Running the DMV Since 1961
Running the DMV Since 1961
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Robert Kelley
Q: When did you begin running and why?
I started running in spring of 2019 as a way to get in better shape. To keep myself motivated I registered for the 2019 Marine Corps Marathon figuring I had 7 months to train, but having no idea what I was getting myself into. On the recommendation of a friend I joined the Frederick Steeplechasers marathon training group and having other people to suffer through long runs with was a game changer. I was advised to mix in a few shorter races before MCM and it wasn’t long before I was hooked.
Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
When I decided to move to Arlington I searched Google for “running clubs around DC” and read up on all of the local clubs. DC Road Runners checked the most boxes and the SLR meetup spot is 1 block from my condo so that helped seal the deal.
Q: What are you training for right now?
Currently training for the JFK 50 Miler on November18th! This will be my 3rd consecutive year running it. It is a really fun race.
Q: What is the toughest run or race in which you have participated?
I’d have to say the 2021 JFK 50 Miler, since I was working my way through an injury. I considered skipping it, but my running year had been so bad I figured I had nothing to lose, and a slight chance for redemption. I could barely walk for 3 days afterwards but it was totally worth it.
Q: What is the most important lesson running has taught you?
Perseverance and self discipline. It’s very rewarding to work hard over a long time period to achieve a goal.
Q: What is your favorite route in the area?
There are so many great ones to choose from but probably a route that includes both the Key Bridge and Memorial Bridge, running along the waterfront, and mixing in the Mall for extra distance. But really I haven’t gone on a run yet that I didn’t enjoy. Shoutout to Anna Staats for expanding my horizons with all of her awesome SLR routes.
Robert Kelly, Half Marathoner and Supermodel
Q: What race day traditions do you have?
Getting to races ridiculously early to avoid stress and packing a week’s worth of clothes for one night trips
Q: What is your favorite post-race meal?
Fajitas at Guapo’s and an iced caramel macchiato from Starbucks (which is exactly what I had in Georgetown after the MCM this past weekend).
Q: What is your proudest running moment?
My 1:44:41 PR half in March of 2020. It was supposed to happen at the NYC Half, but that was cancelled just 5 days before the race due to COVID. I found a tiny replacement race on the Rockaway Beach boardwalk in Queens and we kept our NYC plans intact. It was surreal being in NYC and watching the city shutting down in real time. We ended up cancelling our last day, and within an hour of leaving the city they had completely locked everything down. The race was extra special because there was a sense amongst all of us that it was likely the last race we were going to get to run for a long time.
Q: What is your favorite running book and/or movie?
26 Marathons by Meb is an awesome book. And there are 3 running documentaries I love: Running Out (Lucy Bartholomew), Choose Strong (Sally McRae), and The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young.
Q: What is your life like outside of running?
I work in the NMCC at the Pentagon as a Senior Systems Engineer, which has been great (and it was fun starting the MCM at my office and ending it at home). I have been married for 30+ years and have 2 grown up daughters and 3 great grandkids. I am at a stage of life where I have very few adult responsibilities and I am embracing life as a “city person” (who doesn’t like to be out after dark).