How They Train! Nancy Proctor

April 2018

Editor’s note – Nancy Proctor finished 4th in her age group in the Gate River Run 15K National Championship in Jacksonville on March 10, 2018 with a time of 1:12:34.

Age

  • 57

Did you compete in high school cross country or track?

  • I was active in group sports but I did not participate in organized running in high school or college. When I began running a few years after college, it was a natural fit and I loved it immediately.

How many years have you been running?

  • 35ish

What running events do you train for or what are your training goals?

  • My goal is to run the Boston Marathon in the next few years, which will change up my normal running schedule. I have run 4 Marathons – Chicago, Tallahassee, Jacksonville & Disney, but Boston is on my bucket list.

How many miles a week do you typically run when not injured and consistently running?

  • The last 8 years I have averaged 15 miles, running only on weekends. 

What does your typical week of running look like?

  • As noted above, I only run on weekends, and always with my running partner of 15 years, Lisa Whitworth.  We never stop talking.   On Saturday we run 8-9M on a hilly route; on Sunday we do 5-6M on a flatter route.

How much sleep do you usually get at night?

  • 8 hours on average.  I love my sleep as much as my running!

What time of day do you normally run?

  • Always in the morning

What injuries have hampered your training over the past year? 

  • None

Do you take any dietary or medical supplements?

  • . Vitamin D, Calcium

What type of running shoes do you prefer?

  • Saucony, because I have a wide foot.  I have the Kinvara 8 right now, haven’t needed inserts, good support.

Do you use weight training?

  • .No

Do you stretch? 

  • Yes, but working on more stretches after running. 

What are your favorite running routes?

  • My favorite has to be Lake Lafayette, just for the scenery and the wildlife.  I also enjoy running Cascades around to Myers Park/Country Club area.  

How has your training changed over te 35 years you have been running?

  • When my daughter started kindergarten, I was 42, and started running with three other moms, all about 10 years my junior.  1) One I ran with twice a week, 4 miles, quicker pace slightly hilly.  2) Another I ran a quick pace, hilly and about 8-9 miles. 3) Another I ran on Sundays, 10 miles very hilly and a slower pace.  I loved it, and continued doing that for several years but always felt tired.  As soon as I changed to weekends only, I felt stronger, and realized resting my legs during the week worked for me, and I think that was the key. 

What advice do you have for beginning or experienced runners to help them with their training?

  • I wish I had run GWTC in my earlier years.   I think the comradery of the GWTC has been very beneficial to my running both mentally and physically.  I was completely hooked after just a few races, and I love the energy.   Having others come up and push you on, when you’re not having your “A” game, has been as important to me, as my finishing time.