me to just get closer to him. And there's songs that have there was a song that played on the marathon route right when I was having some pain in one of my legs. I'm not kidding about this. This is a true story. It's a song by Anna Golden. It's called At the Altar. And it played right when I was having pain, where it was about mile, I think 18, 19, 20, somewhere in there, where my legs started having some pain and I had had to walk some. And I was getting really nervous and I didn't know, you know. And I was somewhat trying to make a certain time, actually, because both of my sisters are wedding photographers, they work together, and they were having to leave at a certain time to get to a wedding that day. And I knew if I didn't make it back before they left, I wouldn't get to see them. So, anyways, that's kind of I know long story, but they're made the effort to calm. So I was like, I gotta get there, I gotta get there. And so I was nervous because I was hurting and I had to walk some. And then this song at the altar came on, and in the song it says, If you need healing in your body, and I like was singing, people probably think I'm crazy, but I'll sing or just be worshiping while I'm running. And I keep you not after that, in the next couple of minutes, that pain lessened big time. And I was able to pick my pace back up and keep running and didn't have to walk much at all the rest of the marathon and was able to finish in time to see them and beat the time that I was my goal time. So it was, anyways, music is just worship music is a big part of it for me. Um, and the Lord's just taught me a whole lot through that. So that's definitely what I'm listening to. Every once in a while, if if one of my favorite non-worship related bands or something has a good album coming out, or you know, something like that, I'll listen to that for sure. But worship music is definitely what definitely my go-to.

SPEAKER_00 31:01

Again, what I mean, I just start getting emotional just hearing the story. Like that is absolutely yeah, it's it's beautiful because I also have a playlist that, oh man, it's got, you know, from Toby Mac to just skill it to, you know, all the things. And so you're just running, and it's just sometimes like you don't care, you don't know what you're carrying when you run. And you just start getting emotional and you're like, why am I crying? You know, like a certain song just hits you in a way that you're just like, Well, like, I needed to hear that today. And I love that you shared that you were like, I just needed that moment and those words. And as soon as you spoke it, like the Lord was faithful and like, listen, you've got this. And it's just a reminder too, that like it's not our own strength, but through him that we get to run, that we get to do this, that you got to cross that finish line, and you just filled back up to where you got to cross that and have that memory in that moment. And that's an extraordinary story. Like, I love that.

SPEAKER_01 31:59

Thanks, Allison, 100%. Yeah, he is faithful, and uh again, I keep saying, but what a gift. It's just such a gift, and so that was a moment that was a gift to me during the marathon that was really, really special. So absolutely.

SPEAKER_00 32:13

Oh, so glad you shared that. Oh my goodness. So, what are your favorite shoes to run in?

SPEAKER_01 32:20

Yeah, I wear Brooks Launch. Okay, what the really running shoes I've ever run in. And I don't know if that's good, bad. I don't know. When I was started running, I just looked up what are good running shoes and Brooks, obviously the brand, you know. Okay, as far as like if that's the right one that I should be wearing, I don't, I don't know, but it works for me. So I have several pairs that I'll just kind of rotate through till they wear out and then order another one. And I also put the Dr. Scholes inlet things in them because it gives just extra support and cushion for me. And again, that's just something that I randomly did when I started running and it's worked, and I've not had any issues that are from my shoes that I know of. So okay, yeah. But that yeah, those are my tattoos.

SPEAKER_00 33:06

Yeah, that's awesome. Okay, yeah. I I've that's a shoe that I've not heard of, like, did not I've not heard somebody say that's what I run in. So that's reasonable I'm like, whoa, okay.

SPEAKER_01 33:18

Like that's and again, like I'm not advertising because I don't know, I haven't done, like, I probably should go get fitted and make sure that I'm wearing all the things, but I just haven't done that, I probably should, but like I said, it's worked for me so far.

