Dr. Alyse Kelly-Jones is an obstetrician/gynecologist at Mintview Women’s Care, and the founder and current president of Tri It For Life, a nonprofit organization that encourages women to complete their first triathlon. A transplant from Florida, Kelly-Jones has lived in Charlotte for 10 years. She is married with three sons, a new rescue dog named Buzz, and, apparently, a closet full of fabulous shoes.

TCW: What are the last three things you Googled?

A.K.: 1. Nordstrom’s — I was looking for a pair of red ballet flats and I LOVE their shoe department.

2. Turkey Trot Charlotte — I wanted to let everyone know where they could go burn off some extra calories on Thanksgiving Day, so I needed the Web site. I also needed to register myself for the race. My husband has never run that far and I want to be there to support him. And possibly help carry him.

3. Ironman Jewelry — I was trying to locate some cool jewels for my hubby to surprise me with at Christmas. I find that I get better presents when I take the initiative. I just finished my first Iron Distance Triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run) and wanted to celebrate it in a more lasting way.

TCW: What article of clothing transforms you into your strongest, most wonderful you?

A.K.: This is a tough question, but I am going to go with my leopard-print, short-heeled, pointy-toe boots. I bought them in Asheville at TOPS, the best shoe store ever (except maybe Nordstrom’s) and one that every woman must experience at least once. These wonderful, wonderful boots go with so many of my outfits and they really make me feel taller, stronger, and ready to take on the world.

TCW: What project, cause, or personal effort are you passionate about right now?

A.K.: That one is easy. I am passionate about getting women to care for themselves as well as they do other people. I run a nonprofit organization called Tri It For Life. We’re dedicated to inspiring women to move by taking them from the couch through the finish line of their first triathlon. I founded this organization three years ago and have been involved with this organization every day since then. Each time I think about slowing down and maybe letting myself drift away, I get inspired all over again by someone I meet while training for their first triathlon. The power of women is amazing.

TCW: What is it that you cannot work without?

A.K.: My calendar. I still have the old school, month-at-a-time, write-it-in-with-pen calendar. I have tried the Palm Pilot/Blackberry calendar, but they just don’t work for me. The calendar I’m using right now is a Jackie Savage McFee design and I love it. I don’t want to give it up, but I am currently hunting for my 2010 calendar.

TCW: What was your first job?

A.K.: My first job was selling shoes at Thom McAn. Does anyone even remember that store? It was hard work, but I love shoes, so it was easier for me. I made $3.65/hour and that was before taxes. At least I got an employee discount, so I got lots of great shoes. I think I’m sensing a pattern here!

To learn more about Tri It For Life, visit triitforlife.com.