Today I'm getting down and dirty plus a little personal with some listener questions sent in by you! I put an all call out on my InstaStories last week for your burning questions and today's episode is answering everything that you want to know. You'll find out if I plan on having children, what I eat for breakfast, how I stay motivated, why you don't see much of my husband, plus so much more!   It was so great to sit down and record this episode and it is my hope that you will walk away knowing a little more about the voice behind this show.    Follow Kelsey: Instagram @thegogirlblog Facebook Twitter @thegogirlblog Blog Facebook group If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a (5 star) rating/review on iTunes.

Keeping Up with Kelsey: A Running Podcast

29. Q&A: Ask Me Anything

Happy 2019! This episode is all about New Year's Resolutions. In this episode, I discuss my thoughts and feelings on the word resolution, if I plan to set any for this year, what my "word" is for 2019, and I give you some encouragement in your own goals.  Follow Kelsey: Instagram @thegogirlblog Facebook Twitter @thegogirlblog Blog Facebook Group  If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a (5 star) rating/review on iTunes.

28. New Year's Resolutions

Once upon a time, many moons ago, I met my dear friend Robyn Smith while volunteering to stuff goody bags for the Knoxville Marathon.  She was the volunteer coordinator and we became such good friends after hitting it off so well. Robyn recently completed her first, and what she says her last, full marathon.  I wanted to bring her on the show to talk about her experience and to share her story of how she became a marathoner!  She ran the Chicago Marathon all while raising more than $5800 for the Autism Speaks charity.  On this episode, Robyn discusses why she chose that specific charity, what her training was like, why she will never run another marathon, and if running with a sign on your back saying that it is your birthday is a good idea or not during a race.  Robyn's story is so inspiring and I am just thrilled to death for her that she knocked this huge goal off of her list.  Enjoy! Mentioned in the show: Chicago Marathon Autism Speaks RunKnox Knoxville Track Club Chicago Area Runner’s Association Knoxville Marathon Cades Cove Loop Lope Flying Pig Marathon Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon   Follow Kelsey: Instagram @thegogirlblog Facebook Twitter @thegogirlblog Blog Facebook Group  If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a (5 star) rating/review on iTunes.

27. Robyn Smith: First Time Marathoner & Charity Runner

We are getting a little personal on this episode! I'm coming to you with my experiences of things not going my way.  Yes, we've all been there.  Whether it be totally blowing up in a race, struggling in your marriage, having a hard time at your job, or getting behind a slow driver when you are already running late, things aren't always going to your way. However, we can totally bounce back and overcome! In this episode, I share about times when things haven't gone my way and how I reacted.  Follow Kelsey: Instagram Twitter Facebook Strava Podcast Facebook Group   If you are loving the show, please consider leaving a 5 star rating/review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts. 

26. When Things Don't Go Your Way (Solo Show)

For complete show notes, please visit https://thegogirlblog.com/ Adam Welcome is an author and accomplished runner from California who I first met via Instagram. I began following him after reading his first book, Kids Deserve It, and saw that he was a runner.  In 2017, he decided to do one marathon per month and that led him on an incredible journey.  Not only did he accomplish his goal of doing 12 marathons in a year, he also wrote a book about it called Run Like a Pirate.  Adam's journey to his goal included a 24 hour race where he knocked out over 100 miles. In this episode, we talk about his experience of doing one marathon per month for a whole year, what it is like to write a book and have it published, the excuses we make and how we can change our mindset to overcome them, how to mentally recover if a race doesn't go as planned, and what advice he has for those who may not have the best support system when it comes to running.  Adam has so much wisdom to share and even though this is a shorter episode than usual, it is jam packed with some serious truth bombs.  Enjoy this conversation with Adam Welcome!  Mentioned in this episode:  Kids Deserve It Run Like a Pirate Marathonguide.com New York City Marathon Boston Marathon Sally McRae Strava   Follow Adam: Blog Instagram Twitter Strava   Follow Kelsey: Blog Instagram Twitter Facebook Facebook Group   If you are loving the show, please leave a 5 star review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

