"Not Today Motherf@#!er" was the battle cry Kelly Herron screamed on a Sunday afternoon when she experienced every runner's biggest nightmare - a mid-run assault. Using the skills she recently learned in a self-defense workshop offered at her workplace, she fought back against a transient sex offender who attacked her in a park bathroom, trapping him inside until police arrived.
Her Instagram post showing the frantic GPS lines tracking the violent encounter went viral, inspiring women around the world to fight back - whether it be against assault or even against someone who is underestimating them.
Kelly has been featured by Women’s Running Magazine among the 21 Women Transforming the World through Running, has partnered with Runner’s World Magazine to support survivors through merchandise sales, and has been a tv guest on shows such as Good Morning America, Inside Edition, and The Doctors.
She has used her story to raise thousands of dollars to support survivors and raise awareness about personal safety and self-defense.
This interview will give you goosebumps and tears as you listen to Kelly very eloquently share her story. It will also give you a tremendous about of hope that trauma doesn’t need to define you, and it can even make you better. What you do with trauma is up to you. You have the power to make it something can change your trajectory for the better like Kelly did because only YOU can write the ending to your story.
WARNING: This episode contains content and language not appropriate for children.
Listen in to hear Kelly share:
The play-by-play of her attack and how she prevented being sexually assaulted
Specific self-defense techniques that she used that anyone should use in an attack
Why awareness and perseverance are KEY in saving yourself from an attacker
How she has spent the last year as a fighter, survivor and warrior, and not as a victim
What recovery from trauma looks like on a day to day basis
How her recovery from alcoholism aided her assault recovery
Links Mentioned:
Kelly’s Website and Merchandise: nottodaymf.com
Kelly on Instagram
Kelly on Facebook
Kelly on Twitter
Self Defense Classes in Seattle:
Seven Star Women's Kung Fu
Fighting Chance Seattle
Online Self Defense Course
Women’s Empowerment Safety Course
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