Beth Speece after last year’s Toronto Waterfront Marathon, with her sons Matthew, left, and John, centre.
Beth Speece, a 48-year-old nurse practitioner student who lives in Oakville, Ont., has run in just about every type of event one could imagine. At last year's Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon she finished in 3:43. She's hoping to match that time at this year's event.
When did you start running?
I started running when I was 24. It was actually my New Year's resolution when my oldest son was two years old. I think it's the only New Year's resolution I have ever kept.
Why were you drawn to it?
At the time I was so busy, running was really the only thing I could do that didn't require money or a babysitter. I would go out running before my husband got up to go to work. It was really the only thing that worked at the time and I grew to love it.
Have you run in many events?
I've done everything from 5Ks to ultra-marathons. My longest race has been a 50-miler. I've done two Iron Mans as well. The level of commitment and training, it takes a lot of hours out of your life. It's not even a thought now that I'm in school.
Why did you sign up for the STWM?
It's a good Boston Marathon qualifier. It's flat, and so I think it's a fast course.
What has your training been like?
If I'm able to, I run almost every day. I usually run five or six times a week, anywhere from an hour to more than four hours on my long runs.
Do you think it's important to have a post-race plan?
I always keep my training going. But it's a real danger, especially as a beginner, that if you don't have another goal in mind, it's really difficult to get back in there and get back to training.
Dave McGinn
Dave McGinn