SPEAKER_00 33:32

So that's awesome. Hey, you find what works, and you're like, hey, that's that's amazing. Okay, yeah, all right. So let's shift a little bit to recover. And you've kind of mentioned that how after a race, you've got to be come Monday morning, you've got to be on your A game because of teaching and you know, running to school, all the things. So, do you have a favorite recovery tool?

SPEAKER_01 33:52

I do have the massage gun, and that has been something I use pretty regularly after a long run or a race. I don't have that's really it. I hadn't really used the foam rollers a whole lot, which again I probably should. But yeah, the massage gun is the main thing that has has helped me and worked out things if I'm hurting in a certain place or whatever. So that's kind of my go-to with that. Awesome. Okay.

SPEAKER_00 34:17

So you and you mentioned run strong is it's kind of like an all-in-one where you work out, you run, all the things. So is that where you also do your cross-training activities at?

SPEAKER_01 34:26

Yeah, I do. So, well, I say there. I usually so I try to go over there on Thursday nights. That's when we do our strength training in our group run. I live about 35, 40 minutes from from Run Strong's headquarters. So I don't always make every group runner workout during the week. But our I do try to go on Thursday, that's going to do our strength training. But then on our plans throughout the year, it just kind of changes based on what our goals are. Like when we were so like in the fall, everybody pretty much trains for a longer distance race in December time frame. And so we're focusing more on our running and our distances and all, but we still do the strength workouts on Thursdays. And then this time of year, we have kind of shifted. Some people are training for like big butts and like trail running, long distances. I have not ever gotten into trail running since. I am not doing that really. I'm yeah, I never really have to. Okay, I think it's just the fear of falling that just I have fallen like three times since I started running, like on pavement, which I know that's more painful, maybe. But I think I'm just scared to fall. And like I like to run where I'm not having to constantly look at where I'm running and looking down, you know what I mean? That just kind of keeps me a little bit stressed throughout it. But so a lot of my friends are training for big butts, or they're really getting into the the trail running and the different decisions for that. So a lot of our group is training for that right now. But then those of us that aren't, we're just doing like speed work, and that also includes some more strength training than we've been typically doing. So we're doing a lot of push-ups and sit-ups and burpees, which are so fun all the time. So fun. Um, but we're um yeah. So we kind of like at the beginning of the this season, we did some, I don't know the right term, but we counted how many burpees we could do in a certain amount of time. And we counted the same thing for like sit-ups and push-ups and stuff. And then we'll redo that at the end of our cycle and kind of see how much we've grown, how we've improved. So the burpees really haven't gotten any easier. I don't know if they're supposed to, but they're I'm not sure that they have. But yeah, so that's sort of the cross-training that we do. And like I said, Run Strong is just a great, a great community. If you're a member, you have 24-7 access to the facility. So they have a lot of free weights and a couple machines in there, so we can go in there and do workouts anytime, even if it's not during one of our sessions, and that's really awesome. And then we all have our plans are on training peaks out that Claire and Jeremy do. And so that keeps you going. For me, for instance, I can't be at Run Strong every time we have a workout, but I can just do it at my house if I'm not able to get over there that day. So that's awesome. It's individualized for everybody, and it's really an awesome place. So if you live in this area and you're looking for a community of runners and you're wanting to improve in any aspect of running, it's a great, amazing, amazing family of runners to join. I highly, highly recommend. And if you look at half of my running pictures, I will have Run Strong Gear on more than likely in some capacity.

