PR Spotlight – Beka K

February 15, 2013 18 Comments
I love stories of people who have been inspired to run/race after seeing a marathon for the first time.  That is what happened to Beka in November 2011.  She ran her first 5k a month later and tackled her first half marathon less than three months after that!.  Her first half-marathon time?  2:17!  AND just became part of the sub-2 club when she knocked over 12 minutes off her half-marathon time!  Beka know holds a 1:54 half-marathon PR and is anxiously awaiting for training to begin this summer for her first full marathon.  Did I mention that she’s only been running about 14 months?? =)  I think she is going to be setting some pretty nice PRs this year due to her natural speed + incredible dedication.
Name: Rebecca (Beka) Kelley
Age: 28
Hometown: Memphis, TN – now live in Tampa, FL
Twitter: @rebeccaroams
How long have you been running? 1 year & 2 months
Why did you start running? In November 2011, I tagged along with my boyfriend to his first marathon (which I thought he was nuts for even doing). While he ran, I grabbed a big fatty breakfast at Denny’s, lounged around, and waited at my spots to see him a couple of times throughout the race. It wasn’t until the runners began crossing the finish line that I started to feel incredibly guilty about that breakfast, but so incredibly inspired! Watching so many different kinds of people meeting life long goals and seeing their emotions ranging from tears to huge smiles, and even a few blood stained shirts or knees. I was absolutely enamored with what they felt with that accomplishment and made it a goal on the spot to start distance running. Even if that meant just starting with 1 small mile (which I could not do at this point). One month later in December, I completed my first very painful 5k,  three months later, my first half marathon and I haven’t looked back!
Favorite Race Distance/Why? So far, the half marathon. It requires endurance and speed. Tests you in both areas (although I’m not as speedy as Michele!)

PRs
5k: 25:57
10k: 56:28
Half: 1:54
Marathon: (tba in October!)

First Half Marathon time/when: Gasparilla Half (March 2012) – 2:17. Still not even knowing what a “pace” was, or even how long a half marathon “really was”, I decided to challenge myself and see just how far I could make it. I had only run 7 really hard miles prior. I never stopped running! I slowed significantly and at one point was so angry at myself for putting myself in this much pain, but all that anger and pain disappeared (momentarily) as soon as I saw the finish chute and I was given my medal. I was in complete and utter amazement at how the body can complete such a huge task! I immediately started signing up for more races as soon as I got home.

Previous Half Marathon PR/when: Women’s Half Marathon November 2012 2:06:58 – This was another total shocker for me. I had just gotten out of physical therapy thanks to a “learn my lesson about recovery and cross training” injury (hip) and really just wanted to finish. I was extremely nervous leading up to the race. I listened to my body and ran a smart race without giving up and without re-injuring myself! It paid off!

What did you do differently in your training to drop so much time off from your last half marathon? I made a plan and I stuck to it – I trained hard – didn’t miss ONE WORKOUT (not even a cross training workout -i.e yoga or weights) – even if my plan was for only 5 weeks. I made the time, woke up early, stayed up late, put in the effort, and it made the biggest difference!

What do you attribute the most to you PR’ing? Consistent weekly, hard tempo runs! A supportive boyfriend who also runs, and an amazing pacer – Meghann! If you have an opportunity for a speedy friend to help you meet your goal – accept it. Having her next to me made me feel accountable, and because of that I pushed myself to get that PR!

What is your next race/goal? I have a few more races (5k, 10k, halfs) scheduled through April, and really want to get a huge PR in my 10k since I’ve only run one before! In June I’ll begin training for my biggest goal of the year – Marine Corps Marathon (held in Oct). I am raising money for a wonderful charity- The Little Things for Cancer. I’m also planning to run along side one of my Marine Wounded Warrior friends. While in Afghanistan, he lost a leg and function in an arm and is doing everything in his power to rebuild his strength and be able to run this race with me! (you can read the full story here)

What piece of advice would you give to someone who is looking to PR? Train (consistently) well, recover better, and find running buddies to challenge you and hold you accountable. Definitely look toward those friends or the  blogger/social media healthy living and fitness community for the days you just don’t feel like getting out for that run. It is full of so many inspiring athletes! I know I have aimed higher and set higher goals because of them! Challenge yourself!

