For nearly a year Kelly participated in the Asthma Marathon Challenge to prove that despite his asthma, he could complete the Toronto Marathon.  While the training was hard, Kelly trained harder and on September 30 he earned boasting rights after completing the full marathon. 

AA:  How did it feel completing the Asthma Marathon Challenge?

KM:  It was the most amazing experience, surpassed only by the birth of my three children and my wedding day.  It lived up to everything I had hoped.  My emotions swelled as I turned the corner onto Wellington St. and saw the finish line with my wife and kids cheering me on.

AA: Was it as tough as you thought it would be?

KM: The seven months of rigorous training was the worst part, both physically and mentally.  As for the marathon, it was tough between the 25 and 30 kilometre markers. I had ligament pain and stiffness behind one knee and had serious doubts about my ability to finish.  I had been running with a fellow AMC team mate who had fallen back at the same point.  Fortunately the pain subsided and I was lucky to have caught up to another runner from my home of Stratford.  We ran the final eight kilometres together.

AA: What were the particular challenges you faced as someone who has asthma?

KM: The most difficult part was training through the summer. With all of the air quality alerts and a schedule consisting of six workouts per week, it required considerable juggling to make sure I didn't miss the key workouts, whether they were running or cycling. 

AA: You talked about your dad being your inspiration for doing this... did you sense he was there with you during the marathon?

KM: I certainly did.  I thought about him many times during the race, particularly over the final five kilometres when the reality hit that I was definitely going to finish the race.  I also thought about all the friends and family that had pledged money to my run, including the OLA Board and Senior Management team, who had given me a wonderful send off at our Annual Meeting the day before by contributing another $700+ in pledges.

AA: Overall how was your experience with AMC? 

KM: The overall AMC experience was absolutely incredible and memorable.  We had an amazing coach in Barrie Shepley and two of his elite triathaletes; Sean Bechtel (an Olympic hopeful) and Andre-Paul Baillargeon-Smith.  In addition we had a support team that handled every detail from our training through to race day details.  It gave us a taste of what it must be like to be an elite athlete.  AstraZeneca did a great job organizing and sponsoring this event.

AA: How does it feel knowing that you raised significant donations that will benefit people with asthma?

KM: I am so amazed by the generosity of those that pledged my run.  I had hoped to raise $4,000 but have now surpassed $6,200 with new pledges still arriving months after the marathon.  Never did I expect that.  As a Board Member for the Ontario Lung Association, I know the great benefits this pledge money will have in fighting lung disease.

AA: Has the experience changed how you approach things now?

KM: Yes, I've gained confidence in the knowledge that I can accomplish just about anything that I set my mind to.  While that feels great, I'm deeply touched by the support I have received during this challenge, particularly the support of my wife Angie and my kids.  I wasn't around much during the final months and they were great.

Kelly (l) recently was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by former Board Chair Bob Kelly specifically for his support of the Huron-Perth office and activities, and most recently, his participation in the Asthma Marathon Challenge.