SPEAKER_00 37:32

So I totally understand the fear of the trails. Mine's not the fear of falling, actually, it's the fear of snakes. That's my fear. Oh, that's a good fear, too. Yeah, that's so here's here's a crazy story for you. You'll appreciate this. So I was I was at Oak Mountain, which I tell people the story. I'm like, I had no business being up there, I had none whatsoever. But my dear friend Skye, who's like a soul sister to me, I love her dearly. But she was like, Hey, come run, King of the Mountain. I was like, Okay, great, you know, whatever. So I wasn't even thinking, I was like, it'll be fine, you know, whatever. So okay, right. So we go and do it. It's fine. I survive. There might be a little bit of trauma, but it's fine. She's like scaled the mountain like it was nothing. I'm like, what am I watching? Like, why are you back here with me? Like, go away. Like she's like, no, we're gonna have, we're having a great time. I'm like, well, whatever, sky. So anyway, we cross the finish line, it's fantastic. The very next day, I kid you not, very next day, she sends me video of this guy who found like this massive mother rattlesnake. I mean, it looked like it had eaten, I kid you not, it looked like it had eaten a small animal. Like that thing was massive. No, that one of I guess like the park rangers or whatever. And I was like, we just ran that trail. Like that thing was out there. Like, are you kidding me? So now like I have like this. I'm just like, I'm terrified of snakes. I'm like, that's how I die. Like, I already know this, like it's gonna be a snake that takes me out. Like, I totally get it. I've accepted that fate. But I don't want to like, you know, chance that sort of thing. So it legit was like, what are we doing? So now every time she's like, let's do this. I'm like, what video will I wear where? What time of year are we? Have has everyone looked around and seen the snakes? Because I'm not gonna notice the color blended snake that looks like a limb, you know, or looks like a leaf. Like see, just not gonna see it.

SPEAKER_01 39:17

That's just stressful, so stressful. No, I yeah, I had not like I haven't tried any trail running, so I had not even thought of that that possibility. And now that you've mentioned it, it's probably never gonna happen for me.

SPEAKER_00 39:30

So I will say it is a lot of fun with people. Like, I highly recommend going with friends.

SPEAKER_01 39:36

No, I know, I know. I'm totally kidding, but I yeah, that's a very valid fear, like very valid fear for sure. She's out there all the time.

SPEAKER_00 39:43

She's like, you know, and I'm like, okay, well, I'm a coastal body, so a shark I can see, a gator, I can somewhat see a snake. You just never see it. So, you know, no, no, yes. Oh, I'm totally with you on that for sure. So I hadn't thought about the fear of falling, but the fear snake, that's that's legit. Well, yes, but I do highly recommend it. It is a it is a different, you know, and you don't have to run it, you can walk it. Like that's the other thing, is like walking. I love that. Yeah, I loved watching Coca-Dona 250 because you know, they were scaling up these beautiful mountains and it's just absolutely extraordinary. And and a lot of times they were walking, and I was like, you know what? Like, that's that's nice to see.

SPEAKER_01 40:23

Oh, absolutely, absolutely. Yes, it's incredible. And you're right. I need to give it a shot. I should give it a shot and just see. Because you never know. Like, I could love it.

SPEAKER_00 40:34

So I need to, yeah, I definitely need to give it a shot for sure. So if Selena's listening, she should get you into the trails. That's what we're saying. She will definitely, they will try, they will definitely make an attempt for it. They can use this and be like, listen, you said it on the podcast, Kelsey. So, like, you gotta do it. You said it, you gotta do it, you know. That's funny. So, Kelsey, what is the advice that you would give to somebody that's listening to the podcast? So if they're a new runner or they're coming back from an injury, or people at your school, if they come up to you and they're like, How do I get started? What is a piece of advice you'd give them?

