The Mental Shift That Took Her From Hating Running to Racing Triathlons

Kelsey Walla is a CPA by day and a triathlete, runner, and community builder by everything else. She grew up hating running, never touched a weight until college, and didn't get on a bike until she found one at a garage sale for twenty bucks. Then she had a serious skiing accident that took away her ability to walk, and everything changed. This is a conversation about what happens when your body forces you to stop — and what you do when it lets you go again. Topics covered: The skiing accident that ripped everything in her knee and why she's grateful for it Going from hating running to signing up for a half marathon at elevation How hitting one goal immediately creates the next one Building Wild Coyote Club in Longmont and why she walks at the back every Monday night Creating space for the middle and back of the pack runner What community actually means and why it changes everything The relationship that made her believe she could do the impossible Imposter syndrome — why even Olympic medalists feel it and why it might be a good thing Sharing the real and raw parts of life on social media and what that's led to Working with Popfly and professionalizing her content while keeping a full time job Why YOLO is both her mantra and possibly her next tattoo Stay connected: Kelsey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wallakelseyy/?hl=en Support our sponsors: Training Peaks The coaches behind UTMB winners and the athletes you've heard on this show are all using the same platform — and that's not a coincidence. Get 20% off Training Peaks premium with code FTLR here! Boulderthon Whether you're hunting for a PR or just looking for an excuse to visit Colorado in early fall, Boulderthon has a race for you. Register at Boulderthon.org and use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the Half or the Full. Tifosi Optics From bright sunshine to overcast mornings, Tifosi offers performance eyewear designed for every running condition, with prescription options available as well. Shop at TifosiOptics.com and use code FTLR2026 to save 20% on your order. Kila makes custom 3D-printed insoles out of super shoe foams, built to your exact feet and shipped straight to your door. Head to kilarun.com and use code FTLR for $50 off your first order.