Real sporty women: Kelli Wheeler

Keepin' fit in the family

Name: Kelli Wheeler

Age: 37

Involved in: Running, yoga and core training

Start young & keep gunnin'!

I grew up with two older brothers who were always pushing me to succeed. I played softball, basketball and volleyball from elementary school on through high school. I then played volleyball and softball in college. After having children, I became the "mom coach." I coached everything from T-ball to basketball to volleyball. I currently play sand volleyball and run, run, run!

Staying motivated and challenged

GirlsGoneSporty (GGS): What is your motivation for staying active?

Kelli Wheeler (KW): I want to be the active mom. I like being the mom that takes the kids places to do challenging things. My major motivator is my children. They see me living an active lifestyle and they want to mimic what I'm doing. My seventeen year old is training for her first half marathon and my seven year old runs kids' races all the time. I can't think of a better motivator than that!

GGS: What sports and fitness accomplishments are you most proud of?

KW: I am so proud to have joined the running community! I decided in February that I was going to start competing, and now I've run races to raise money for a number of charities including Multiple Sclerosis, Susan G Komen, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I am proud to help fantastic charities while staying fit at the same time.

GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?

KW: I am a major competitor! I am constantly pushing myself to the max. I started racing in 5Ks, then decided that wasn't enough. I moved on to 10Ks, then half marathons, marathons and now my next step will be a 50 mile race! I have also joined the 50 States Half Marathon Club!

GGS: Are you currently training for a race or event? What's your workout schedule look like?

KW: I am currently training for the Chicago Marathon that takes place on October 7th, 2012! I am running for Team in Training, which is for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I currently run five days a week, and the remaining two are cross training days, working my core. I currently run about 35 miles a week, with my long runs up to 15 miles! On my cross training days I do yoga along with ab exercises and strength training.

Tools of the trade:

GGS: What’s your favorite healthy food or dish?

KW: I like simple things when it comes to food. My favorite dish is grilled chicken breast with asparagus and onions. I accompany that with mixed vegetables containing cauliflower, broccoli and carrots.

GGS: What's on your workout playlist?

KW: I have a huge variety on my playlist! I have everything from '60s music to disco, then some rap, country and slow ballads to calm myself down. On my long runs and race days, I don't use my music. I like to soak everything in: hearing the great sounds of feet pounding the ground and the cheering crowds.

GGS: What’s in your gym bag?

KW: I have a multitude of products in my gym bag! I am a mom, so I overdo it. I have extra socks and an extra pair of shoes. I have an extra set of clothes. I also have a hairbrush, chap stick, hair-ties, Vaseline, Band-Aids, my running watch, Neosporin, bug spray and sunscreen.

Live the sporty life

GGS: What does the phrase “live the sporty life” mean to you?

KW: Living the Sporty Life is finding an activity that I'm passionate about and taking it to the max. I involve my children as much as I can, and hopefully the sporty life rubs off on them. A sporty life is about fun activities, feeling good, and, of course, looking good and loving what you do!