SPEAKER_01 41:08

Yeah, just get out there. I think that there is so much of the stigma of you've got to have a certain plan, you've got to have a certain goal race in mind, or and I'm a very goal-oriented person. So I get that. And I pretty much for the last several years, I've had a goal or I've had a half that I was training for the full, but you don't have to have that in order to start. Like just get out. If you just get out and start moving, I think that there's so much benefit in that. My mom is amening everything I'm saying right now because she spent years trying to get me to start getting out and doing some exercising, like when I was in college or post-college. And she's been a huge inspiration to me of staying active and taking care of yourself and how important that is. But yeah, just get out and start in whatever capacity. And honestly, I know this is a I'm a hundred percent runner. This is a running podcast, but it doesn't even have to be running if you like to bike or obviously walking or you like to swim, like whatever you can do to stay active. It's just so important to our physical health, obviously. But for our mental health and our spiritual walks, it can be such a benefit. So just get out and start. I've had several people ask me like specifically, how do I start? And of course, there's just so many resources, I mean, at our fingertips every five seconds right now. You know, tell chat GPT that you you've not run in so long or you haven't done this, and this is kind of where you're starting from. Create me a plan. And I mean, it will create you one in two seconds, right? So there's just no, I guess there's no excuse not to. If it's something you've ever wanted to do, get out there and start and ask for help. People like us that the Lord's gifted us this wonderful thing of running. There's just so many people that are willing to help and give advice and help people figure out what's best for them.

SPEAKER_00 42:57

So just get started in some capacity and whatever that might look like for you. That's fantastic. Oh, that's so good. And I like how you said there's no excuse not to.

SPEAKER_01 43:05

And I think, Prue, I told you I had listened to your recording with Allie. Is it's Allie, right? Yes. Um, I thought bull a while ago. And she having been through everything she had been through, paralysis and all that, like there's so many people that can't that want to be active or wish they could still be active. So I think, like I've like I've said a million times today, probably, but it's such a gift, and so we should just use it if we're able for sure. Absolutely. Oh, that's beautiful.

SPEAKER_00 43:32

So you've mentioned that you have a goal to hit a sub to half. Do you have any other goals besides getting onto the trails, besides doing a trail run? We're gonna get you out there. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 43:45

Yeah, for sure. So I don't know right this second if I do, honestly, which is very unlike me. Because, like I said, the last three or four years that I've been running, I've always had a half or full that I was training for or some type of goal. So But I will say I'm so I'm signed up for Run Strong's event that's called Death by 5K. And it's an event that I'm sure you've heard of. It started here in Brandon where our headquarters are. Go Bulldog, but we have right. But the um events are all over the country now. Jeremy and Claire travel all over and put them on. They pretty much have one a month that's somewhere in a different part of the country, and a lot of them are trail runs. Ours is not, thankfully, here in Brandon. It's on the pavement, it's out at the reservoir. And so it's we do make sure I get my math right. We do 10 5Ks over the course of 24 hours. And they are at specific times. There's like increments between each one, and that's part of the challenge. And so ours is on August 21st. And I have signed up. Go girl. Like a crazy person. August 22nd. And so we start at 6 a.m. and you run a 5K. And then there's another one at I think maybe 8 30. I can't remember the exact times, but it's spaced out all throughout the day. And then it goes overnight. And you're trying to complete 10, 5K in 24 hours. So that's my next crazy thing that I am signed up to do in August. So I will be just trying to keep up my I'm not doing any kind of like super crazy training for that or anything, but just staying consistent with my running between now and then and hoping to complete it. You get a little wooden coffin that they branded with the death by 5K logo. That's your trophy if you finish all of the 5Ks on that day. So I'm really hoping to finish it. A lot of our friends have done it. It's a really fun day. They cook tons of food all day and feed us, and everybody just kind of hangs out and camps out all night. And it's a really fun community event. So I'm really excited to finally be signed up for it this year to get to do it and to support Runstrong in that also. And then other than that, I don't have anything scheduled right now. I'll probably do the Madison Station half in October. I usually do that. And I'll do I I have looked at so this is a random thing, but Maine is a very special place to me, the state of Maine. I served there. I served there doing summer missions when I was in college. And I've been back to visit Maine multiple times and I love it. It's an amazing, beautiful place. So last fall I was in Maine in October for our fall break. Me and my mom went as a graduation trip for me. And the Maine marathon was going on while I was there. And I did not know it. And I would have done at least, you know, the half, obviously. And so I was really bummed because we were in line getting food at the lobster place we go to there. And this girl had a medal, and I was like, wait, it was today. And she was like, Yeah, this morning. And I was like, Great, I could have done that. So I've looked at doing it this October just because it would be really fun to do a race up there. It's beautiful, obviously. So we'll see. But yeah, so just staying consistent, and I will look at doing another full, I'm sure, at some point in the foreseeable future. Or this crazy 50K at Run the Rainbow next year. Selena, if you're listening, that is not that is not a commitment. That is just a potential thought. Then I will try to do it. So we'll see.

