Chelsea Reilly & Her Road to Running

By Lucas Robison
Chelsea Reilly wants to become an Olympian. Reilly, 26, is a professional runner with
strong ties to Davis High, in Davis, California.
Reilly started her running journey in the eighth grade. She had been a soccer player up
until then, but decided to try something new. She fell in love instantly, and had an astounding
carrier in high school. She made varsity her freshman year, in a large part because of her coach
Bill Gregg she says.
Gregg really nurtured me as a young athlete, a young person, a really edifying person to
be around Reilly said.
While in high school, she had her father as her world civilization teacher. Peter Reilly, her
father looks back on the experience.
In my class she was a quiet person, getting her work done when needed. When she
went to track practice, her personality really showed up. Mr. Reilly said.
Out of high school Chelsea joined the University of Berkley. There she ran, placing big
milestones. As a sophomore she was named the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation allacademic. During Reillys junior year, she had various personal records and other achievements.
In Reillys senior year of college, she decided to go pro. She loved running so much and
felt like, I had more potential, and just believed that I could be great.
When Reilly told her dad, he was a little bit shocked, but knew that she would be able to
accomplish her dreams.
At first, I thought, hmm is this really the best decision? But after awhile I knew that
Chelsea would do great and told her she had my support. Look at her now! Peter Reilly said.

Her professional career started out with a bang. She won first in the USA Womens 10 km
championships. After that and many other races, she gained more and more traction. Reilly is
now sponsored by Elliptigo, Saucony, and GU. Reilly recounts about her favorite race so far.
That is, the USA indoor championship in 2013.
I had a difficult race a few weeks before but instead of wallowing in my devastation, I
decided to try and race, and end up winning it. Reilly says
That and the other previous races all taught her one thing; that perseverance is
everything. Giving up is not an option to her, and trying your hardest is the best thing anyone
could do. She brings this motto to her everyday life, always trying her best, even when things are
hard.