Welcome! I’m Kelly Caiazzo, a vegan, environmentalist, half marathon runner, amateur triathlete and mother of two boys.
i am running this is a blog about living my best running life. It started when I was training for my very first half marathon in 2013, and has evolved to include adventures in plant-based eating, mindfulness, triathlon training and most recently trying every single class my gym offers.
I began running in July of 2012 when my second son was 4 months old. I’d never run a mile in my life, but I decided to tackle some post-partum depression with Couch to 5k. I did, it worked, and I never stopped running. I moved on to half marathons, (in September of 2018, I ran my ninth), triathlons, and fitness classes. My love of being active continues to grow and expand.
I love the positive changes exercise has brought to my life, from the quality time I spend outside doing it to the endorphin rush and added energy. Fitness makes me a happier person who is more capable of handling the challenges of daily life.
Education: I’m certified in plant-based nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, and I have a B.A. and M.A. in History from Emory University and an M. Ed. from Harvard University. My background has helped me as I seek to read as much as I can about parenting, nutrition, health, happiness, and other subjects where improving my expertise could positively impact my family.
Nutrition: In October of 2013, our family switched to a whole foods, plant-based diet after watching the documentaries Forks Over Knives and Vegucated. I’ve never felt better, and after reading the research presented in the China Study I’m convinced that a plant-based diet is the best disease prevention I could offer my family in a world stricken by cancer and heart disease. Since then I’ve earned my certificate in plant-based nutrition, volunteered as a mentor for Vegan Outreach, been featured by the plant-based meal planning service Lighter, and contributed to Definition Fitness Magazine. A former high school teacher, I’m also available to speak to high school and college classrooms about the environmental and health impacts of our food choices.
i am running this shares the insights I discover as I run, swim, bike, eat, live, parent and run just a little more.
found your blog on Active.com and very impressed 🙂 I look forward to reading this blog and taking away lots of good advice!
Started a goal of doing a 5k event each month for 2013 along with running the whole 3 miles by December. I can say that the 1st goal is met, I will be attending number 13 this Saturday the 7th, but will not be running the whole 3 miles 🙁 I am struggling with pace and breathing or lack of breathing I should say…lol I’ve even had to have a PFT to see what’s going on. UGH
my first 5k walk/run was a bridge event and completed that in 45:43 and my best time was a night event was time of 37:28. summer events here in GA kicked my butt, so i averaged between 40 and 41 minutes but still did them! my last event for 2013 is another bridge event and as much as I would like to have a goal of time in mind, I just want to complete with a smile. (I know I start and finish with bridges, very challenging to say the least)
I am 40 (just turned 40 in July), two back surgeries, 2nd was two years ago that gave me a fusion of the l4/l5, never was good at cardio but I love the weights. I am not over weight per say, but at 5’7″ and about 190, I am built like an athlete but struggle when I see that number on the scale…lol I have noticed the change in my physical appearance but feel so let down when I can’t get my times down. Reading just a small portion of your blog has truly inspired me to know that it will happen and that I can do this.
I just wanted to stop by and tell you thank you for reaching out to so many who struggle with being a beginner with running but aren’t quitting!!
Thank you,
Sherri
Hi Sherri,
Thanks so much for your comments – I absolutely love hearing from people who enjoy reading my blog. I love running and what it’s done for me, and nothing is better than sharing my thoughts about running with other people and knowing they feel the same, or are excited to know that they will feel the same as they keep on running. Improving your pace is a slow process, and one of the best things you can do is reward yourself for the work you’re doing rather than the results you’re getting. You completed a 5k event each month this year… that’s AWESOME! Clearly you’re getting out there and prioritizing being active, and that’s incredibly important and valuable and I’m sure it’s making a hugely positive impact on the way you feel. I have a little secret, please don’t share it with any serious runners (they may know, but many are in denial): no one cares about your race times but you. That doesn’t mean they’re not important, because it is important to feel progress and enjoy the benefits of working towards a goal and getting there. But it’s nice to know that at the end of the day, the people around you notice your improved mood and energy, and your improved capabilities from exercising, way before they remember how long it took you to make it those three miles. So keep running – you will see it pay off, and in the meantime, luxuriate in the knowledge that every time you get out there you’re doing something positive and improving your life and making progress. It might not show on the clock, but it shows up in other, arguably more important, ways.
Good luck, best wishes, and thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
Sincerely,
Kelly
I’m a recent C25K graduate, 62 years old, who ran a 5K Santa Hustle and am just looking for motivation to keep running. Thanks for providing some!
I came across your blog after your WS smoothie week post but I love what you offer here… I used to love running and races but have gotten out of the habit (just had my third baby) and your site makes me want to start again, seriously! I’ve been doing yoga lately but I think running would be a great addition. Thanks for the inspiration!