Belleair’s Running Mom
Patti Spence
Seven years ago, Patti Spence began volunteering as a triathlon coach to a novice group of grade schoolers to introduce them to the growing sport of triathlon. As a dedicated long distance runner and a mother of two active boys, the choice as a volunteer coach came naturally. “If you want your children to learn to live a healthy lifestyle, then you have to introduce them to sports at an early age so that they grow accustomed to the regime and the consistency that define healthy habits. As a parent, you must take the initiative to support this effort and make the commitment to transport your children to their activities regularly. You have to be fully involved in their development. You enthusiasm and guidance is the key.” Patti learned true dedication in 1998 when she ran the New York Marathon 6 months pregnant. She chose to name her son “Rayce.” In 2002, Patti formed Team Trilogy Triathlon and went on to obtain her USA Triathlon coaching certification. Patti’s 14 year old son, Xan, has competed in countless adult triathlons as well as open water swim competitions including the Madeira Beach Triathlon, Suncoast Triathlon and Top Gun. Patti attributes Xan’s fearless ability to compete with the adults in the open water to his 7 years of swim practice, often 5 times a week. Xan often runs 3 miles to swim practice, swims for an hour and then runs 3 miles home. “I wish I had found my love of this sport as early as Xan has; I wasn’t aware of all of the benefits and I didn’t get that kind of encouragement. I discovered my true love of exercise later in life.” As a single parent of two boys, Patti doesn’t find much time for anything particularly sedentary. “When I turned 40, my boys discovered snowboarding, so it was time for me to take my lumps and learn. It’s now one of our favorite sports. We spend a considerable amount of time in Colorado where we frequent the terrain parks, jumping off the boxes and riding the half pipe.” Patti’s newest adventure is taking on the role of race director. She has paired with the Town of Belleair to reinvent the local race, previously known as “Run for the Rec.” Now in its 7th year, it re-emerges as the “Belleair Classic 5k/10k Road Race” and boasts a new 5k course, the addition of a 10k course, national sponsorship and cash prizes as well as $15,000 worth of giveaways. Some of the wonderful old traditions remain in place, including a free breakfast from the Belleview Biltmore and support from the local town civic association, police department and recreation board. “This year’s focus is to bring more recognition to the beautiful Town of Belleair, its hospitality and the incredible support that we get from our local sponsors, residents and private donors,” comments Spence. “I don’t know of any other race that is so heavily attended by local athletes who are willing to contribute financially to this effort so enthusiastically. It’s worth coming out to run this scenic course just to take tour of Belleair and amuse yourself with the clever slogans posted by the sponsors on each mile marker.” Applications from many of the area’s competitive runners have already been received due to the affordable entry fee, free breakfast, technical t-shirts, attractive prize money and Fit2Run gift cards offered to the winners. The “GO GREEN” theme is taking hold as Outspokin has offered a valet service to any individual who uses alternative transportation to the race in place of fuel. Recycling bins will be posted throughout the expo and post race party for all the plastic water bottles and empty Clif Bar packages. Clif gives additional funds to the races that recycle the wrappers. Patti is typically up at 4:30 a.m. to get in a training run before she takes the boys to school as the Boston Marathon is on the horizon in April. When Patti Spence has been asked about her social life, she responds, “Many of my friends request to send a picture of yourself; I’d prefer a picture of the sports gear in the garage. That’s a better indicator or what your lifestyle is really like. A glimpse of their passport would be my next request!”
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