Q&A | Olympic Trails Qualifier: Kelsey Beckmann
In preparation for the 2020 trials in Atlanta, we wanted to give everyone a chance to get to know the Boulder Underground OTQ 2020 group better. So we did a Q&A with everyone that will be running in Atlanta on February 29. First up is Kelsey Beckmann. She trains in Jacksonville, Florida.
Boulder Underground
What is your “day” job?
Kelsey
Sports Dietitian/business owner
Boulder Underground
When and where did you run your OTQ?
Kelsey
CIM 2017
Boulder Underground
What is your marathon PR?
Kelsey
2:44:20
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What did running the OTQ feel like?
Kelsey
Victory, resilience.
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What was the most difficult part of running the OTQ?
Kelsey
Knowing I had failed there in 2015 trying to qualify!
Boulder Underground
What was the most exciting part of running the OTQ?
Kelsey
That I finally did it after waiting 3 years to try again! Also [my] sister biked along the course.
Boulder Underground
Who are your favorite training partners?
Kelsey
Laura Campbell (best friend) and when I’m lucky, Cody (boyfriend).
Boulder Underground
What’s been your favorite part of this training block?
Kelsey
Being healthy and having fresh perspective.
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What have you worked really hard on during this training block?
Kelsey
MY BRAIN and my arms that windshield wipe when I get tired.
Boulder Underground
Who are the members of your “team” and their roles?
Kelsey
Matt (coach), Cody (emotional support and sports medicine expert), Laura (best friend/ training partner), my family (will be very confused when I don’t win).
Boulder Underground
What is your goal for the trials?
Kelsey
To beat a lot of competition ranked higher than me.
Boulder Underground
What will you be most excited about on the start line?
Kelsey
That my health will be in a place to go after it!
Boulder Underground
What would you consider a good day on February 29?
Kelsey
Placed well within the 2:40-2:45 qualifiers and if Matt dances at the afterparty.
You can follow Kelsey’s running journey on Instagram @k__beck. You can find out more about her business, Meteor Nutrition, at www.meteornutrition.com and follow Instagram @meteornutrition.
Editor’s note: this Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.