Reservist hits the pavement for Air Force Marathon

  • Published
  • By Maj. Cynthia Harris
  • 445th Public Affairs
When the starter's pistol sounds to begin the 13th Annual Air Force Marathon, September 19, a 445th Airlift Wing reservist, will be among the more than 9,000 racers competing in the event.

Master Sgt. Rebecca Spencer, 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron, began her marathon adventure 13 years ago while serving on active duty when she participated in the Dallas Rock Marathon. Saturday's event will mark her second marathon.
"When I was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., I was running about three miles, four times a week to stay in shape. One of the guys I started running with convinced me that I should train for the Dallas marathon with him. Once I ran my first marathon, I knew it wouldn't be my last. They are addicting," she said.

After her first marathon, Sergeant Spencer took a break to earn an accounting degree and give birth to three children.

After her youngest child turned 2 years old this summer, Spencer felt it was time to get back into running. "I was training for the Columbus marathon to be held in October, but heard so many great things about the Air Force Marathon, so I adjusted my training plan and signed up for the Air Force Marathon."

Her goal for her first marathon was to finish the race without walking, which she did in 4 hours and 19 minutes. For this race "I would like to run it in 4 hours, but I will be happy just improving from my first marathon time," the Airman said.

To train for the marathon, the sergeant downloaded a training program online and followed it. She ran four to five days a week with one long run on the weekends. She averaged about seven hours a week. "During the week, I ran four to five miles a night and 10 to 20 miles on the long runs. The furthest I ran on the training plan was 20 miles," she added.

Sergeant Spencer offers some encouragement to those who are thinking about running a marathon.

"Anyone can train for a marathon and successfully complete it if they commit themselves to it. There are many free resources online including training programs," Sergeant Spencer said. "Finding a marathon to participate in and a training program is the first step. It's easier to stick to the program if you have someone to train with, especially during the long runs."

"I am very excited (and nervous) about running the Air Force Marathon and grateful that we have such a wonderful marathon here in Dayton," she concluded.