Hi! I’m Kelsey.

Mom to three beautiful little boys: Finn, Wells and our angel, Gus! Michiganders!

My best marathon tip is…

Enjoy the experience and be PROUD of what your body is doing (and knowing you’ll soon be part of the 1%)! I know that sounds “woo-ey,” especially during these brutally hot summer training months. But, what your strong minds and bodies are doing is nothing short of amazing. Celebrate and honor yourself, and remember why you are doing this in the first place. Any time things get tough during a run I take a break, bust out my phone and look at Gus’s sweet face or watch a video of him working HARD on a life skill that most typically take for granted every single day. Perspective goes a long way.

My best fundraising tip is…

Ahhh this is something I’ve had to work hard at over the past few years of our fundraising journey, and that’s getting over my fear of just ASKING. So, that’s my tip! ASK. Make the post, ask the local business, ask the family members and friends. I think it also helps to have a printout- we always have a sheet on hand that has Gus’s story, diagnosis information and ways the funds that are donated will be used (along with direct link for online donations).

What a first-time marathoner needs to know about the Chicago Marathon…

When you arrive in Chicago, one of the first things to do is pick up your marathon packet at the expo center! It’s best to get that out of the way quickly, plus, it really gets the excitement and adrenaline pumping, seeing all of the fellow runners and cool booths! I definitely got emotional last year at the expo… a real “whoa, this is actually happening!” moment.  Make sure to plan for the incredible team dinner the night before too!

When navigating Chicago, carve some time out to walk around the city and enjoy but also know that it is going to be busy! This is a WORLD marathon, folks! Add time to your plans if making any.

At the ASF pre-marathon dinner expect to cry. No, just kidding, that’s probably just me and my hyperactive emotions. But definitely expect to be surrounded by your people! Ya know? It’s pretty powerful being in a room of people all fighting for the same thing. All are doing this for the same reason. Plan on getting a group photo, too! This is also when we get our team shirt for race day. Plan on talking to fellow runners about a morning meet-up on race day, as well! Depending on where you are staying, many WCA runners exchange numbers and get groups together to meet in the morning. I was extremely nervous and anxious the morning of the race but it helped so much to calm my nerves by walking over to the start line with other members of our team.

The Charity Block Party/Charity Row is one of the cheer zones (mile 15) set up throughout the Chicago Marathon and it is THE BEST TENT EVER! This is where the very best cheer groupies hang out! Families, friends, angels…ALL are welcome to the ASF cheer tent to cheer on the Windy City Angel runners! There is an app that shows exactly where every runner is on the course, so believe me when I say they know when you’re coming! Mile 15 is a huge feat, you are OVER halfway there and getting that boost of energy after seeing the faces of your loved ones and ASF supporters is truly everything.

At the finish line, expect to be exhausted and flooded with every emotion known to humanity (ope, or maybe that’s just me and my hyperactive emotions again). But honestly, I think mostly you will feel…relieved. YOU. DID. IT. Now, where’s my beer.

Post-race, don’t make a rookie mistake like me! Runners’ high (marathon high?!) is absolutely real, and I am genuinely excited to feel that high for a second time! The stiffness sets in real quick, however, and I can’t stress that enough. My rookie mistake last year was finishing the race and, within the hour, packing up and heading home (a 6+ hour drive) with my crew. HUGE MISTAKE. My body was screaming at me. I pined for a hot bath/shower and to stretch my limbs out + rest on a bed like it was no one’s business. With that said, we are staying another night and I’m allowing myself to do just that this year.

Lastly, I know I joke a lot about the emotional aspect of all of this…but it is, in fact, emotional. In the best way, of course!  There are THOUSANDS of people in this race and thousands more spectating. The energy of the city on race day…the funny and encouraging signs…the positivity…complete random strangers screaming your loved one with AS’s name…it’s just…unparalleled. It’s a moment in time where your faith in humanity is restored a little bit and I think we all need a little bit of that right now. Embrace all of it, because wow, what an honor to be a part of this experience. Can’t wait to see you all soon! Let’s do this!!