Getting attacked on a run was Kelly's worst nightmare, she said. Her self-defense knowledge was the tool that helped her fight back physically, but Kelly can also pinpoint where the mental strength came from, too: running, and especially racing.
"It really was like the end of a half-marathon," she said. "That's the best I can describe it. You're running and running, and you hit mile 11, and you're done." When she felt herself weakening and wanting to give up, Kelly relied on the same positive self-talk strategies she used during tough runs. She compared it to that painful, pivotal moment during a race when you can either give up or keep running.
"I think we all have that warrior inside of us who takes over when we're in a life-threatening situation," Kelly said. She knew she had to stay positive and not give up, because if she'd lost consciousness, she said, "It would've been over."
