Betty started to run on a regular basis in the late 70's for about a month because it was the "in" thing to do at the time. She was thrilled at the fact that she was able to run three laps around the track. Times changed and Betty became more interested in horseback riding and dancing.

She started running again in 1996 in preparation for a 3K race at the Picatinny Run for Life--her first race. She was embarrassed because since everyone knew it was her first race, they called out her name to encourage her and she finished 2nd to last. She received a finisher’s medal, which was very important to her. The support she received from this race encouraged her to keep on running.

Betty jokingly admits that when she married Bruce in 1984 she married into the Striders also. That’s how she became a Strider. She stayed an active member of the Striders by volunteering for many races, and club activities, even being the Striders’ treasurer from 1991-1995. Betty really enjoys the fact that the Striders give each other support and encouragement.

Another important thing that happened to Betty that encouraged her running career was one year at the Midland Run somebody found a pair of running shoes and an outfit which nobody had claimed. Everything just happened to be her size! Betty took this as a sign from above, and it was then that she decided to complete the Striders Summer Series, which she did.

Betty has won the 1999 Prediction Run by being only 4 seconds off her predicted time. She was thrilled mostly because she beat her husband. The proudest moment in her running career came at the 1998 Mt Tabor run when Bruce and she both won their age groups and took home matching his and her iceberg trophies. A Langenkamp sweep!

Betty has a goal for 2000, which is to run the 5 mile Run for Life, her longest run ever.

Betty's favorite races are: The Mountain Challenge 3K, Mt. Tabor Run 5K, or any race with lots of turns and slight inclines. She is looking forward to the Run to Finish 5K this year because she will be racing as a 50-year-old.

PR---28:50 Country Squire 5K