Ways to Follow Beka
Blog - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - Pinterest - Dailymile

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    Comments

    1. Cecilia @ MommiesRun says:
      February 21, 2013 at 9:09 pm

      Thanks Michele for profiling Beka! She is such a sweetheart and I’m totally inspired by her crazy fast legs!

      Reply
    2. Steve (@steverunner21) says:
      February 16, 2013 at 3:38 pm

      What a great story! It really is wonderful seeing people inspired by other runners. Beka, you really are rocking it, keep at it. Many more PRs to come! Your commitment to consistency is really going to take you far with this whole running thing. That and a smile, you are good to go!
      Steve (@steverunner21) recently posted..NF Endurance and the Philly MarathonMy Profile

      Reply
    3. Leigh Smith says:
      February 15, 2013 at 4:23 pm

      Great story–so glad you shared it, Michele. And to Beka, congrats on the PR in the half. I’m looking to (I hope) run my first half this spring. Hope you get a PR in your 10K while I’m setting my standard to beat for the half-marathon!

      Reply
      • beka @ rebecca roams says:
        February 16, 2013 at 10:13 pm

        Thanks Leigh! Are you a blogger/tweet? I’d love to follow you to see how you do!

        Reply
        • Leigh Smith says:
          February 26, 2013 at 11:26 am

          Hey, Beka. Thanks for your comment. I am in the process of blogging (again), but for now I do tweet (@1WomanWordsmith), occasionally about running but other topics of interest (to me, anyway!) as well, including the occasional (okay, frequent) bad pun! I was thinking of trying some Newtons as well. I’ll have to go read what you say about them now. Again, wishing you future GL on the MCM! : )

          Reply
    4. misszippy1 says:
      February 15, 2013 at 4:11 pm

      Beka has done a great job getting up to speed quickly. I’m sure this is just the start of good things for her!

      I love these profiles–keep ‘em coming.
      misszippy1 recently posted..Welcome to your 40sMy Profile

      Reply
    5. Jamie @ couchtoironwoman says:
      February 15, 2013 at 2:52 pm

      Great story! I have been struggling to run sub-2 (I’ve done 7 half marathons) and my current PR is 2:06:39, similar to Beka’s previous PR, so this gives me hope! I’m planning on running my sub-2 attempt in September but maybe it will happen before that. I’ve definitely been adding speed work and tempos will be the next thing to happen more consistently once the weather gets nicer.
      Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..Love Your HeartMy Profile

      Reply
    6. Tia @ Arkansas Runner Mom says:
      February 15, 2013 at 2:25 pm

      What a great story!! Beka has come a long way in such a short amount of time. It’s good to hear she attributes a lot of her success to weekly tempo runs. I have been doing those more than usual this training cycle so maybe that will help me with my upcoming marathon.

      Thanks for sharing Beka’s running journey with us!
      Tia @ Arkansas Runner Mom recently posted..The Mississippi River Half Marathon Race ReportMy Profile

      Reply
    7. Hyedi says:
      February 15, 2013 at 12:44 pm

      I totally remember reading about Beka on Meals and Miles — so glad you profiled her! And wow — a 1:54 half?! AMAZING!
      Hyedi recently posted..Weekly Wednesday Ragnar post: Meet John!My Profile

      Reply
    8. Beth @ Running with the Sunrise says:
      February 15, 2013 at 8:02 am

      Woo, go Beka! That’s a huge decrease in her PR in such a short period of time. It sounds like her marathon debut will be a good one. Thanks for sharing her story!
      Beth @ Running with the Sunrise recently posted..Valentine’s DayMy Profile

      Reply
    9. lindsay says:
      February 15, 2013 at 7:36 am

      i love rebecca! what another great inspiration, just what i needed today!
      lindsay recently posted..Thursday Thoughts & LoveMy Profile

      Reply

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