25. Adam Welcome: Author & Runner

For full show notes, please visit my blog. Kira Tierney is a busy mom of 3 from Illinois who is currently serving our country as an Army Officer in our United States Military.  On this episode we discuss life in Illinois (spoiler alert: it includes chickens), how she became a runner thanks to going to a super small school, becoming a member of the military, training in Afghanistan while being deployed, her Boston Marathon experience, and so much more! Kira shares some crazy (and scary) stories of what it is like to be running while rockets are flying over your head and what training looked like while on deployment.  We also discuss some fun races that she has competed in around our country including the Bataan Memorial Death March and even a race in Alaska. Enjoy this conversation with Kira!     Mentioned in this episode:  United States Army Bataan Death Memorial March Springfield Half Marathon Mayor’s Marathon Alaska Boston Marathon Team Hoyt Garmin Oz Half Marathon Urban Bourbon Half Marathon Bourbon Chase Ultra Follow Kira: Instagram @kira81   Follow Kelsey: Instagram @thegogirlblog Facebook Twitter @thegogirlblog Blog Facebook Group If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a (5 star) rating/review on iTunes.

24. Kira Tierney: Army Officer & Runner

This episode features my fellow teacher and very dear friend, Derrick Crabtree.  Derrick and I teach 8th grade in rooms that are side by side and are great friends outside of work.  He is a husband, father of 2, podcast host, and a runner.  Derrick shares his story of how he got into running in the first place, his love/hate relationship with the sport, how he's learned to be mindful in his running, and what it is really like being a teacher.  Stay tuned until the end where he shares the craziest thing that he's seen in his 8 years of teaching.  Derrick offers a unique perspective of running as he sees it as an extremely personal experience and for those reasons does not particularly enjoy running races.  We talk about running your own race and how advice from others isn't always a good thing.  In addition to being a runner, Derrick also hosts his own podcast, Top Tenn Teaching.  His show is designed around education and is interview based, so if you're a teacher then take a listen.   I hope you enjoy my conversation with Derrick Crabtree! Mentioned in the show:  Knoxville Marathon Nike Plus Run Club Headspace Top Tenn Teaching Podcast Google Teacher Tribe Matt Miller Follow Derrick: Instagram (Teaching) @crabtreeEDU Instagram (Podcast) @toptennteaching Twitter (Teaching) @crabtreeEDU Twitter (Podcast) @toptennteaching Follow Kelsey: Instagram @thegogirlblog Facebook Twitter @thegogirlblog Blog Facebook Group If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a (5 star) rating/review on iTunes.

23. Derrick Crabtree: Runner, Teacher, & Podcast Host

Jamie Watts is an incredible athlete with a story that will inspire you no matter your fitness level.  She is a runner from the DC area who has completed well over 100 races that range in distance from 5ks all the way to her recent marathon finish.  What's even more impressive than that?  Jamie has done this as a runner with cerebral palsy.  After using running as a way to get in shape for a family trip to Italy, she quickly discovered her love for finish lines and has been crossing them ever since.  In this episode, Jamie shares her story of becoming a runner, what her first race was like, what it is like starting races earlier than everyone else, how she fuels during really long training runs, and what her experience was like for her first marathon.  Jamie also offers encouragement to anyone who may be scared to do a road race for fear of coming in last.  Jamie's personality is uplifting and spunky and you are going to love this episode!  

22. Jamie Watts: Cerebral Palsy Runner & Marathon Finisher

Jill Schumacher is a physician's assistant from Annapolis, Maryland who recently became a Six Star Finisher after completing the six Abbott World Majors.  Having worked for 7 years to accomplish this goal, she finally has been able to cross this off her bucket list and in this episode she is sharing all about it.  Jill shares how her and her husband met (spoiler: they are Jack & Jill), how she got into each of the Majors, budgeting and saving for each race, her experience at Boston, running with Athletes Serving Athletes, which race was her favorite, and if she plans to run for charity in the future.  Our interview was full of great conversation and I loved learning more about this fierce woman that comes in a small package...for real, she's 4'11".  I learned so much from our conversation and it *almost* makes me want to do the World Majors.  Even if your goal isn't to knock off the Majors, there is so much to take away from this episode and you may be inspired to set your own huge goals.    

