Two runners, Gina Bloise and Marlisa Mattia, will be representing and raising money for the Adaptive Sports Foundation by participating in the Tokyo Marathon 2026 this coming Sunday, March 1. We caught up with Gina to get to know her better and what inspires her to take part in this incredible journey. Please consider donating to Gina’s fundraising page by clicking here.
ASF:This is your second marathon you’re running with Team ASF. What is it about the ASF’s mission that inspires you to not only raise money for the organization, but also inspires you to run these marathons?
GB: I love the ASF’s mission and what it stands for and I am very grateful to be part of this team. I hope I get to keep running marathons for ASF!
ASF: How many marathons have you run in total? How many major marathons have you run in?
GB: The major marathons I’ve run have been Berlin, NYC, and Chicago. Tokyo 2026 will be my fourth one. I run the Disney Dopey challenge every other year and have completed countless state marathons.
ASF: Is training/running in your first marathon the most difficult, or do the ones after the first get harder and harder?
GB: I average around 20-30 miles every week and getting better and better. In my opinion, that consistency in training leads to consistent results, no matter what number marathon I’m on.
ASF: Have you ever been to Tokyo? If so, what do you like most about the city? If not, what are you looking forward to the most?
GB: I have never been to Tokyo and I am most excited about visiting Tokyo Disney!
ASF: Do you have someone or something that inspires you to run in marathons?
GB: My parents on a daily basis inspire me to go after my goals.
ASF: What are some tricks that help you when you feel like you’re hitting “the wall” and struggling during your race?
GB: My parents have given me advice to deal with such an issue. They always say, “put it in a box and keep going.”
ASF: What advice would you give to someone who is about to run their first marathon?
GB: Always pace yourself and don’t quit. It is about the journey.
ASF: Do you have a specific goal you’re aspiring to reach during the Tokyo Marathon?
GB: I have one goal, and it’s the goal I always try to achieve – try to do my best, as always.
Good Luck Gina, and thank you for choosing to run with Team ASF in the Tokyo Marathon 2026!
Gina is one of two marathon runners raising money and awareness for the ASF in this year’s Tokyo Marathon. If you’d like to learn more about Marlisa, our other member of Team ASF, and donate to her page, click on her link below: