At age 32, Beth Tademy is not your average mom. She’s also not your average track star.

Tademy, who is married with two kids, is one of many student athletes at Fresno City College. She can handle competition, both on the track and at home. Tademy was an outstanding cross country runner this past fall for the Rams and has continued her success this spring as a distance runner with the track team.

Tademy, who holds a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology at Fresno State and is applying for the FCC nursing program, has a highly structured schedule to help her keep up with being both a mom and an athlete.

What is it like competing alongside younger athletes?

“Surprisingly, I thought it would be two different worlds. When I started I was a little leery to run. I just wanted to try it out. I actually have more in common with my teammates.”  

Have you ever participated in a sport before?

“Not at the college level. In high school, I swam and played water polo.”

Why play a college sport now? Where did the motivation come from?

“My husband; he was a runner at San Jose City College and Fresno State. He is the one who encouraged me to run cross country and track.”

How does your husband, Greg, help you and your busy schedule?

“Without Greg supporting me financially and occasionally other times picking [the kids] up from school or starting dinner while I’m at track practice, none of this would have been possible. I am happy where I am and lucky to have the opportunity.”

What is it like being a college athlete?

“It has been really positive. I feel that I have gained a lot of confidence and lifelong friendships. It’s been an amazing year. My coach [Gary Bluth] is really great. It’s a lot of hard work. I’m probably in the best shape of my life.”

What are some of your best moments?

“I find it interesting that I’ve learned a lot from my teammates. They’ve taught me a lot about competing and strategies.”

How do your teammates help support you?

“I was not a runner in high school. The other runners give me pointers – like, ‘Don’t over-extend your pace’ – or how to breathe during your run so you won’t cramp up later. I have a lot to learn about the theory of running, I guess. But I have a lot of support out here on the track field.”

How do you feel about the recognition you’re getting?

“It’s humbling and I feel like my work ethic is stronger.”

Are you nervous before a meet?

“Yes, I get really nervous and some of the girls [jokingly] make fun of me when I do. Aside from being nervous, it’s exciting and fun to be a part of something.”

What are your plans after the season?

“I have a summer school class I need to take and after that I plan to apply for the nursing program.”

How do you want to end the season?

“I have high expectations for myself and some goals I want to accomplish before it’s all over. As a distance runner, I run the 5k (3.1 miles) and the 10k (6.2 miles). My goal is to run my way into FCC’s history books. In the 5k I’m No. 3. If I can finish in under 19 minutes; I’ll be No. 2. If I finish the 10k in fewer than 40 minutes, I am No. 1.”

Staff writers Jaren Hockert and Valerie Hill contributed to this report.