2020 Boston Marathon Runner Profile: Melissa Roach – framinghamsource.com
2020 Boston Marathon Runner Profile: Melissa Roach framinghamsource.com
Editor’s Note: SOURCE is profiling runners participating in the 2020 Boston Marathon, with ties to Framingham, Ashland, and Natick, including Team Framingham and Team MetroWest YMCA.
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MELISSA ROACH
Hometown: Waltham, Massachusetts (Framingham resident for 6 years)
Marathon Team: Team Framingham, Call2Talk
Is this your first marathon? Yes, Go big or go home!
What is your personal best marathon time? Personal best for a half marathon was 2:26:49
Is this your first Boston Marathon? Yes
Why run Boston? I grew up watching the marathon. Every year Id watch and think, I want to run it someday. I set a personal goal to run it before I turn 35.
Which charity are you raising money for? Call2Talk
Why did you pick that charity? Everyone has told me to pick a charity that you connect with. That when you’re training in the middle of the winter and miserable, you think about why you are running and you do it. When I learned about Call2Talk I made the connection with mental health. I was diagnosed with post-partum depression after the birth of my second son and I believe every person should have access to the critical supports that places like Call2Talk offer.
Donate to Melissa & Call2Talk, by clicking here.
How did you first get into running? I honestly got into running because I didn’t want to pay for a gym membership and I enjoy being outside.
Why do you like to run? I like to run because it meets the needs of my physical and mental health. It has become my therapy.
Tell me something about your training for the marathon: I follow a plan through the app Runkeeper. I also use a GARMIN watch to track my distance and look at data from my runs. I have run two 5ks, a half marathon and I am about to run in a 16-mile race as part of my training.
What is your favorite cross-training activity: Reformer Pilates At Btone Fitness. 45-minute full body work out. I’ve been going since August and continued it as part of my training.
How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run? I wake up every morning to a sign from my two boys that says “run mommy run” that is huge motivation for me. I do have my days/nights when I don’t want to. As long as it’s a short distance I will listen to my body and take a break. But it means a double the next day.
Music or no music when Running? 100% music!
If music, favorite song? Currently, it’s “Higher love, Kygo and Whitney Houston” I need an upbeat song. If the music is mellow, I run slow.
What is your favorite pre-running meal? Whole wheat bagel with peanut butter, a banana and bacon.
What is your favorite post-run snack? Water and Gatorade to drink. Nothing specific to eat. Whatever I am in the mood for that day. I have energy chews that I have while on the run.
Tell SOURCE readers something about you that has nothing to do with running: I’m obsessed with cake. I make cakes for all of my friends and family members birthdays.
What shoes will you wear on Marathon day? Brooks Ghost 12
What is your goal for the 2020 Boston Marathon? I’d love to complete it in 4 hours but I will be okay if I finish it in 5.
Will you wear anything personal or symbolic the day of the 2020 Boston Marathon? A necklace with my boys’ initials.
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