This ‘Good Morning America’ Correspondent Ran the NYC Marathon to Mark Her 6-Year ‘Cancer-versary’ – Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Journalist Amy Robach of ABC’s 20/20 and Good Morning America has been very open about her previous battle with breast cancer. In honor of commemorating six years since her diagnosis, the news correspondent decided to take on a very steep challenge.
Training for a big event
The iconic New York Marathon became a goal for Robach, especially since the date was during the same week as the sixth anniversary of her diagnosis. “The race on November 3 falls just four days after the six-year anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis,” Robach said, according to Forbes. “While running, I’ll be remembering how far I’ve come and how amazing it is to feel my own strength and trust my body again. At the same time, I will be thinking about all of the women and men who are still fighting their fight and I will be running for them as well.”
The 2019 TCS New York City Marathon brought in 50,000-plus runners from all over the world to run the 26.2 mile course. With the journalist’s demanding schedule between the weekly news magazine program and early mornings when she’s on GMA, Robach had to be strategic in planning out her training.
“It definitely takes a lot of planning and looking at my calendar at the start of every week, carefully scheduling runs around work and other commitments,” she shared. “I use the Hal Higdon method for Novice 1. It’s 18 weeks with four days a week of running, two days a week of cross training and one day of rest… I have been getting a foot and leg massage once a week and have definitely had to consume more calories with the long runs.”
Life partner, running partner
Robach’s husband, former Melrose Place star Andrew Shue, took on the challenge as well in support of his wife. “It’s been an incredible bonding experience for us,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of fun training together. Even when we are apart, we send pictures of our training runs to each other to stay motivated and on track. Although I told him to run at his own pace, he decided he wants to stick with me and run by my side.”
The couple share a blended family that includes five children from previous marriages – Robach’s two daughters and Shue’s three sons. The 20/20 host revealed that the teens that are still at home haven’t said much regarding the challenge their parents decided to tackle.
“There’s been little to no reaction to our marathon training from the three teenagers we have in the house right now,” Robach revealed. “However, they have told us that they will cheer us along from the sidelines with signs!”
A special meaning
Last fall, Robach climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to mark the five-year ‘cancer-versary’ of her diagnosis. “Instead of living in fear, I decide to live defying fear,” she told Good Morning America at the time, according to People.
Along her training journey, Robach has discovered what the physical requirements of long-distance running entail. “It is shocking how incredible the human body is. If you train correctly, you could run 20 miles and not be super sore the next day,” she said. “It’s also shocking how incredibly hungry I am all the time. Ravenous. I’m nervous and excited. I’m just trying to trust in my training and believe I am ready to do this!”
Robach has found special purpose during this experience, meaning more to her than just finishing the race. “I’ve learned that it’s not about marathon day or crossing the finish line,” she said. “It’s about putting in the work, believing in yourself and enjoying every single mile running alongside people I love.”
According to Runners World, Robach finished the race in 4:16:29.