Endurance-Girl...Rita Betcher

Rita Betcher is a 40-something endurance junkie. She’ll tell you she’s not, but her actions will tell you otherwise. In the past year, among other endurance events, she climbed Mt. Rainier, completed a grueling trail marathon, and somewhere during the year managed to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

TS: Other than “because it was there” what inspired you to climb Mt. Rainier?
RB: Climbing Mt. Rainier, was inspired by a co-worker. It was one of those “If HE can do it, then I can do it,” kinds of moments.

TS: What was one of the biggest challenges for you on this particular expedition?
RB: Well, to be honest, packing my gear was a challenge and making sure I had everything I needed. I had to be careful not to pack too much because I had to carry my beast of a bag up the mountain. Coming down the “disappointment cleaver” was a bit scary due to the 60-mph winds, so that comes in a very close second.

TS: What was the most rewarding aspect of your Mt. Rainier climb?
RB: Without a doubt, it was the spectacular view. It was well worth it.

TS: If you had to provide a theme song for this event what would it be? I’m thinking not Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty.
RB: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

TS: What advice would you give others who might want to attempt this feat?
RB: Oh, I have lots of advice. Read about Rainier, go with a respected guide company, carry a 50# backpack on your back while cleaning your house, and train until your legs look like tree trunks.

TS: In December you ran the Tecumseh Trail Marathon in Ohio. Would you recommend this to sane people?
RB: Hmmmm. How do I answer this??? Yes, I would recommend it. However, if you would have asked me immediately after the 5:20 marathon, I would have said “No way Jose!” It was a great adventure with my husband. Well, maybe I should say “torture” with my husband. It is a must try event. It makes the Pinckney ½ Marathon seem like a walk in the park. Who knew there are very large hills in Indiana? I’m here to tell you there certainly are!!! It is an event Jim and I will never forget, and we were rewarded with really cool jackets to commemorate our finish.

TS: If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?
RB: I would definitely do more hills in training. We thought we were prepared by doing the Yankee Springs trails, but we were foolish, very foolish because we way underestimated the hills in this marathon.

TS: When you qualified for the Boston Marathon, was this your intent when you met the qualifying standard, or was it a bonus after a well run event?
RB: Well, to be truthful it’s all a blur. I was training for the mountain climb at the same time as the marathon. I knew I was strong (with my newly earned tree trunk legs) and I knew the time I needed, so I figured I may have a chance to qualify. I was very close to the time at the end, so I was very, very happy when I learned I qualified.

TS: You have four children; one in college and three at home. How do you manage family life and your training?
RB: Well it’s a balancing act. It seems like I spend a lot of mental time figuring out when I can fit everything in. My husband Jim is very supportive which is quite helpful, and I don’t mind getting up early!

TS: Your children see you participate in a wide variety of endurance events. What do you want them to take away from your example?
RB: That you can do anything and it doesn’t matter what your age is. If you are disciplined and determined, then you can do it.

TS: What is the one workout that lets you know that you are fit and ready for a long event like a half or full marathon?
RB: Running with Maggie (TS’s wife Maggie also qualified for Boston and will be running with Rita in April).

TS: What is your biggest endurance event lifetime goal?
RB: The Ironman, of course! I’m look at doing it when I’m 50 with Maggie!

TS: Would you rather win the Boston Marathon or summit Everest?
RB: Summit Everest because the mountain views are awesome!

TS: Is running in a run-specific “sport skirt” a sign of weakness or an example of girl power?
RB: You cannot run in a skirt because that is just WRONG. (Admittedly, I am old school)