Sarah Elliott is about to tackle her first marathon. Having completed a half-marathon last year in 1:50, the 25-year-old budget adviser from Toronto hopes to complete the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in less than four hours.
How is your training going?
It's going really well. I'm following a 16-week program that's pretty intense. It's six days a week. I usually do four days, because I don't know who has time to work out six days a week.
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How long have you been running ?
I did track and field in high school, but it was more short-distance. I started jogging when I went to university.
What do you like about it?
I find that it's really, really relaxing. It helps me clear my head when I'm stressed out to just go for a run. I really look forward to running.
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Why did you decide to tackle a marathon?
After last year, talking to a former colleague of mine who had also done the half, we decided to try and do the full marathon. We've been working with each other. It's been somewhat challenging with the heat. But it's always been something I just want to do to see if I can finish it.
Are you confident?
I'm confident that I can finish, but we'll see about the time.
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Will you taper before the race?
I think I'll do my last long run next weekend, and then three weeks before the race taper down.
Why do you plan on tapering?
Everything that I've been reading online says it's the best [thing]note>advice to do. I want to make sure my legs have time to recover between the long runs.
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This interview has been condensed and edited.