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Kelly

@according2kelly

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Marathon running, Sparkle Athletic loving, donut eating, Disneyland frequenting, glitter wearing, Dr Pepper drinking, super crafty mama of 3 in OC.

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I was 16, a junior in high school, when my parents sat my brothers, sister, and me down and told us my dad had stage four melanoma and only six months to live.

The next few months are a blur of doctor appointments, hospital stays, and chemotherapy. But I remember that whenever Dad felt well enough, he’d go out and run a few miles.

I’m pretty sure I started running because it was something my dad did. And somewhere along the way, it became something I do to feel close to him. Even now, when I’m out there running, it usually feels like I’m running with him.

That’s why it means so much to run and fundraise for the American Cancer Society. Our @acsdnation team raised over $3.3 million this past weekend, money that will support cancer patients and families, and fund research that could give more families more time together.

Running this race in Dad’s memory brought on all the feels. It was emotional in ways I can’t quite put into words. There were moments when I felt like I couldn’t take another step, and then somehow, I kept going. At times, it felt like Dad was there, pushing me toward that finish line.

To everyone who donated, shared my fundraiser, or cheered me on: thank you. You helped me carry Dad with me through 26.2 miles, and your generosity helps the American Cancer Society support families facing cancer right now. I know firsthand how precious that support, and time, can be. I am so, so grateful.

Remember when I said the doctors gave my dad six months to live? He lived for five and a half years. Cancer research gave our family more time with him, and that’s why I fundraise for the @americancancersociety. I want more families to have that time, too. by @according2kelly

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3 days ago

I just want to take a moment to recognize & celebrate Bob…

We were supposed to run Chicago & New York together LAST year. Then he blew out his knee, & everything changed. After having surgery, just over a year ago, he has worked SO hard to get to this point.

The training hasn’t been easy. I know his knee still hurts (probably more than he’ll ever admit). I know he misses the runner he used to be, & gets frustrated that he’s had to start over. I know there are days he wonders why he’s doing this at all.

But he kept going.

He put in the work. He did the training. & Yesterday, he ran the Chicago Marathon… his first marathon in nine years.

Watching him persevere through this training cycle has been so inspiring. But getting to run Chicago with him? That’s something I’ll never take for granted. I can’t tell you how proud I was, to be right there beside him.

Chicago was the first step… New York is in three weeks, & I’m so excited to be there beside him again.

Running is hard. It hurts. It asks a lot of you. & Sometimes the biggest victory is choosing to keep going when part of you wants to stop.

Bob, I hope you know how proud I am of you. I loved every mile we got to share yesterday, & I love that we get to do it all again in New York. ❤️ taken in The Bean, Chicago by @according2kelly

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6 days ago

Dear Chicago, you were epic. I loved this race so much last year, I had to come back, & you absolutely delivered. The skyline, the crowds, the music, the energy… every part of the day felt magical.

Now I completely understand why runners come back year after year. Chicago, you’ve got a little piece of my heart. 😍 by @according2kelly

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6 days ago

We trained for 18 weeks.
Ran 684 miles.
Raised a heck of a lot of money for @acsdnation.

And tomorrow’s #ChicagoMarathon? That’s @rghitchcock’s & my VICTORY LAP. 🎉

No time goals. No stress. Just 26.2 miles of FUN… exploring Chicago on foot, high-fiving strangers, petting all the dogs, soaking up every cheer, & probably crying (at least once).

A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated (you’re the real MVPs!), to @teamwilpers for our training plan, to @triandrungirl for yelling at me through my @nordictrack @ifit screen for the past 18 weeks, to @hit_the_mark_fitness & @zenmasterfit for keeping me accountable, pushing me to get stronger, & reminding me that marathon training isn’t JUST about running… & of course, to Bob’s knee surgeon for making sure he could actually join me. 😂

We wouldn’t be at this starting line without all of YOU!

Chicago, we’re ready for our 26.2-mile victory party! ❤️🩵

ps. To everyone running tomorrow, GOOD LUCK! And to everyone cheering… if you see me, PLEASE scream my name. I didn’t put those giant letters on my shirt for nothing. High fives & sweaty hugs are available upon request! 😂😜 by @according2kelly

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8 days ago

Running’s supposed to be fun, and racing should be the funnest. So yes… I decorated my race shoes (with help from @elisewallace), I’m wearing the body glitter, and I’ll be rocking the sparkle for my 26.2-mile victory party around Chicago. 🎉 by @according2kelly

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8 days ago

They say nothing new on race day, so I’ve tried on, run-tested, sweat-tested, and jiggle-tested every single piece of this outfit. I am READY for the #ChicagoMarathon.

And yes, I made my name as big as possible… I like to pretend all the spectators know me personally and showed up just to yell my name. 😜 taken in Chicago, Illinois by @according2kelly

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9 days ago

Our wedding day was perfect, but this race photo might be the most us ever: running through life hand in hand, sweaty, laughing, and a little ridiculous. 😍

Here’s hoping we’re still smiling like this while we run Chicago this weekend! 😂 taken in Las Vegas, Nevada by @according2kelly

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10 days ago

Every love story is beautiful, but ours will always be my favorite. Happy 9th anniversary @rghitchcock! 😘

📸: @jackoraptor by @according2kelly

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11 days ago

13 miles into an 18-miler and still smiling (well, at least for the camera)! 😉

Nearly a year after knee surgery, Bob’s comeback plan is apparently two marathons three weeks apart. 😳

Chicago next week, NYC three weeks later. Everybody cross your fingers for Bob’s knee. 🤞 taken in Huntington Beach- Surf City USA by @according2kelly

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15 days ago

When I’m not running all the miles or spreading the sparkle, I’m making time for friends. And apparently, mine come with pom-poms. 😉 taken in Chapman University by @according2kelly

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17 days ago

Did we win the #runDollywood 5K? I mean, look at these photos. No one is even close to us. Arms up. Finish line behind us…

And these are official race photos. Case closed. 🏆😂 taken in Dollywood by @according2kelly

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18 days ago

Worked 9 to 5, then 5 to 9 at the #runDollywood expo, before lacing up for an impromptu 5K around #Dollywood. 😂

Seeing everyone at the expo is always such a treat (thank you to everyone who stopped by)! But getting to run with you was even better.

& @katemalo, thank you for talking me into it and reminding me I could do it. My feet were already tired, and an 11 p.m. start line sounded exhausting, but I’m so glad you convinced me. Running through those glowing pumpkins with you was the highlight of the weekend. 🎃

Huge props to the entire Dollywood team for putting on such a spectacular race. You can tell they have put their whole heart into this series, and it shows. I can’t wait to see it grow.

Rumor has it there may be three race weekends next year, and I hope some of you will come experience it with me. The on-course cinnamon bread alone is worth the trip. 😉

ps. Aren’t these carved pumpkins amazing? The whole park was filled with intricately carved, glowing pumpkins… it was quite a sight. taken in Dollywood by @according2kelly

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20 days ago