21. Jill Schumacher: Six Star Finisher of World Marathon Majors

For full show notes, please go to: https://bit.ly/2rvbaRg   Mirna Valerio, known on the interwebs as The Mirnavator, is a superstar who truly does it all! Having been featured in National Geographic, NBC Nightly News, Runner's World, Elle, Self, and Outside Magazines, being the cover model and a regular contributing author for Women's Running Magazine, and writing her own book, A Beautiful Work in Progress, it is safe to say that she is well known in the running community.  Mirna serves as a Spanish teacher, cross country coach, choir director, and much more at a boarding school in North Georgia.  Trails are this girl's best friend and she has quickly became an icon for plus sized runners.  I have personally been deeply inspired by Mirna's accomplishments and how she has changed the status quo for us fat ladies.   In this episode, we talk about her book, her new crazy life that is full of speaking engagements and book tours, her recent experience at the Boston Marathon, her decision to take on a running coach for her training, the pressure that comes with being the "face" of plus sized running, and what she has planned for the rest of this year.  Mirna has an infectious laugh and a truly charming personality.  You are going to love her in this episode and want to become her best running friend!  Mentioned in the show:  A Beautiful Work in Progress Rabun Gap Nacoochee School Mirna’s Blog REI REI Book Tour Merrell REI Documentary SkirtSports Lifetime Athletic Boston Marathon Hyland's Health Coach Mike Boston Jacket Adam Welcome Golden- by Jill Scott Follow Mirna: Blog Instagram @themirnavator Facebook Twitter Strava Follow Kelsey: Instagram @thegogirlblog Facebook Twitter @thegogirlblog Blog Facebook Group If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a (5 star) rating/review on iTunes.  

20. Mirna Valerio: The Mirnavator & Fat Girl Running

Complete show notes can be found: https://bit.ly/2rrCcsq   In this episode, I talk about what makes someone a real runner.  After reading the comments on an Instagram post that Runner's World featured this week, I felt it necessary to speak up about the phrase "real runner" and the implications of it.  With the rise of plus sized runners being featured in the media, it seems like there is some shaming going on of those who do not fit into the plus size category.  It is my goal in this episode to break down walls and barriers and stop putting labels on runners.  We are all in this together, and all runners are real runners.   Follow Kelsey: Instagram @thegogirlblog Facebook Twitter @thegogirlblog Blog Strava  Facebook Group If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a (5 star) rating/review on iTunes.

19. All Runners are Real Runners

For full show notes, please visit https://thegogirlblog.com/ Tia Stone, better known on the Internet as Arkansas Runner Mom, is a mom of 4 and extremely talented runner from, you guessed it, Arkansas.  She has ran Boston, won the same marathon 3 different times, and proudly has several sub 3 hour marathons to her name.  She works very hard in her training and her dedication really pays off!  On this episode, we talk about her recent races at Little Rock, the Strava Speed Project, and how she braved the crazy weather to run Boston with her sister.  Tia shares how running became a family affair for her and also lets us in on how she fuels for grueling races.  It is amazing to see someone like Tia balance kids, life, and have such an impressive running resume. You are going to love my conversation with Tia!   Mentioned in this episode:  Little Rock Marathon Tia’s sister Tricky Runs Boston Marathon Dallas Marathon Chicago Marathon Plantar Fasciitis Strava Strava Speed Project Tia’s Recap of the Strava Speed Project NormaTec Recovery Boots Spark drink Shot Blocks   Follow Tia: Blog Instagram @arkansasrunnermom Strava Follow Kelsey: Instagram @thegogirlblog Facebook Twitter @thegogirlblog Blog Facebook Group If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a (5 star) rating/review on iTunes.

18. Tia Stone: Arkansas Runner Mom

On this episode, I recap my race experience at the Pistol Ultra 50k. This was my first (and probably last) ultra and I wanted to capture every moment of the race.  I discuss the training plan I used to prepare for the race, what I fueled with during the race and how I pushed through the pain of 31 miles, what my darkest moments were, and how in the heck I made it to the finish line.  This was an extremely tough race for me physically, but I kept pushing and eventually finished feeling like I was on top of the world.  I am so excited to be able to share this experience with you.     Mentioned in this episode:  Flying Pig Marathon Pistol Ultra Run Hal Higdon Training Plan Lindsay Morrison Jennifer Moore Cracker Barrel    Follow Kelsey: Instagram @thegogirlblog Facebook Twitter @thegogirlblog Blog Facebook Group Email: thegogirlblog@gmail.com If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a (5 star) rating/review on iTunes.

17. My First Ultra: Pistol 50k Race Recap

Sho Gray is an extremely talented individual with an extremely positive outlook on life.  His self professed goal in life is to encourage others, and he is very good at it.  Sho recently won the Pistol Ultra 100 mile race while also crushing the course record with a time of 15:24.  He lived in Japan the first 18 years of his life and then moved to Tennessee for college where he ended up staying and now serves as a cross country coach and local youth pastor.  Sho has completed countless 100 mile races and other endurance ultra events.  His spunky attitude and uplifting spirit really light up a race course.  In this episode, Sho shares how he made the leap into ultra running and his experience at the Pistol Ultra race.  He imparts training wisdom as well as how he fuels during and recovers from super long race distances.  Sho shares his goals for 2018 (spoiler alert: they are BIG) while also giving advice to those who may be on the fence about tackling their first ultra.  Enjoy this conversation with Sho Gray!     Mentioned in this episode:  Johnson University   Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Black Mountain Monster Endurance Race North Face Endurance Challenge Sinister 7 Ultra Race Pistol Ultra Sword hydration drink  Tailwind Leadville 100 Desert Solstice Criminal Minds Black List Orange Mud Scott Jurek Tim Olson Follow Sho: Instagram @shogray Follow Kelsey: Instagram @thegogirlblog Facebook Twitter @thegogirlblog Blog Facebook Group If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a (5 star) rating/review on iTunes.

16. Sho Gray: Ultra Runner & 100 Mile Race Winner

Today I'm talking to one of my dear friends from undergrad, Jessika Birchfield.  Jessika is a wife, registered nurse, graduate student, and Justin Timberlake fan.  We met in an exercise class in college and have been friends ever since.  Jessika shares with us how she developed an eating disorder her freshman year of college and how she recovered from that.  She touches on how an experience in 2nd grade helped shape her view of weight and her thoughts on social media's role in eating disorder recovery.  Although there is definitely some deep conversation, we also share lots of laughs through other stories like when she broke her toe because I forced her to play in an intramural basketball game.  Jessika recently finished her first half marathon and she shares what that experience was like for her.  I guarantee you will love her deep Southern accent and leave this episode feeling refreshed and not alone in whatever struggles you are facing.  For full show notes, please visit https://thegogirlblog.com/ Mentioned in the show:  University of Tennessee East Tennessee State University Justin Timberlake Today Show interview with Carson Daly Lilly Pulitzer planner Eating Disorders Resurrection Conference Rachel Billups Please and Thank You Cookies Louisville Half Marathon Pal’s Sudden Service Planking for Pizza Episode 8 with Elizabeth Heidal   Follow Jessika:  Instagram @jessikabirchfield Twitter  @Jessika_Fletch Follow Kelsey: Instagram @thegogirlblog Facebook Twitter @thegogirlblog Blog If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a (5 star) rating/review on iTunes.

15. Jessika Birchfield: Eating Disorders & Recovery

Welcome to Keeping Up with Kelsey! This is a show where we will talk about running, fitness, health, finding balance, and keeping up with all that life has to offer. Nothing excites me more than talking about running and fitness with others. On this show we will have special guests who will share their experiences and discuss a variety of topics while inspiring us and making us laugh. Come along as we laugh, cry, think, and become our best and strongest selves together!

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Keeping Up with Kelsey: A Running Podcast

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