Editor’s Note: SOURCE invited runners from Team Framingham and a couple of other Framingham-based charity teams to participate in a series of Q&As about their training for the 2021 Boston Marathon. If you would like to submit a profile contact editor@framinghamsource.com. Mark your calendar as the 2021 Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, October 11, due to the pandemic.
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Andrea Laflamme
Hometown: Amesbury
Marathon Team: WhyNotDevin
Is this your first marathon? (if no, what number will Boston 2021 be?) No, My second marathon
What is your personal best marathon time? 3:57:28
Is this your first Boston Marathon? (if no, what number will Boston 2021 be?) Second Boston Marathon, 1st was 2017
Did you participate in the 2020 virtual marathon? If yes, what was your experience like? No
Why run Boston? Boston is a race like no other. The crowds, the comradery, and the course is a race that is just one of those goals that an avid runner dreams of.
Which charity are you raising money for? The WhyNotDevin Foundation to end DIPG
Why did you pick that charity? As a PreK teacher of 14 years, as well as a mother to two young children, I am compelled to help children and their families in need. Children are a major part of my life, whether my own, or my students. DIPG is an unforgiving form of pediatric cancer, and knowing that I can help these children is something that I will never forget.
Link to your charity fundraising page: https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/whynotdevin2021bostonmarathonteam/aflamme/Member
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How did you first get into running? I started running track and Cross Country in middle school, and progressed through High School as well as College.
Why do you like to run? Running is my “me time,” my time to reflect on life and the hustle of my busy days. I enjoy the challenge of every run and race.
How has the pandemic changed your running habits? The pandemic has not changed my running habits immensely. During “the shut down,” I was home from work and with my children. A lot of the time I went on runs with them using my double stroller so that made me even stronger while allowing some extra family time in. I run 100% outside so the pandemic didn’t affect my ability to train/run at a gym or workout facility.
What is your favorite cross-training activity? I love skiing!
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why? I tend to train alone due to my work schedule, and prefer it to allow time for some solo reflection.
Are you an early morning runner or evening runner? Early in the morning before the kiddo’s are awake! Also, this allows me to beat the heat on hot days.
How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run? I usually think of a past race, or about how good I’m going to feel for the rest of the day once I’m done.
Music or no music when running? If music, favorite song? No music
What is your favorite pre-running meal? Banana or bagel, and coffee.
What is your favorite post-run snack? Protein shake or yogurt.
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What shoes will you wear on Marathon day? Brooks Ghost
What is your goal for the 2021 Boston Marathon? To raise as much awareness and funds for the WhyNotDevin foundation, and to get the same time as I did in 2017, if not better.
Will you wear anything personal or symbolic the day of the 2021 Boston Marathon? Why? I will wear a temporary tattoo of a close friend’s firefighter badge in honor of his passing due to occupational cancer.
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