Hi, I’m Kelly Long (aka The Running Doe)!
I’m a Missouri girl and from as far back as I can remember I’ve had a passion for nature. Since the beginning of “Kelly” I’ve been smitten with taking walks in the woods and obsessed with collecting things…rocks, pine cones, acorns, even different leaves. Fortunately, I still have this habit only it’s evolved into deer sheds and turtle shells.
I remember one summer, when I was a little girl, I collected mussels out of the Lake of the Ozarks. I sneaked them back home, sloshing around in the back of our old red Chevy pickup truck. I kept them in a plastic bucket that I put out in the garage. I FORGOT about them.
I might take this moment to mention that Missouri summers get REALLY HOT!!!!
Sheeeeeeeweeee did they stink!
I am 100% certain my mother was NOT happy about that smell or with ME!
For some reason, my heart has always been pulled in the direction of feeling my best when I’m outdoors right smack dab in the middle of God’s creations.
That’s honestly how The Running Doe blog began…my love of sharing my passion for both nature and hunting.
To me, there is absolutely no greater feeling in the world than when I’m out in the middle of nowhere exploring my surroundings. I’m most alive when I’m on an adventure of some kind, whether it’s hiking, hunting, traveling, or just in the woods searching for turtle shells.
Let’s Back Up!
In 2010 I stepped out of my comfort zone, thanks to my husband, Wes, and I got introduced to the world of hunting. An introduction that would eventually lead me to pursue learning how to hunt on my own. I had an excellent teacher and a burning desire that just continued to grow.
I grew up with a dad who hunted but I never really took an interest in it. Probably because, believe it or not, I have a very tender heart when it comes to animals.
It was scary. I won’t lie. But something inside me wanted me to try. I wanted to know that I could provide for myself and my family if it came right down to it.
It was after my first year of learning the basics of rifle hunting that my husband, AGAIN, broadened my horizons. He bought me my first compound bow ever and I immediately fell in love with the sport.
From the very first time I nocked an arrow all the way to my first archery harvest, I’ve been obsessed. It’s one of my most favorite things to do.
I am a believer in trying new things. I love learning. More than that I love sharing what I’ve learned with others.
Inspiring Others Is Most Important To Me!
Inspiring others, to me, really is the highest calling. God blesses us with our uniqueness and it’s our responsibility to share our gifts with others, in whatever form that may be. To use our knowledge and experiences, basically what we’ve made it through, to teach others is what it’s all about.
I am a daughter, a wife, a mother, a stepmom, a Mimi, an Aunt Kelly, a mother-in-law, a friend, a hunter, a hiker, an author, and I LOVE to travel.
I wear many hats. However, the one I wear most proudly, and importantly is the hat I put on first thing every morning, being a child of God.
I love life and believe living healthy is important. I try to do those things that benefit, not only myself but my family. I want to BE healthy in order to be around a long time to be able to enjoy the riches that I’ve been blessed with. My riches, to me, are my children, grandchildren, and husband…my family!
We all have gifts to share with others. God gave them to us.
We owe it to Him to pass down what we’ve learned, Sharing my personal experiences, as well as my worst mistakes, are what matters most to me. It gives life meaning where it might seem there isn’t any. In my book, that’s what it’s all about.
My memories are the photo album of this old heart. For myself, I want to keep filling those little clear plastic sleeves with as many reminders as I can that life truly is good.
Embracing my life and teaching others to do the same is my intention. Hopefully, together, you and I will inspire others.