SPEAKER_00 47:22

I love that. That is so awesome. Those are great. And I cannot wait to see what you how the death by 5k goes for you. That's great. Thank you, girls. So listen, that's the one and I keep saying it's been a really like so I hadn't been back to Brandon or the Florence or Jackson area since I graduated high school. And so it's been a little while. And so it was really fun to go back. And we actually we stayed in Florence for Run the Rainbow. And so it was just kind of like nice because I mean, obviously growing up, I didn't go run through Jackson. So it was cool to see a different area. That's right. And so I keep seeing Brandon races, and I'm like, I think I just need to go back and just do a couple of like, you know, this is where I run. You know, like me being a graduate and a lum, I'm like, I should probably go back and run, you know, but yeah, we'll see. I don't know.

SPEAKER_01 48:11

I know, I know. That's a far trip for you. I get it. I totally get it. And um yeah, Death by 5K is a really that because that would be like a whole day and night event, obviously. So that would be really fun. Downtown Brandon, where you and I both are from, they do the crawfish, they do a crawfish one on, I think it was in April. And they do like it's a 5k, but they have like a big crawfish pool that day, like the Brandon Main Street, Chamber of Commerce, and all that. They put it on, and it's uh, you know, your medals a crawfish, and like they have a big crawfish pool that day and stuff. I have not been able to do it. I've had something on that morning every year that they've done it, but that seems like a really, really fun one to do in Braden too. So yeah, I forgot, like, so you just mentioned that that you had told me we both graduated from Braden. I love that so much. Like it's such a small world. I know it's crazy, it's crazy, and um yeah, that's the day. I still work, like I work for Rayfond County School District, and so it's so sweet to get to work in the community that I grew up in and graduated from and everything. It's it's just such a special place right here.

SPEAKER_00 49:11

So god yeah, that's awesome. So you've already set up some really great mantras, like some really beautiful things. Like I'm so excited. But do you have something as you talked about, like when it gets hard or you want to quit or you don't feel like doing it? Do you have a mantra? Is there something that you tell yourself?

SPEAKER_01 49:27

Yeah, I think as I've said like eight times today, that running is a gift. I think for me, God's faithfulness is the biggest thing I've learned in my walk with him over the last six years, seven years. And so for me, seeing his faithfulness in my running is just such a gift, and it's something that I don't ever want to take for granted. And so on the days that I don't want to get out, I have whatever crazy thing Claire has put on my plan that day, and I'm like, I don't want to do it. I just remember how much the Lord has taught me through running and how much I've grown, just being in a good place physically as well, taking care of myself. And so I just don't want to ever take that for granted. The gift that running is. So that's what I stick to and remind myself of when I don't feel like getting out there.

SPEAKER_00 50:15

Oh, that's so good. Running is a gift, absolutely. So, with all the training that you've done and having done several halves, having done a marathon, do you have a favorite length to run, whether that's race day or it's a training day? Like, is there a certain mileage that you see and you're like, yay, I get to go do that?

