But the DPS (Duynhoven Perry Sprinting) Warrnambool training partners' constant races have caught the attention of their coach Rob Duynhoven.

"They are that motivated but sometimes you just have to say 'tonight we are focusing on a particular part of the run or training'," he said.

"It is easy to get carried away and sometimes it's just about getting through the training session not necessarily to do one or two runs."

But Duynhoven admits the duo do make a formidable team and provide a different edge to training.

"They have known each other for years and they do a lot together and there is always a lot of talking going on, which is great and creates a good atmosphere in the group," he said.

Kelly said their little races were a harmless way to improve while at the same time strengthening the friendship they have built over three years of training together.

"It's a bit of friendly competition and we always want to try and beat each other," the 13-year-old said. "But at the same time whoever wins (in race meetings or at training) on the day we are always going to be friends. It's good to have it because it gives someone to push you."

Watson, 14, said the pair's friendship blossomed after her second and Kelly's first national championships.

"We kind of just got thrown together because we were both from the same area," she said.

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The Warrnambool residents said their relationship helps make attending state and national meetings like the Australian All-School Championships, which are set to be held in Perth in early December, much smoother.

Fellow south-west athletics star Caytlyn Sharp will also be attending the national championships to compete in the long jump and 100 metres. Kelly and Watson, who will race in the 4x100 relay, 100 and 200 metres, were both nervous but excited for their trip west.

"It will be good because we get to stay with the team and we are going to be there together so it will be a lot of fun," Kelly said.

Watson, who will be competing in the under 16 age group, said competing at a higher level and on an unfamiliar track provided them new challenge.

Kelly, who will run in the under 14 age group, said they enjoyed staying focused and enjoying every training and meet they attend together.

"It's about having fun and trying to get PBs and trying to focus," she said. "We set goals at the start of the season and we are just trying to meet them."

Watson and Kelly's nationals kick off on Friday December 6 with the 200-metre heats and finals while Sharp starts on the same day but in the long jump.

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