Tom Kelley

Completing the Blue Angel Marathon, Pensacola, Fla., Feb. 28, 2004

“''The most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle'' — Pierre de Coubertin”

City: Atlanta State: GA

Favorite Shoe: Saucony Jazz Size: 12

Age: 61 years old

Marital Status: Single

Family members:
Three dogs -- Guinness, Moose and Ginger

What I do for work:
I do graphic design, page layout and occasional reporting for a newspaper.

Places I’ve called home and why I like where I am now:
Grew up in Lorain, Ohio; lived in Greenville, S.C., and Raleigh, N.C., before moving to Atlanta in 1987. I love the city for its beauty and great climate.

When I started running and what got me started:
In 1985 I weighed about 25 pounds more than I do now. I had to do something to exercise and lose weight, so I started running because I lived a couple of blocks from the N.C. State University track.

What does running mean to me:
It's a chance to get away from all my worries and problems. It makes me set goals and enjoy accomplishments.

Running accomplishments: View my Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon results
I've completed 13 marathons.

Best running experience:
Running up First Avenue in the New York City Marathon and seeing the throngs of people cheering the runners on, then finding my friends who made the trip with me.

Worst running experience:
Haven't really had one.

Neatest thing found on a run:
Self-confidence

Other hobbies and interests:
I ride a unicycle and am a member of a roller coaster nut club