A Look At Our Cover Shoot With Contest Winner Keysha Lleras

Published December 20, 2016 01:51PM

Number-One Girl

Keysha Lleras arrived at the Women’s Running offices all smiles and butterflies. “I was so nervous this morning, I almost cried!” she said with a laugh. Lleras is the winner of our Cover Runner Contest Powered by Jaybird with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. More than 3,000 people entered and after more than 10,000 votes, Lleras nabbed a spot on our cover. We were so honored to feature this incredible woman—and to spend a sunny Southern California day basking in her warmth.

Music for Miles

While running on canyon trails, Lleras got to try out the new X3 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones from Jaybird. The sweat-proof, secure-fit buds offer a hands-free running experience and the opportunity to switch up the bass to match your mood. On set, Lleras’ daughter Hailey helped direct the playlist and danced along to make her mom smile. Her current favorite jam? “Starboy” by The Weekend.

26.2 Addiction

While getting her hair done, Lleras and writer Julia Polloreno shared their raceday stories from the 2016 New York City Marathon, which took place just a few days before the shoot. “It was my favorite marathon experience so far,” said Lleras. This year, Lleras completed NYC, the Chicago Marathon and Ironman Maryland—all within five weeks! As a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series TourPass is part of her contest-winner spoils, she brainstormed which events would be on her 2017 calendar. Las Vegas, Brooklyn, Madrid…the list goes on!

Work & Play

Hailey’s favorite part of the trip? “The hotel!” The family stayed at the Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. They loved the fact that the hotel had a running concierge— “perfect for us,” said Lleras. While the main event was the photo shoot, Keysha and her partner, Danny, also squeezed in a full day at the zoo and Legoland, much to Hailey’s delight.

Hailey helped her mom pick out running outfits and shoes to match. On the cover, Lleras wears Brooks PickUp Running Tank Top ($42) and Ghost Crop ($120). But her favorite piece from the shoot day was the super-soft oversized long-sleeve Dash Hoodie ($75– $80).