Boston Marathon Interview with Andy Scherding
How long have you been running, when/why did you start?
Between ages 30 and 32 some little gremlin flipped a switch and my weight went from 170 to 200. Running helps me keep it in the 180s…but now the motivation to run has changed from something I have to do to something I want to do. I’m at 21 years as a serious runner now; 14 years as a triathlete.
Is there something about the Boston Marathon that makes it special to you? Why run this Marathon?
There’s no feeling like it…pre-, during or post-race. To those who run it, it’s as spiritual an experience as any non-religious event can be.
How many Boston marathons have you done? Or will this be your first?
This is my 2nd. My 1st was 11 years ago. I think once a decade is the right frequency for me: it keeps the experience exciting and doesn’t tax the sympathy or understanding of my family.
Do you have any special diet the week prior to the marathon?
Last time I ran, the “thing to do” was to deplete the carbs during the week and then load up at the tail end. Now the focus appears to be on a balanced diet that gets higher in carbs during the last 3 days – and reduced fiber. Much better on the mood!
Do you follow any specific running program to prepare for a Marathon?
I ask everyone I know and then make up my own plan out of those suggestions and my intuition. Last time I trained for a marathon I ran long and slow once a week. Now the long runs are closer to race pace—but less frequent. I use short runs, bikes and swims (at the North Shore Swim Team’s Endurance Swim program) to spike the heartrate during the week or for recovery.
What’s your favorite training run while training for a Marathon?
Honestly, no long run is going to be a favorite. I’m going to say the Thursday night Wicked 5k-ish’s from the Commons. They may not be crucial for my marathon prep but they help the mood — and remind me of all those fun short races I’ll be doing for the 10 years before my next marathon!
What is your way to approach running a Marathon? I.e., slow at first, negative splits?
I went out too fast last time, so I’m going to try too slow this time. My bib number is 23,000 out of 26,000 runners so a crawling start may be the only choice I’ll have, anyway. I’m thinking of asking if they’ll let me start a half-hour after all the others.
Do you bring your own nutrition for the Marathon? Electrolytes, Gels, Bars?
The plan is a bagel and fruit breakfast 3 hours before, an energy bar an hour before, and the race belt is already packed with 6 gels…one every 45 minutes and spares to replace the ones I lose. Mix up the intake of water and Gatorade. Funny how strong certain memories from 11 years ago can be: one is that there is such a thing as too much Gatorade.
Are you shooting for a specific time at Boston or are you running to enjoy the sights and sounds?
I have a time range in mind but I’m too superstitious to mention it. Look for me on the TV when they display the closing credits over the stragglers at the finish line.
Do you run with an MP3 player? Have any tunes that get you over the wall or the rough points in the Marathon?
I can’t imagine running this race with an iPod. It’s way too much of a happening. I suppose some people might need to use one to dissociate from the suffering…but I’m going with Tylenol and crowd noise.
Anything else you would like to add??
Thanks to Tim Clarke for helping me through some long runs, to the Thursday night gang for the perfect combo of sweat and beer, and to Michele Campbell for interrupting her weekend to get me a Wicked cap for tomorrow!
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