FFFC Runners’ Series – Meet Kelly!

Featured Fitale Runner
December 4, 2012

FFFC:  Please introduce yourself to our readers (i.e. your name, occupation, hobbies, etc.).

KT:  Kelly Tribble Spencer, wife, mother, and wannabe superwoman with far too much on my plate. I am a government mule (work for Social Security Administration). I enjoy swimming, bowling, card making, and wine (especially drinking the wine). Lately I have become addicted to the various apps on my iPhone. I am going to start deleting them – they’re serious time wasters!

FFFC:  When did you start running regularly?

KT:  I started running in April 2012 with a program called “FIT” which is Females in Training.

FFFC:  What inspired you to start running?

KT:  My son is a cross country runner. You almost have to be a runner to be a spectator at a cross country race. After attending a couple of races, I knew I wanted to be able to run so I could catch him throughout his races and cheer him on.

FFFC:  What do you like most about running?

KT:  Like? Well honestly, I am not sure how much I like running. I like the changes in my body. I like that I am stronger. When it’s nice outside, I like looking at the world around me. I like the little nods I get from other runners – that nod that says we are part of an elite group.  I love that I can watch my son’s entire race. I can run and catch pictures of him at 3 or 4 spots on the course.

FFFC:  What do you consider the greatest challenge with this fitness routine?

KT:  Winter is my greatest challenge. This is my first winter running and I am not a happy camper.  I am just beginning to adjust to the cold weather. It’s pretty hard on my knees, my breathing, and my skin. I will be ecstatic when warmer weather returns.

FFFC:  Where do you prefer to run?

KT:  Outside in the open, fresh air. Treadmills are the devil.

FFFC:  What is the furthest you have run?

KT:  Should this be farthest? 8 miles. I know it will seem like a small number to elite runners. But I am super proud to say 8 miles. I’m going for 10 tomorrow.

FFFC:  Do you run with any special running groups or partners?

KT:  I started with a group and that really helped me get going. We ran from April to July, when I ran my first (graduation) 5K.  I started running with Black Girls Run in August, the day after my 42nd birthday. Someone told me about BGR and I was intrigued – mostly because the stereotype is that black girls DON’T run. So I showed up to one of their runs and have been hanging in there ever since. I also went back to my first group for a fall session.

FFFC:  What are your current running goals?

KT:  To run faster, longer, and stronger.  To do that I just keep adding on the mileage slowly but surely.

FFFC:  What other training do you do besides running?

KT:  I just started some strength training via a Boot Camp class. The exercises are phenomenal, but I hate getting up early and going to a class. So I purchased all the equipment for home and have been doing the workouts in my family room! I’d love to go to a yoga class. I am famously inflexible and it has become worse since I started running. So, I am quite embarrassed to do a yoga class. Actually, I’d like a yoga personal trainer for one or two months just to get me set on a regular path.

FFFC:  What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

KT:  Running is my biggest accomplishment. As a person who has been fairly thin (but not very fit) all of my life, I have never stuck with any type of fitness regimen for longer than a couple months. I didn’t pick something easy, I chose running.  Just being able to say, “I am a runner” is a huge accomplishment for me.

FFFC:  What is next for you?

KT:  A half marathon – actually 2 of them.  I am registered for one in April and another in June.

FFFC:  How can readers learn more about your running journey? (i.e. Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.)?

KT:  I have a blog where I post about life in general http://freetobekelly.blogspot.com/  I find it really quite witty when I re-read my posts. Honestly I am terrible at posting, though I  have promised myself that I will do better in 2013. Maybe if someone actually reads it, I will get better with writing.  My run app posts my runs automatically on my Facebook page and I generally post my accomplishments and challenges there as well. Now that I think about it, I really should document this journey. It’s been awesome!

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