SPEAKER_01 50:33

Yeah, I guess for me, I like the distance of a half. I think that now that I've done a full, I will definitely do another full, I'm sure, at some point. But just kind of feeling more confident and like comfortable doing a half where I can like go and enjoy the morning and there's not a ton of pressure whether I'm gonna be able to do the distance or not. That kind of thing. So that's definitely for race, I think that's kind of my strong area or whatever. And then as far as like training goes, our reservoir where I run with Run Strong is we have an 11-mile loop. If you start at our headquarters and you can run all the way around the reservoir, which people can look on a map to see, it's kind of big, but you run around that, it's 11 miles, and so during my training, I had never run the loop. Like when I started training for a full, I had never run the whole loop of the reservoir. And so last year, it was actually at a race, I guess last year. It's called Breaking the Loop that Whitney puts on okay. And then we also do it with Run Strong, the Res Loop Challenge. It's kind of two different events, but I did the one that with breaking the loop, but you run it, you run the loop, and so I had run the loop for the first time. And so then this year, when that event came up, I was in the middle of my marathon training, and I would think I was supposed to run 18 or something, which is insane when you think about it. And I but that race was coming up, and so I was like, Well, I'll just try to do two loops and I'll get 22, you know, what what's the difference? Just a couple more. And so I was able to do that, and that was the longest distance I had ever run. So that loop specifically, I think, is just a special place for me because I did, and so many of us in this area have done so much of our training on that loop. And so that 11 mile loop and being able to complete it in its entirety and not dying, you know, is just special. And so when I was training, anytime I knew I was gonna need to do anything like over 11, honestly, then I would just be excited because I was gonna get to do the loop, and then I would just add on a little bit wherever to get the extra mileage. So that's kind of a I guess a sweet spot. And I haven't done that long of a distance since the marathon, so I need to get back at it. We've been doing speed work and stuff, so we've been having some shorter distances and stuff, but I'll build back up in the towards the fall, looking at some habits in the fall. But yeah, so that's a special distance, I think, for us here in this community. I love that. That's amazing, and what a gift that is to have that. It there is, it really is, and the whole loop, it is a trail, like it is a multi-use. I don't thought some trail, if that's the right term. So there's one spot where you're on a highway, but it still has the bike pass on that, and there's neighborhoods all around, and it's safe. You don't ever have to worry about anything, so it's really special. And then there's a couple, there's like a gas station in one spot, you know. There's the fire station, let's people use the restrooms there along the way. So there's a couple spots if you need it, and it's a great spot if you're ever in this area and on a trip or anything and you need the word of run. It's a great one.

SPEAKER_00 53:34

I love that. That's really cool. Kelsey, this has been amazing. It has been so much fun. I have loved it, like it's been such an honor to talk with you. Do you have any final words of wisdom? Thanks so much, Allison.

SPEAKER_01 53:47

It's really been such an honor to be here and just to be asked to be a part of this podcast. You do such an amazing job with it. I know it's encouraged so many people to start running or to keep running. I would say just final words of wisdom. I think non-runners or maybe people who used to run and have gotten out of it, I've met a lot of people like that that are scared to get back and don't know how to get started again. Those of us that are currently doing it consistently, we don't always want to. And I think that needs to be remembered. I think people look at runners and think, y'all just love to run all the time. You're crazy and we are crazy. But I think that just know that we have plenty of days that we don't really feel like getting out there. It's hot, it's raining, we've had a long day at work. I'm not an early riser for running other than races, pretty much. I don't really run in the morning, which is different than a lot of people I know. But everybody kind of finds their time. But we have plenty of times that we don't want to. And so I think just remembering that it's a challenge for everybody to like get started and to get out there. And every time you do, it's an accomplishment. So just be encouraged in that and that anybody can do it, anybody can get started, and anybody can run. And if you have a goal in mind, seek some help from runners in your community. Of course, this podcast is an incredible encouragement and like so much information in this podcast, also, because your questions are so good. I've learned several fueling things from other people that they've mentioned, and I'm like, oh, I need to try that and see if that's something I would like and if that's an option for me. So just finding resources and getting started.

SPEAKER_00 55:22

And anybody can do it. Oh, that's so good. Kelsey, you're amazing. Again, thank you so much, Dr. Williams, for sharing your story and your heart. And I cannot wait to see what else you accomplished, my friend.

