Kayla Allene Betz-Swope

@kaylarunsdisney

@procompression Ambassador @rungoodr 2024 Flam Visually Impaired Runner @rundisney VIP (Visually Impaired Person) 🏃‍♀️13.1x31 26.2x6 39.3x3 48.6x1
Posts
784
Followers
1,762
Following
1,264
I’m glad powerline can see I2I because I can’t see 10 feet in front of me 😂😂 • It’s been a while since I did an introduction. So here’s my story. • I started running in 2015 training for the 2016 DL Light Side half marathon. Honestly out of pure spite. I had never run before and there were a lot of people who thought it laughable that I would finish a half marathon. BUT I DID. I ran my first challenge later that same year and was hooked on @rundisney • Continued on this amazing journey until my first marathon in 2019. I completed my first dopey in 2022 and haven’t stopped since. • I’m a visually impaired runner and in 2020 started running with a guide team. All of my humans are the most amazing people in the world and get me through each race safe and smiling. This community is filled with the most amazing people who are nothing but loving and supportive and wouldn’t have all the friends I do without it. • So at your next rD race if you see me come say hi, or yell my name I’ve learned to just respond to anyone at this point 😂 Also if you see an athlete with disabilities and space buns that’s me. 💜💜 #goodrfamous
160 12
1 year ago
Being an athlete is hard. Having a disability is hard. Being an athlete with a disability is hard. • There was a time where I truly worried about my future in racing. My vision is declining faster than expected and would it truly be safe for me to continue. • I lost the ability to train outside long ago but I had @rungineer_beth ready with a treadmill training plan. • Navigating the course was going to be tough. With 45,000 plus runners in a strange place for 26.2 miles but @profbeckmann did everything in his power to not only get me to the finish line but get me there 10 minutes faster than ever before. • My goal is to inspire others. To let them know you’re not alone, that not all racing or training has to look the same to be right for you. • I have the most amazing community behind me and the most amazing guides in front of me. • On to the next big dream.
194 20
5 months ago
Well we “Bear”ly made it through that registration. • Never have I seen such a stressful registration day but @swope99 is in (thanks to @fairest_princessjc ) for his first #rundisney event. • I can’t wait for my husband and @dvcrunner to get me through my 9th wine and dine challenge. • Hope they are ready to be interviewed by @rileyclermont and @carissa_gway at 4am 😂 • It’s bound to be an amazing weekend full of memories.
106 9
15 days ago
Did I get it right @dvcrunner#princesshalf weekend makes me miss my #rundisney family the most. • So proud I got up early two days in a row this weekend to get the miles in. No races on the books for me but want to see what I’m capable of. • 7 very strong miles this morning to push under a 14 minute mile. Putting in the work now will be worth it.
107 7
1 month ago
Somethings never change. • Hopped back on my bullshit after some well deserved time off. Races are my motivation so I’m hoping to fit one last one in before surgery day. • Focus on some shorter distances just for a bit before marathon training starts up again. • 💜🖤
53 2
1 month ago
This is from the new sitcom #irundisney • This picture embodies the entire spirit of the marathon. Four amazing friends celebrating an amazing accomplishment • This also marked a first for me. Finishing with a drink in hand. I have to say it’ll become tradition to grab my favorite moonshine on the way to the #finishline • Thank you for being a friend. @rungineer_beth @dvcrunner @profbeckmann
89 2
1 month ago
Happy #medalmonday from a bunch of goofs. • I’m pretty sure marathon friends are the highest level of friendship you can have. Nothing like a parking lot and 39.3 miles to secure some bonds I’m pretty sure will last forever. • I still can’t thank these people enough for guiding me through marathon number 6. • Oh and of course I cried when I got the marathon ears.
57 1
1 month ago
#finishlinefriday • Welcome to the most magical finish line on earth. You couldn’t have wiped those smiles off our faces if you tried. • The memories with these three amazing people are going to last forever and I can’t wait to make more next year. • 💜💜
70 3
2 months ago
This #guidepost is for you babe. • Asking someone to run a marathon with you is a pretty tough ask. Asking someone to do 3 marathons is like asking for the moon. But @profbeckmann said no sweat and guided me for just under 100 miles in the last year. • Being a blind athlete is hard. But he makes it as easy and as fun as possible by my side. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share this journey with. • You saw two WDW marathon finishes and my PR in Chicago. I love you so much and expect you by my side until we both can’t see. • 💜💜💜
129 5
2 months ago
#medalmonday • An empty park after a drink at Ogas and fantasmic is my favorite medal photo spot. • I felt so good after the marathon we ended up staying in the parks until the last skyliner left. • I plan to repeat these photos every year until the end of time.
92 2
2 months ago
There are few things better than a marathon finish line. • Throw in some amazing announcers, the perfect guide team, and some moonshine and I think it’ll be impossible to top. • #finishlinefriday
78 3
2 months ago
These races were full of ✨character✨ • As a blind athlete I almost always miss the entertainment spots along the course unless I make it a point to my guides. To be fair they have a way bigger job than getting characters. • For these races however I wanted to PR in stops and have the most fun and with the luxury of a whole guide team we made it happen. • @dvcrunner would run ahead and hop in line for our group shot while @profbeckmann and @rungineer_beth got me there safe. • Got my esmarelda shot and my redemption Gamora shot and I’m happy.
112 6
2 months ago