PRA member,
Dr. Barbara White moved to Pensacola Beach from Montgomery, Alabama several years ago and is a professor at the University of West Florida. She teaches accounting, and has also spent the last 18 years of her life running. She is on her way to
marathon #100, which will be attained, by design, at the Pensacola Marathon in November.
The Pensacola Marathon is special; it's on home turf and it's a run where she has trained and paced new marathoners to achieve their goals. Barbara's marathon journey is unique. She has run a marathon in all 50 states and all 7 continents!
She began running in 2000 and by June of 2000 she ran her first marathon at the San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon.
I asked: "What made you decide to run your first marathon?" Answer: "I liked the idea of a physical challenge of running a marathon, and a fundraising challenge in raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I figured I would be doing a good thing for others dealing with blood cancers, while doing something good for myself by increasing my endurance."
"I was never really considered an athlete growing up," Barbara says. "Even though I played some tennis. However, through running, I have stretched myself and done things I never could have imagined. I also love being outside and taking in all of God's beauty. Running has provided me some great views of sunrises, beaches, mountains, icebergs, etc. Running is an important part of my life, and I guess it is a part now of who I am."
When asked about her motivation to begin running, she says, "Running has provided me so many opportunities to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually, that I feel like my life would not be as complete without my running. Running is probably the most efficient form of exercise, but it also can be done anywhere. You don't need a lot of equipment either, just a good pair of running shoes and some appropriate clothing. Without running, I wouldn't have met some of the great people I have met, gone to some of the great places I have gone, or learned that I could do much more than I ever thought I could."
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"With each marathon," says Barbara, "I think you learn a little about yourself, your capabilities, and perseverance. Each marathon prepares you a little different for the next one, and I think each one provides a teaching moment. Marathons are like life, in that sometimes things go smoothly and as planned, but more often than not, you have unexpected curves to deal with. I find that I appreciate the marathons that I struggled in too, as I had to dig deep into myself to get to the finish line. Sometimes, I run a marathon with a Boston qualifier in mind, and sometimes I run just to enjoy the experience. Either way, I learn something from each marathon that helps me deal with adversities faced in running and in life."
Q & A with Barbara
Marinda: What was your motivation to run a marathon in 50 states and seven continents?
Barbara:
After I had run a few marathons, I decided I had always wanted to see all 50 states, so why not run a marathon in all of them?! I also heard there was a 50 States Marathon Club, and that sounded cool to me. In addition, I like to travel and running marathons have provided a good excuse to travel. I also wanted to see all the continents. Once I found out about the Antarctica Marathon, I knew I wanted to run all the continents."
Marinda: What is your marathon PR?
Barbara: 3:46 Houston Marathon.
Marinda: Craziest race?
Barbara: "When I ran the marathon in Iowa, I called it the marathon of all seasons. I started off and it was hot, then the wind started blowing hard and blew the leaves out of the trees, then the rain came, and then it got so cold it froze the rain on my sunglasses, cap, etc. As I was leaving the marathon to drive back to Minneapolis to fly out, I had to drive through a snow storm.
Marinda: Most fun/memorable race?
Barbara: "The first time you qualify for Boston is always memorable, and that was at the Houston Marathon.
Marinda: Do you prefer group or solo training?
Barbara: "Definitely prefer running with people and love my RW [Running Wild] friends.
Marinda: Mantra to get past the difficult points in a race?
Barbara: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13
Marinda: Advice to a new or non-runner?
Barbara: It is never too late to start running. Be smart and listen to your body. Start slow, as I can remember when I thought 3 miles was an accomplishment. Lastly, never give up, as your body is capable of more than you think!
Barbara's upcoming Races include the Baltimore Marathon in October for marathon #99.
She will run in the Pensacola Marathon in November for number 100. She will also run in the Tokyo Marathon in March to complete the Abbott World Marathon series.
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Sign up for the
Pensacola Marathon or Half Marathon on Sunday,
November 11, 2018 registration is still open! Or, come and cheer on Barbara as she hits the 100 Marathon milestone along with other runners who will appreciate the encouragement as they realize their achievements!
