Five runners will be representing and raising money for the Adaptive Sports Foundation by participating in the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 2. The next marathoner we’ll be highlighting in our Marathon Monday campaign with a Q & A is Allison McClain! Please consider donating to Allison’s fundraising page by clicking here.
ASF: What’s been the most challenging part of your marathon training so far — and how did you push through it?
AM: Finding time! My fiancé, Brian Vinniski, and I are running the marathon together through team ASF and we’re getting married only two weeks after the marathon. We also just moved! As the run distances increase throughout the training, it becomes even more time consuming. We train together, prioritizing our training and making intentional efforts to schedule days in advance while holding each other accountable!
ASF: Are there any running superstitions or pre-race rituals you swear by?
AM: Having a positive mindset.. and good socks! So much of the training is mental, especially as the runs become longer. Staying positive and remembering you are capable of “going one more” goes a long way!
ASF: What’s your ultimate pump-up song while training?
AM: We have a marathon playlist that we listen to out loud throughout our trainings to pump each other up. I also enjoy listening to podcasts to keep my mind occupied on those longer runs. However, nothing beats hearing the crowd on the day of!
ASF: What’s the best meal or snack you like to eat after a long run?
AM: A refreshing smoothie after the run, followed by pasta for dinner that night! A justified carb overload!
ASF: Do you have a “running buddy?” If so, how do they impact your run?
AM: Yes! My fiancé, Brian. We keep it fun by using the training as an opportunity to explore new places and routes. So far we’ve trained in Vermont, Florida, Long Island and New Jersey and the Jersey Shore. Brian encourages me and always pushes me to be my best self!
ASF: How do you stay motivated on those tough days when running feels like a slog?
AM: I remember my “why”- the many reasons why I am doing this in the first place!
ASF: What are you looking forward to the most on marathon race day?
AM: Being by my cousin, Connor DiGiacomo’s, side as he achieves his dream of crossing that finish line! My fiancé and I will be running alongside Connor, who lives with Cerebral Palsy. Connor is also on team ASF and is going to be a part of history as the first ASF participating athlete to go the distance.
ASF: Have you ever been to NYC? If so, what are your favorite spots in the city and if not, what are you looking forward to most about exploring a new city?
AM: Yes! We visit the city often and I ran the NYC marathon a few years ago. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life and I cannot wait to experience that again this year alongside my fiancé and cousin, while raising funds and awareness for an incredible foundation.
ASF: How did you first learn about the ASF? What made you want to get involved?
AM: I learned about the Adaptive Sports Foundation through my brother, ASF Board of Trustees member Richard McClain. My brother got involved with the ASF at a young age as a snowboard instructor. Richard’s dedication and support for this foundation is inspiring to me and his role has been pivotal in advancing the foundation’s mission to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. Connor expressed his dream was to one day complete the NYC Marathon and from that day forward, we were committed to supporting him achieve his dream.
ASF: What does running for the ASF mean to you personally?
AM: The sky is the limit and to never stop chasing your dreams. You are capable of more than you think and anything is possible. I hope to inspire others to fulfill their dreams just like Connor.
Good Luck Allison, and thank you for choosing to run with Team ASF in the TCS NYC Marathon!
Allison is one of five marathon runners raising money and awareness for the ASF in this year’s TCS NYC Marathon. If you’d like to learn more about the other runners and donate to their pages, click on their links below: