For the Love of Flo Rida

I never thought that I would admit this aloud

(or via cyber space)

but I thank the gods for rappers.

Yes,

Gold-toothed, bling-wearing, pants-housing, thug-loving, Crystal-sipping rappers

I don't know what it is about their apple-bottom jeans, booty calling, pop-locking-dropping, Bacardi parties that get me fired up...

But good god, when they "drop their beats"

it's as if they hypnotize me with their bedazzled teeth and say,

"Hey shawty, pick up the junk in the trunk, and bust a move. Word."

And suddenly my homie-self is sprinting, passing cars and setting PRs.

My list is limited, and I'm pretty sure they are outdated as far as rap jams go.

So what are the best beats these days?

Does Coolio still exist?

Pre-Training

I don't exactly feel what most other runners refer to as their addiction to running.

I don't feel the need to strap on my running shoes and dash around my neighborhood to feel sane.

Although, a good run is incredibly refreshing, 

I would chose primetime television over runner's knee and a sore back any day.

So training is about the only way I'm going to hit the streets and run.

And since good ole Hal Higdon prefers I begin 18 weeks before the race,

I have mapped out pre-training for myself.

I need a detailed calendar.

I need a goal. 

I need some competition.

I need a finish line.

But this training is going to be different.

Not only is it twice as long as my last training,

but the goal this time is quite different from any race I've ever run.

I have never run for charity, nor did I really picture myself doing so.

I'm not even half-sure of what I am doing

But I will tell you this one thing,

I have never felt so inspired about anything in my life.

To tell you the truth, 

I have been hitting the streets without my iPod.

I have too many incredible thoughts that float through my brain,

that I wouldn't want to sacrifice them. 

I think about how I am actually going to make a difference;

something that never fully satisfied me by donating 10 cans of corn to the local church.

I think about running along side of 30 other people that feel so strongly about the same cause;

something that rarely happens as my opinons change too frequently to belong to any group.

And even though I am beginning to feel a tad overwhelmed of what I have signed up for,

I honestly know that I'm in the right place.

I am confident that I was meant to do this, and do it well. 

Pre-training has officially begun, folks. 

If you live in New Orleans, please try to not hit me,

but Honk for Hoyt! (I plan on that being a fundraiser of some sort)

Facebook, Email and Twitter, Oh my

We are trying to spread the word,
and spread it quickly.

"Like" us on Facebook.
Tweet our links (whatever that means)
Sign up to receive updates via email

All of this can be found on the right-hand side of the blog.

If you want to advertise on our blog,
we will have a good amount of traffic from Tampa/Memphis/New Orleans
You can also find that info on the right-hand side of the blog.

Let's raise some awareness, people! 

Did Kellyn Really Qualify for the Boston Marathon?

Well, that's a relatively quick answer.

No, I didn't. 

(Technically speaking)

However, I was chosen to run with one of the most inspirational teams on the planet: 

Team Hoyt.

Meet Dick and Rick Hoyt:

A lack of oxygen during the birth of Rick Hoyt resulted in his diagnosis as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. In the late 70s, Rick told Dick that he wanted to participate in a 5-miler benefiting a sports player who became paralyzed in an accident. Coming in close to last, Dick pushed his son in his wheelchair across the finish line.

Upon his finish, Rick told his father, 

"Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."

Without further question, Dick has pushed Rick in over 1,000 races, 

including 29 Boston Marathons.

This will be their 30th anniversary.

Now, meet my brother, Ryan:

Ryan was in a car accident on April 16, 1983 at the age of 18 months, 

resulting in a strikingly-similar diagnosis as Rick's. 

The Boston Marathon 2012 will be held on the 29th anniversary of Ryan's accident. 

Finally, meet me: Kellyn

In honor of my brother, 

and to raise awareness for all children with special physical needs, 

I plan to train for the next 6 months and run a marathon next to the Hoyts. 

(Well, actually probably well far behind them)

This will by far be one of the most incredible experiences of my life,

and I want to be sure that I document every part of it.

There will be training.

Hardcore training, considering I am a complete novice marathon runner.

There will be fundraising.

From bake sales to running sponsorships, every penny counts.

And there will be a marathon.

Only one of the biggest/fastest/hardest marathons in the world, 

in which I don't even come close to qualifying for. 

But, who's counting...

You will find all of the details here. 

The sweat, blood and tears.

The cupcakes sales, car washes and charity events.

And the incredible stories about my brother and Rick Hoyt.

So for now, I'm oiling up these rusty gams and strapping on my running shoes.

I've only got 415.2 miles to go...