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 Brian Vinniski! Please consider donating to Brian’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?
BV: Time management and getting through the first few miles have been the most challenging parts of training. As someone who isn’t naturally a long distance runner, making marathon training a true priority has taken effort and consistency. Between traveling for work and preparing for a wedding in less than a month, I’ve had to become much more disciplined with my daily schedule. What has helped most is having my fiancé, Allison, and cousin, Connor, as accountability partners by keeping each other motivated and on track. Over time, running short runs after a long day has become something I actually look forward to, especially when it’s time spent with my fiancé.
ASF: Are there any running superstitions or pre-race rituals you swear by?
BV: I always make sure to get a light meal in before a long run to avoid cramping up. My go-to is a Perfect Bar, some BPN Go Gels and BPN Electrolytes. It’s become my pre-run ritual and never lets me down.
ASF: What’s the one piece of gear or item you can’t run without?
BV: A comfortable running hat to keep the sun out of my eyes and sweat off my face!
ASF: Is there a particular run or training moment you’re especially proud of?
BV: Hitting double digits in mileage was a huge milestone for me because it’s something I never thought I’d accomplish. Being part of the NYC Marathon still feels surreal, and having Connor and Allison push our group to hit our daily training goals has made the journey even more rewarding. Both of their encouragement has turned each run into something to look forward to.
ASF: Do you have a favorite running route or trail at home?
BV: We’ve trained all over the Northeast, but two routes stand out as favorites were running along Route 30 between Dorset and Manchester, Vermont and running all over Long Beach Island.
ASF: How do you stay motivated on those tough days when running feels like a slog?
BV: By getting out the door and pushing through to start the run. Once started up, it gets a lot easier to push through.
ASF: What’s your post-marathon celebration plan?
BV: Enjoying the moment by celebrating with Connor, Allison and our families. Overlooking Central Park and the finish line with all of our loved ones.
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?
BV: Although I’m in NYC for work often, experiencing all 5 boroughs on foot will be a unique opportunity that I am extremely excited for
ASF: How did you first learn about the ASF? What made you want to get involved?
BV: I learned about the ASF from Richard McClain, an ASF Board of Trustees member and my future brother-in-law. He told me everything that the program offers. Once Connor, an adaptive athlete himself, mentioned that a life goal of his would be to complete the NYC marathon, we were excited to have the opportunity to run with ASF.
ASF: What does running for the ASF mean to you personally?
BV: Running for the ASF means helping bring awareness and support to the Adaptive program within my circle of family, friends and colleagues which is something I’m truly excited about. It’s so important to me that everyone has the opportunity to do what they love without any limitations. The ASF makes that possible by giving athletes the chance to ski, snowboard, bike, kayak, run marathons and take part in activities that inspire confidence and joy. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of something that empowers so many people to keep pushing boundaries. As Nick Bare says, “Go One More!”
Good Luck Brian, and thank you for choosing to run with Team ASF in the TCS NYC Marathon!
Brian 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: