Over the next week you will be treated to an inside look at how your fellow Wicked friends prepare for the Boston Marathon through Wicked’s own Boston Marathon Interview. If you are running the Boston Marathon next week feel free to click here to download the interview questions and email it back (with a picture of yourself if you would like) to tim.short1@gmail.com.
Wicked Runner: Alison Phelan (Alison is a member of Steve’s Team)
Alison getting some love after the 2007 edition of the Boston Marathon
How long have you been running, when/why did you start?
I’ve been running since high school, I ran on the XC team and on the Spring Track Teams. Back then I began running b/c I wanted to be part of a team and for health reasons, my asthma. I liked it but I enjoy it more so now.
Is there something about the Boston Marathon that makes it special to you? Why run this Marathon?
Yes, Boston is so special – it’s the only marathon that makes you qualify to run in it. Plus it’s the oldest marathon in the world and it’s a local hometown favorite. I ran Boston once before for the Lazarus House charity in 2007 and I’ve never experienced anything like that since. The rowdy crowds make you feel like a “rock star” when you get to the top of Heartbreak Hill! It’s the best feeling!
How many Boston marathons have you done? Or will this be your first?
This will be my 2nd Boston, but it feels like my first. Plus I’m psyched about the fact that my fellow “Wicked” teammate, Allison, will jump in at Mile 17 and my daughters, Kerry and Natalie will also try to run in w/me towards the latter part of the race.
Do you have any special diet the week prior to the marathon?
Not really, just stay healthy, drink lots of water and load up on the carbs starting Friday.
Do you follow any specific running program to prepare for a Marathon?
My friend, Bill, has helped me with some of my training. But since this is my 6th marathon, I also know what works for me. I run 5x/wk, which include 1 speed workout, 1 tempo workout, a long Sat. run, 2 shorter runs and also include some pool time. But my wkly mileage has never exceeded more than 45m.
What’s your favorite training run while training for a Marathon?
I’ve especially loved running along the Nahant coastline w/my teammates on Steve’s Team. We’re so lucky to live on the coastline; it’s so scenic and hilly.
What is your way to approach running a Marathon? I.e., slow at first, negative splits?
I’ll try to start off slow, esp. b/c you can’t go too fast at the beginning of this Marathon and then try to get back on pace. I’m hoping to have enough energy in the latter part of the Marathon to do some negative splits.
Do you bring your own nutrition for the Marathon? Electrolytes, Gels, Bars?
Yes, I’ll bring my favorite new foods “Power Bar Gel Blasts” and some Gus.
Are you shooting for a specific time at Boston or are you running to enjoy the sights and sounds?
As the saying goes, when someone asks me “what’s my best time”, my answer lately is “my next one”. So I don’t want to say a specific time, but as always, I want to better my times. I also want to have a good time and take in the sights, you never know when you’ll be back to run Boston again.
Do you run with an MP3 player? Have any tunes that get you over the wall or the rough points in the Marathon?
No, during my training, I haven’t used my iPod at all. I think the crowds will motivate me enough; they helped me last time and that was a stormy day, so I’m counting on their support again.
Anything else you would like to add??
I just want to thank all my friends for being so supportive during my training. But I especially want to thank my daughters, Kerry and Natalie, for letting their mom do what she loves to do the most – RUN. Without their support and sometimes their pushing me out the door in the cold winter, I wouldn’t have done it. They’re my biggest supporters and keep me grounded!
