“I Became a Runner and Quit Smoking!”
NAME Kelly Cassidy
AGE 44
OCCUPATION Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
HOMETOWN Milford, MI
LIVES IN Weston, FL
FAMILY Husband Sean and two boys, Declan (2001) and Aidan (2003)
What prompted you to start running?
I was a busy mom and almost 40 years old. I felt really bad about myself and needed to do something to feel more confident. I needed to do something active other than working and taking care of my family. I also was not a good role model for my children, as I was a smoker. My father was a smoker and he had survived a heart attack. I was determined to decrease my chances of the same happening to me. My younger brother had quit smoking by taking up running. He ran 5-Ks almost every weekend and placed in his age group multiple times. He then ran a marathon. He was one of the first people to inspire me to do something.
RELATED: 50 Inspirational Ways to Motivate Yourself
How did you start running?
My husband got me to start walking on a treadmill. I just had to watch all these lights fill up a little circle. When the circle was filled, that was a 5-K. It took me a while…but I did it! Then I tried it outside and really started to enjoy it. I put on headphones so I couldn't hear myself gasping for air. I had an app on my phone that would tell me how far I was going. I would walk/run three miles. Then amazingly I ran a whole mile without stopping! My husband then suggested we run the 2008 Disney Half-Marathon. I finished in 3:08 and I couldn't stop the tears. It was the most overwhelming feeling in my life. I was still smoking at the time, though not as much.
What was the biggest hurdle and how did you get over it?
The smoking. I stopped smoking for a few days before my second half-marathon, Disney's Princess Half-Marathon, and finished in 2:38, running the whole thing without stopping. I was thrilled to find that I could actually get better at this! On August 13, 2010, I quit cold turkey. I just woke up and I was done! I wasn't going to smoke anymore…ever! From that day on, instead of lighting up, I put on my running shoes.
RELATED: Find The Right Pair of Shoes for YOU
What has been the most rewarding part of your running life?
Running has given me the confidence to quit smoking and the ability to lead a healthier lifestyle. I am more conscious about what I drink and eat because I know I want to run tomorrow. It has helped me to become a better role model for my children. It's what I do to lift my spirits when I'm not having a good day.
I run to get rid of stress. I run to lose weight. I run when I'm mad, and when I'm sad. All the things that used to make me light up a cigarette now make me put my running shoes on. Running is my therapy, and it saved my life! I've now run 16 half-marathons (PR 1:57) and six marathons (PR 4:30), two Disney "Goofy" Challenges, and multiple 5-Ks. I'm training for the Goofy Runner's World Challenge.
Describe your regular workout routine.
I try to run at least five days per week, including one long run and one day of hills. I work it around whatever I have to do each day. I consider myself always training, because you never know when the next race will be, and I want to be ready for it.
What advice would you give to a beginner?
1. Don't compare yourself to others. Don't compare the miles, the pace, or even the size or age of other runners. It all does not matter. If you want to run, run! You'll feel great. Remember you're doing it for you and nobody else. No matter where you start, you will get better. Better can be longer, faster, leaner, or just the fact that you may live longer.
2. Find a running buddy. I enjoy runs alone, but it's great to get in some long runs with my sister-in-law, Megan. She has trained and raced with me. She's also there for me to just talk with about running.
TRY THIS: The World's Simplest Beginner Running Program
What's one of your favorite motivational quotes?
"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." - Henry Ford
As told to Editors of Runner's World
More from Runner's World:
How to Make Exercise a Habit That Lasts
How Fit Are You? 10 Ways to Find Out
50 Quick Ways to Get Lean
