“I started running when I was in high school,” says Betsy Banks. She excelled in cross country and track and casually ran through college and medical school.

When her youngest child was 3, she wanted to run again. She laced up her running shoes and started pounding the pavement once again. “I really enjoyed it,” she smiles. 

One race soon led to another as Betsy pushed herself, improving her speed and becoming a strong competitor. Her first full Ironman race was in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Betsy completed it in 12 hours and 45 minutes. “It went really well,” she recalls, placing ninth in her age group.  Because of her placement, she became eligible for the Ironman World Championships in Nice, France. 

“I couldn’t turn that down,” she comments. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.” 

Practice + Preparation 

One reason why Betsy does so well in running is because she strategically schedules her training, knowing that all her preparation will pay off. She comments, “I’ve got two days of swimming, three days of cycling, and three to four days of running.” Betsy devotes between 10-15 hours a week to training. Biking also helps her to strengthen her legs and get in the best shape possible. Although there are no hills in Florida, she is working to simulate mountains on her bike trainer to prepare for France.

“The greatest challenge is trying to fit it in with my job and being a Mom,” she smiles. As a pediatrician, she doesn’t have a lot of extra time in her schedule, but she uses her free hours to her advantage.

“The stress relief is amazing,” she says of her Ironman preparation. Running releases endorphins and provides a mental break from the stressors of life. 

Fueling for the Journey

How does Betsy perform her best in a race? It’s all about nutrition. “When I’m in a race, I do all liquid nutrition,” she says. She makes bottles for her bike ride and tries to drink a bottle of nutrition every hour with a little extra water. Each bottle has 90 grams of carbohydrates and 1000 milligrams of sodium. Betsy also eats a solid breakfast before the swim so she has the energy she needs for Ironmans.

Loving Life in Tierra Verde 

When not working, Betsy enjoys rest and relaxation here in Tierra Verde. She first moved here in 2003 before leaving the island for 4 years. For the past 3 years, she has been back in her current house and it’s home sweet home. 

“It’s a nice quiet neighborhood.” Best of all, when she gets home, she doesn’t have to think about work anymore. 

 

She lives with her husband, John Allen, who also does races with her. “We want to do a marathon in each of the 50 states,” she comments. “John did his first Ironman in Chattanooga.” They enjoy racing together, especially their 50-mile run in Antelope Canyon, Arizona; their 50-mile run in Zion, Utah; and Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina (an uphill run that was “gorgeous”). 

John and Betsy are blessed with two children, Grace Liebel (17) and Chris Liebel (14). “We also have two crazy dogs, Caloosa and Scout.”

 

Betsy is an inspiration as an Ironman competitor. With every step she takes, she embarks on an incredible journey towards better health and less stress, setting a shining example for those who dare to follow in her footsteps.