A raw and deeply personal account of the 2013 Boston Marathon, shifting from the sunny optimism of a first-time runner to the harrowing moments after the finish line. This narrative captures the resilience of a city and the fragile line between personal triumph and public tragedy.

Experience the palpable energy of April in Boston as the city transforms into a sea of blue and gold for the legendary marathon. From elite shakeout runs to local pop-ups, find out how to immerse yourself in the infectious 'Boston Marathon Effect' and reignite your passion for running.

After two decades of marathons and a daily run streak, Coach Kelly admits the unthinkable: running has become boring. This honest reflection explores how to navigate athletic burnout by shifting priorities, embracing strength training, and redefining what it means to be a "runner."

The "hay is in the barn," but why does the taper feel so difficult? For many marathoners, the final weeks before a race bring the "taper crazies"—a mix of irritability, phantom pains, and the urge to overtrain. Coach Kelly explains why reducing your mileage is essential for repairing muscle damage and rebuilding energy stores, and offers practical tips to help you survive the mental hurdles of the pre-race wind-down.

Don’t let a lottery rejection define your season. While World Major Marathons get all the hype, there are thousands of incredible races with world-class support and even better views. From the palm trees of LA to the "Blue Mile" in DC, Coach Kelly ranks her favorite non-major marathons that every runner should experience.

What happens when you swap -6°C Boston black ice for 80% Miami humidity? You get humbled—and you love every second of it. This past weekend, I returned to the Magic City for the Miami 305 Half. From dodging "revolving hot dogs" at 7/11 pre-race to tackling the grueling rollers of the MacArthur Causeway, this race was less about the PR and more about the palms. Dive into the mile-by-mile breakdown of why this remains one of my favorite half marathons in the world.

As Coach Kelly prepares to turn 40, she takes a look back at a decade defined by miles, milestones, and massive shifts in perspective. From breaking the three-hour marathon barrier at age 30 to launching a thriving coaching business and embracing sobriety, her thirties were a "wild ride" of personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just lace up for the community, this retrospective celebrates the lessons learned on the pavement and the exciting new trails—literally and figuratively—waiting in the decade ahead.

Navigating 2026’s overwhelming runner wellness trends (think cold plunges, endless supplements, and IVs) can feel daunting—especially with social media influencers pushing overpriced, unproven products. But there’s science-backed relief: we sat down with Aaron Landes, strength coach and owner of Vivolo Wellness Club, to separate fact from fiction. Aaron shares why runners benefit from targeted IV therapy (like Perform IV for intense training), injections (NAD+, B12, Vitamin D), and key supplements (creatine, protein, glutathione)—plus a critical reminder: rest is non-negotiable for muscle repair and gains. He also breaks down two actionable training plans (3-week and 6-week) tailored for runners, emphasizing accessible, personalized wellness that skips the hype and delivers results.

Many runners believe that marathon success is solely about the miles logged on their Garmin. However, pushing your physical limits presents significant risks to nearly every organ system, making proper preparation a matter of safety, not just performance. Beyond the training plan, the most neglected component of distance running is the essential self-care required to support high mileage. From the science of "sleep sanctuaries" to the specific hydration math for athletes, discover the three foundational pillars—sleep, hydration, and fueling—that will keep you from "bonking" and ensure you cross the finish line feeling strong.

We’ve all seen the "no excuses" posts: the runner smiling through a blizzard, claiming they never miss a mile outside. But when the Boston sidewalks are encased in black ice and the temperatures hit negatives, does "toughing it out" make you a better athlete—or just more prone to injury? Coach Kelly dives into why running is never one-size-fits-all and why your training plan needs to account for your life, your safety, and your sanity.

NINETY. TWO. PERCENT. According to a recent survey, that is the staggering number of women who feel concerned for their safety when they go for a run. From the 'minor' discomfort of catcalling to the harrowing stories of runners who never made it home, the risks associated with this sport are aplenty. This week, I’m getting real about the fears we face during winter training and solo miles, sharing a few of my own scary encounters, and discussing how we can stay empowered and vigilant in a world that isn't always safe.

In an era of Strava stats and "highlight reel" training, it’s easy to forget that running is hard work—especially when you’re juggling a 4:00 AM alarm with a career and a family. Whether you are chasing a sub-3-hour marathon or trying to run your first mile without stopping, the secret to staying motivated isn't just one big target; it’s the "multiple goal theory." By setting A, B, and C goals, you ensure that even when the weather turns or the plan "blows up," you still walk away with a win.

In dance and theater, we never take the stage without a full run-through. So why do we leave so much to chance on race day? While you can’t control the weather or the crowds, you can control your preparation. From "heat training" in a sauna to testing every stitch of your clothing, discover how to eliminate guesswork and build the confidence you need to nail your next big performance.

“If you’re putting on your shoes and going out for a run, you are a runner—you are in that club.” Whether you are aiming for a sub-three-hour marathon or simply trying to run one mile without stopping, the feeling of being an "imposter" is a hurdle we all face. From elite athletes to beginners, self-doubt doesn’t discriminate. In this post, Coach Kelly opens up about her own 13-year journey through fitness industry gatekeeping, public speaking fears, and the realization that there is no such thing as imposter syndrome when you are out there to impress yourself first.

I was on my run commute home from Back Bay, bundled in a puffy jacket and a heavy backpack, when a pack of runners blew past me. They were decked out in the latest carbon-plated shoes, but they were gasping for air and looking—honestly—miserable. It was a stark reminder of a mistake I see too often: running 'easy' days way too fast. In this post, we’re ditching the watch and diving into the RPE scale. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or your tenth marathon, it’s time to master the skill of tuning into your body. Remember: you have to slow down to speed up.

For the first time in almost 18 years of running, I took a much-needed break from fall racing this past season. The short answer is yes, I skipped a marathon. The long answer involves a lot of guilt, a lot of soul-searching, and ultimately, a lot of mental and physical relief. If you’re feeling tired, run down, or just need to get your head back in the game, it might be time for a reset. Remember: running is supposed to be fun.

As 2025 comes to a close, our social feeds are flooded with annual wrap-ups, "legend" titles, and massive mileage totals. But do those calculated stats really capture the heart of your running journey? In this final post of the year, I’m putting the data aside to propose a different kind of year-end review. Instead of focusing on total elevation or days active, let’s look at the benchmarks that truly matter: the favorite miles ran with loved ones, the gratitude for movement, and the courage to take rest days. Here is how I am rewriting my 2025 running report—and why you should too.

Do your daily miles feel like Groundhog Day? We’ve all been there: running the same loop, seeing the same dogs, and battling the same burnout. While routine is reliable, it rarely sparks joy. In this post, I share how I broke out of my running rut by embracing "destination running." From run-commuting to Barry’s to planning an entire route around a specific jar of mustard in Buffalo, find out how turning your run into an adventure (or an errand run!) can reignite your love for the sport.

The year was 2018, and I was lying face-down on a hotel bed in Midtown Manhattan, convinced I was a failure. After a grueling training cycle and high hopes for a 2:55 PR at the NYC Marathon, I had crossed the finish line nearly 30 minutes off my goal. I was ready to wallow in self-pity until my wife said seven words that completely shifted my perspective on running, racing, and self-worth. Here is the story of how a "bad" race taught me that the numbers on the clock matter far less than the courage it takes to finish.

Balancing holiday festivities with a strict marathon training schedule can be a nightmare for routine-lovers. In this post, Coach Kelly shares four essential steps to conquer holiday running stress, urging runners to embrace flexibility, adjust expectations, and prioritize enjoyment alongside their miles. Learn how to maintain your fitness without letting the season derail your journey.