Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. ~Steven Wright

Usually, when someone tells you to ‘go take a long walk…’, it’s a not friendly suggestion. But Bev DeLuise, an FT client for the past eight years, has given the phrase a whole new meaning. She has been inspiring her neighbors to take very long walks–26.2 mile walks, to be precise!

Last month, Bev (right), Sandy, and Bill completed their first marathon in San Francisco. It was a beautiful, cool sunny day and the marathon course followed the beach, making for great scenery. The following day, while nursing very sore knees, Bev agreed to a candid interview about her experience:

FT: How long did it take you to finish the marathon?

BD: 7 hours, 35 minutes. I think I could have finished in 6 hours 30 minutes or less if my knees hadn’t given out. I literally limped the last 5 miles.

FT: What was the most difficult part?

BD: The last 5 miles with an injury.

FT: What was the most inspiring moment?

BD: A blind lady was walking the marathon with her walking stick. My thought was: “If she can do this, surely I can finish as well”.

FT: What was the funniest moment during the marathon?

BD: My neighbor trying to distract me from my pain. I finally told her to shut up, I was miserable and I was going to wallow in it! (laughs)

FT: What would you do differently next time?

BD: I think train more because I didn’t do enough LONG walks. I think if I had, I would have known that my knees were going to give me trouble. I am going to an ortho doctor to see if I can build them up, because I’ve signed up to do the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in New York City this October. That’s a full marathon on Saturday followed by a half-marathon on Sunday! After having done yesterday’s marathon, I’d have to be on serious drugs to even lace up my shoes today.

FT: What is your advice to anyone planning to walk or run a long race?

BD: TRAIN!!

Bev has a goal of raising at least $2,000 for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in October.