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 to be held in October this year, due to the pandemic. If you would like to submit a profile contact editor@framinghamsource.com. Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, October 11.
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Melissa Roach
Hometown: Grew up in Waltham. Framingham resident for 8 years.
Marathon Team: Team Framingham
Is this your first marathon? Yes!
What is your personal best marathon time? We’ll find out in October.
Is this your first Boston Marathon? Yes.
Did you participate in the 2020 virtual marathon? No. I didn’t want to train in the summer… and look what I’m doing now.
Why run Boston? I grew up watching the Boston Marathon. Every year I’d go with family or friends to cheer on the runners. It was always something I wanted to do. I told myself I would run Boston before I turn 35.
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Which charity are you raising money for? Call2Talk
Why did you pick that charity? There is still a huge stigma on mental health. I’ve had my own battles and am no longer afraid to talk about it. Bringing awareness and support to mental health is huge in the process of normalizing it. Call2Talk is an amazing resource to everyone facing some form of anxiety or depression. In 2020 they saw an 11% increase in calls.
Link to your charity fundraising page:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/melissa-roach-raising-funds-for-united-way-of-tri-country/#timeline
How did you first get into running? I was very ambitious and randomly signed up for a half marathon. I loved racing so I continued.
Why do you like to run? Running is my therapy. I am ready for anything once I’ve got a run in.
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Tell me something about your training for the marathon: I try and get out the door at 6:30am to do my long runs. When I get home I let my boys spray me with water guns.
How has the pandemic changed your running habits? It hasn’t.
What is your favorite cross-training activity? I am a member of Burn Boot Camp in Framingham. They will be hosting a fundraiser for me in September. It will be open to the public. 100% of the proceeds raised will go directly to Call2Talk.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why? I like to run alone. I get in the zone and go.
Are you an early morning runner or evening runner? Early morning!
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How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run? A good playlist and pre-workout help.
Music or no music when running? If music, favorite song? Always music. Id say it’s different each week. I’m constantly changing the song. I listen to just about anything.
What is your favorite pre-running meal? Banana, protein pancakes, and sausage.
What is your favorite post-run snack? Fairlife protein shake and pedialyte sport.
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Tell SOURCE readers something about you that has nothing to do with running: I have two boys, Parker and Owen. Two dogs, Tuukka and Lucy. My husband, Mike and I have been together for 16 years, married 8 years this fall.
What shoes will you wear on Marathon day? Brooks Ghost 13
What is your goal for the 2021 Boston Marathon? To have fun and finish.
Will you wear anything personal or symbolic the day of the 2021 Boston Marathon? Why? I’ll be wearing the initials of people close to me and who have shared their stories of mental illness. They are all so brave and strong. I’ll be thinking of them to help get me to that finish line.
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Photos courtesy
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Framingham Baseball 
Town of Ashland