Five runners will be representing and raising money for the Adaptive Sports Foundation by participating in the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 3. We had a Q & A with one of our runners, Melissa Lawson, that we would like to share with everyone! Please consider donating to Melissa’s fundraising page by clicking here.
ASF: How old were you when you first started running and what did you like most about it?
ML: I started running in my 30’s. Three to six miles is the most I ever ran and it was just part of my workout routine. What I like most is that I didn’t have to watch my weight when I ran! And I especially like that now that I’m running longer distances. Carbs are back on the menu!
ASF: What inspired you to pursue the New York City marathon and why did you choose to run for the ASF?
ML: I chose to run the New York City marathon in hopes of raising both support and awareness for the ASF. My entire family volunteers for this great organization in many different aspects. My two sons have been long-time adaptive instructors and my husband has been a board member for many years. By running for the ASF, this is a great opportunity for me to lend my support to this amazing organization that truly changes lives.
ASF: What’s your go-to running playlist/song?
ML: I don’t have a play list, running in the city I need to hear what is going on around me. The oncoming cars, people, bicycles, etc. I feel safer that way. Plus, I think it’s fantastic to hear all the sounds and music from the different neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs!
ASF: What’s the best meal or snack you like to eat after a long run?
ML: A protein shake and a peanut butter sandwich.
ASF: Do you have a “running buddy?” If so, how do they impact your run?
ML: I run by myself. My husband Billy coaches me before each run. When my running partners come into New York for business, we run together in Central Park and when I went to Italy in September, we all met and ran our first long 16-mile run together which was amazing!
ASF: Tell us about your training regimen. What did you do to prepare for the marathon?
ML: I have been following along with a book called “Me, You, and 26.2” by Denise Sauriol. Denise is a coach who wrote this great guide and it’s helping me a lot. I ran the typical 12, 16, 18 and I just recently did my 22-mile run on the hills of Windham Mountain. Now it starts to taper down a little bit right before the Marathon.
ASF: What are you looking forward to the most on marathon race day?
ML: I’m looking forward to the experience of running through the five boroughs, experiencing all of the spectators, my friends, family and strangers, cheering you on and, of course, finishing the race in one piece!
ASF: You live in New York City, what is your favorite thing to do there?
ML: I love the landscape of the city and all of the buildings. I also love the pace of the city and the energy. I love New York, I’ve lived here my whole life and I’m proud to be a true New Yorker.
Good Luck Melissa, and thank you for choosing to run with
Team ASF in the TCS NYC Marathon!
Melissa is one of five marathon runners raising money and awareness for the ASF in the TCS NYC Marathon. If you’d like to learn more about the other runners and donate to their pages, click on their links below: