Training runs. Daily stretching. Cutting out the sweets. With a little more than four weeks to go to the start of the 130thBoston Marathon, Anthony Marino says that physically, he’s feeling great.
“Overall, my excitement has just been growing,” says Anthony, who is running to raise awareness and funds for Family ACCESS. “There are definitely nerves, but that’s because it’s the culmination of all the work that has been put in.”
Anthony has slowly stepped up the mile count as he has trained over the last few months. He was thrilled when he reached his training goal of 20 miles a few Sundays ago. A full marathon route is 26.2 miles.
“This was my longest run to date and a bit of a dress rehearsal for the big race! I could feel it when I got to mile 18,” he explains. “From here on, I will lower my distances leading up to the marathon so I don’t burn out.”
Anthony says he’s doing his best to physically and mentally prepare for Heartbreak Hill, the three to five percent grade incline in the course that he’ll hit around mile 20 in Newton. Fortunately, that stretch has plenty of personal meaning to keep him running strong.
“I get to run past my alma mater Boston College right after so I’m hoping that will give me a rush,” he notes. “The last six miles are going to be tough, but I’ll be running through the neighborhoods I used to live in – during school and immediately after school, then my office is at mile 25. I know the nostalgia and crowds will give me that extra boost.”
Anthony needs some help to reach his fundraising goal for Family ACCESS. So far, he’s reached 41 percent of that goal.
“I love spreading awareness for Family ACCESS and getting my friends and family involved,” he beams. “It all makes eventually crossing that finish line all the better.”
