Nancy Smith, 61 resident of Ashland, competed in her ninth New York City Marathon on Nov. 3. Smith resides in Ashland and is a registered nurse of basic education and she is the Director of Quality at Samaritan Hospital.
Smith began her running career about 30 years ago as a way to become healthy and active. “I began running when I was 30. My motivation behind it was to get in shape and improve my health. My family’s health history was not great and I wanted to work on my physical and mental health,” said Smith.
Since then, Smith has competed in a number of challenging events. “I have competed in 50K races, triathlons, five Iron Man competitions, and 67 marathons,” added Smith. An Iron Man competition consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles of biking, and finishing up with a 26.2 mile run. Smith’s best time in an Iron Man competition is 12 hours and 42 minutes.
“You never show up to these events untrained. Your body and mind help you get through these events and it is amazing to see what can be done when your body and mind work together as one,” said Smith.
Smith made training part of her daily lifestyle. “During peak training season I will run 45-50 miles through the week and then on weekends I usually will do between 18-20 miles. My training has become part of my lifestyle,” said Smith. Running is not the only training that Smith participates in. “I do yoga twice a week and I go to the gym to do resistance training. I also swim and ride the bike for cross training,” said Smith.
“I usually do my running in the mornings and it doesn’t matter what the weather is like. In the evenings, I do my cross training. My training is just part of my daily routine, but I do usually take at least one day off,” said Smith. Smith revealed that she prefers to run outdoors to do her training. “I don’t like to run on treadmills because when you run outdoors you are running a certain distance from home and you have to be accountable in order to get back to your starting place,” said Smith.
Along with her training, Smith has a plant based vegetarian diet that she follows. “I follow my diet because it will show up in your running if you don’t eat healthy. I have been extremely fortunate to not have serious injuries throughout my time running,” said Smith.
Smith noted that she usually does six marathons a year which include three marathons in the spring months and three in fall months. “Running is great because it helps people stay active and it really does help fight against aging. I have been able to gain so many friendships and travel all over to compete in different events. There really is a sense of community and involvement,” said Smith.
“I have competed at the Boston Marathon seven times and I just finished my ninth New York City Marathon in November,” said Smith. During the recent New York City Marathon, Smith finished third in her age group of 60-64 with a time of 3 hours and 46 minutes. There were 328 people in her age group.
“New York is my favorite marathon because the crowds are just simply amazing. Millions of people come out and cheer the runners on and the scenery is just beautiful. I look forward to that marathon every year,” said Smith. Smith revealed that she has not competed in an international marathon–yet at least.
“I have plans to compete in New York next year, which means I do have to qualify and I will be ramping up my training again in January for the Boston Marathon in the spring,” said Smith.
Smith revealed what keeps her motivated and inspired to continue running. “I want to help encourage others to be active and to know the benefits that come along with this kind of community. Running has become a huge part of my social life and I have developed so many friendships through the years. I have running buddies locally and running buddies that I travel with to different events,” said Smith.
“New York is my favorite marathon because the crowds are just simply amazing. Millions of people come out and cheer the runners on and the scenery is just beautiful. I look forward to that marathon every year,” said Nancy Smith.