SPEAKER_01 55:34

Girl, thank you so much again for having me. It's truly been an honor. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_00 55:46

Kelsey just brought so many nuggets of wisdom. She dropped them like crazy after our interview. I went out with a friend to hit the pavement, and we were talking about sometimes it's just so hard just to show up. And so I told her what Kelsey said, and that is that every time you get out there, it's an accomplishment, no matter what it looks like. And we've already heard that running doesn't have to be pretty. So just showing up is an accomplishment. So if you're struggling through this humidity, if you're struggling to get out there, just show up because you've already proven something to yourself. So, Kelsey, I cannot thank you enough for just what a joy you are to talk to. You are absolutely amazing. I loved getting to hear your story and getting to know you more, and I am still am amazed at what you did at Run the Rainbow. Like, what? First marathon? Okay, you go, girl. If you've not run Run the Rainbow, you should do it. Highly recommend. It is such a another great race. It's a hidden gem, and I cannot say enough great things about Run the Rainbow. And obviously Kelsey. So I cannot wait to see Kelsey at events. I cannot wait to see her at Run the Rainbow again. I'm hooked. And I will say this, full disclosure, I am from Mississippi originally, but I was never a fan of Mississippi until the running community. And now I'm getting emotional because it's the running community. It has given me roots and it's given me family. So I am eternally grateful for that. So thank you for that. Speaking of community, thank you for kind of gritty. Thank you, kind of gritty for putting on a race like Solute Red, White, and Blue. Thank you for putting on a race that honors our military, that honors our heroes. Being at Kemp Shelby, walking where my dad walked, it's emotional. And I will always go and do this race. Without a shot without I will always be there. So we're excited about this year. And so we hope that you guys are too. I hope that you hearing me speak and pour out my heart about this race is something that you go, I gotta go check it out. It's hard, it's a difficult race, but it's no more than what those in uniform go through. So it's a very healing race, I'll tell you that too. So make sure you set your alarm for July 7th. That's when the introductory price releases for salute red, white, and blue. We'd love to have you. Let's show up and show out at Camp Shelby, and that's gonna be November 7th. So register July 7th, come run with us November 7th. It's gonna be absolutely amazing. So thank you for kind of gritty for what you do. Thank you for putting on such incredible races. As always, thank you to the man himself, Greg Gilliard from Gillar Tech Services. Extremely grateful. We would not be where we are without him. Runner story wouldn't be what it is without him. He loves this podcast, and I'm very, very grateful to have him not only as my best friend, but also as the man who takes care of everything for running your story on the tech side. He does such a great job. He basically has four of us on this team who have no idea about technology. But then there's Gray. Guys, if you need a website design, if you have no idea where to start, make sure you reach out to him at Gilead Tech Services. He would love to talk with you, love to brainstorm with you. He understands the importance of having your story out there on the website. So definitely check him out at Gilead Tech Services. We can also check him out on Letter Story as well. To our family members who are Patreon members, we absolutely love you and adore you. Thank you so much for staying with us. Thank you for believing in us. I'm still in awe. I love getting messages from you guys about how much you love the story or that person really resonate with you. So thank you for that. I love seeing when you guys share, comment, like on because I know that we're making you proud and I'm very, very grateful for that. So thank you so much. Love you guys, appreciate you so, so very much. Make sure that you like, share, comment. Make sure that your stories get heard, and that's how we do that through social media. Also make sure that you're checking out Dave's blog and make sure that you are reading it and sharing it. So insightful, and he has such a great way of explaining things. So I'm very appreciative of Dave and all that he does for runner's story. And also the Dynamic Duo, Scott and Stefan, thank you guys for being part of this crazy trade. Go runner story. We love it. It's absolutely amazing. These guys do such a great job of getting me booked out. So I love them. They're a bunch of hooligans, but there are hooligans and we love that. So giving them a great job as well. Alright guys, go runner story, because every story needs to be heard.