In less than two months, Anthony Marino will try to achieve something he never has before – a full marathon. He’s running to raise money for children and mission at Family ACCESS.
“So far, New England weather had been my greatest obstacle. Snow and ice make it difficult to find routes that are safe enough to run,” says Anthony. “I have a small, 1.5 mile route around my neighborhood, and I definitely got some looks as people saw me run it over and over again one weekend.”
Overall, Anthony notes, training is going well and his body feels strong.
“The last three weekends have been predominantly built around my longer runs, which have been between 15 and 18 miles. Before this training, a half marathon (13 miles) was the longest continuous run I had ever completed, and now I’m doing that and then some every week,” he explains.
Recently, Anthony had a chance to come to Family ACCESS for a tour and to meet some of the children and staff.
“All the kids were so nice and welcoming. I loved seeing how each class has its own creative identity. Seeing the phenomenal work being done, reinforced the importance of this fundraising,” he says. “My visit made me further appreciate how much we’re all a team for this race.”
For now, Anthony continues to refill his stock of energy gels (fuel endurance packets). He’s learned he needs more than the one he takes before his run, as the distances become greater.
“Now I have to open one mid-run, as well,” he explains, adding, “Trying to open them in the cold is a whole other challenge!”
With just two months to go before the 130th Boston Marathon, Anthony has raised 30 percent of his goal for Family ACCESS. Can you help?
