Athletes are still keeping busy, but finding time to answer a few questions for us to help their fans get to know them better. This is our sixth installment Team USATF member at the 2013 IAAF World Cross Country Championships and top-10 finisher at the 2016 New York City Marathon (8th) and 2016 Boston Marathon (9th), Neely Spence Gracey.
USATF: What is your favorite competition memory so far? Why?
Spence Gracey: I have three. First, World Cross 2013, 13th place, 1st American and the craziest course I have ever run. We ran up and down a ski slope 4 times in snow and mud. Second, when I broke 70 minutes in the Half Marathon in 2015. I ran 69:59, at the time, the 11th American female to ever do so, and it felt so good to hit that big goal. Third, finishing 9th (top American) at the 2016 Boston Marathon. I felt my whole career as a runner had led me to that special debut.
USATF: How do you overcome adversity, especially now when things are so NOT normal?
Spence Gracey: Running has taught me to control what I can, and not waste energy on the rest. I try to apply that to my life, especially now when so many things seem out of my hands.
USATF: What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your sport?
Spence Gracey: Being a mom! I have had two big goals in life: To pursue a career as a runner which I have now done for 8 years and to become a mom. Athens, my son is 20 months old and we are really enjoying the extra family time now that dad is working from home.
USATF: What is your favorite recipe/movie/music?
Spence Gracey: Recipe: Run Fast Cook Fast Eat Slow has been well used in our house. I especially love the Thai Quinoa Salad. Movie: We are re-watching all the Harry Potter movies during quarantine. Music: Taylor Swift, The Chainsmokers, 5 Seconds of Summer, Maroon 5 just to name a few!
USATF: Do you have pets?
Spence Gracey: We have Strider the Vizsla... cover girl for April 2016 Runner's World.
USATF: How do you adjust your eating/nutrition habits when on the road so much?
Spence Gracey: We try to stay as close to normal as possible when traveling! One of those controllable things that help maintain consistency and reduce stress on the body.
USATF: What’s your favorite exercise you can do at home, at a hotel or at the airport?
Spence Gracey: Therabands! I always travel with them and have a little routine to get my muscles firing after sitting for a while. I also travel with a lacrosse ball to roll out my feet and back.
USATF: Who is your celebrity crush?
Spence Gracey: Robert Pattison (AKA Edward Cullen from Twilight)
USATF: What do you remember about your first competition, and when was it?
Spence Gracey: I have been running my whole life, but my first race that I actually trained for was in 8th grade. A local 5k where I broke 19 minutes for the first time!
USATF: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Spence Gracey: A detective.
USATF: What other sports have you participated in?
Spence Gracey: Horseback riding (dressage). I started riding at age 8 and had my own horse until I went to college.
USATF: Who do you admire the most in your event?
Spence Gracey: Deena Kastor. I grew up watching her race on TV. Her medal at the Athens Olympics was super inspiring to me because she handled the adverse conditions with such composure. I have had the honor of racing her as a professional and the chance to talk with her meant so much to me.
USATF: Any other random fun fact or story you’d like people to know about you.
Spence Gracey: One time, I got stuck in a super long layover due to a flight cancelation. I took a hotel shuttle to a random hotel I had never been to, asked if I could leave my bags at the front desk, got in my training for the day, took the shuttle back to the airport and flew home!
USATF: Lastly, name one thing you’re grateful for and why.