Boston Marathon Runner Profile: Jennifer Artick

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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Jennifer Artick

Hometown: Framingham

Marathon Team: Team Framingham

Is this your first marathon? 3rd marathon (2016 NYC marathon, 2017 Boston marathon)

What is your personal best marathon time?  4h 40m

Is this your first Boston Marathon? This is my 2nd Boston marathon

Why run Boston? I love the energy of the runners and spectators on Marathon Monday! It is an amazing experience to run the course through the towns I’ve grown up in, and see our city so energized. 

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Which charity are you raising money for? United Way Call2Talk

Why did you pick that charity?  Mental health resources are so important, especially for our youth. I’m a physician in the ER, and I see the impact mental health issues have on our community on a daily basis. I’m proud to support the Call2Talk organization in an effort to offer help to those in a time of need.

Link to your charity fundraising page: https://www.givengain.com/ap/jen-artick-pellegrino-raising-funds-for-united-way-of-tri-country/

How did you first get into running? I started running when I was in medical school. It was a stress reliever. 

Why do you like to run? It’s my alone time. I can decompress. I always feel better after a run, mentally and physically. 

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Tell me something about your training for the marathon: Summer marathon training is no joke! Especially during this rainy, very hot and very humid summer. Lots of very early morning runs, which is not my favorite! 

How has the pandemic changed your running habits? I’m an ER physician, and the pandemic has significantly changed my profession. I listen to a lot more medical podcasts now to try to stay up to date on current recommendations. Runs are a great opportunity to do that. I never used to listen to podcasts on runs before

What is your favorite cross-training activity? Rowing

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Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why? Both! I love my alone time when I run, but I also love how inspirational other runners are, especially my Team Framingham friends! 

Are you an early morning runner or evening runner? I’m turning into a morning runner. By the evenings, my energy is shot and my legs feel heavy. But I fit it in whenever I can

How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run? I think about how good I feel after a run

Music or no music when running? If music, favorite song? Music! Anything with a good beat, but I have a lot of Fleetwood Mac, Rolling Stones, 90s hip hop. 

What is your favorite pre-running meal? a bagel with peanut butter and a banana

What is your favorite post-run snack? Cape Cod chips! I crave the salt

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Tell SOURCE readers something about you that has nothing to do with running:  I grew up competitive figure skating. I competed from age 6 until 18. I still love the ice, and can’t wait to teach my 3 year old daughter to skate! I’m also learning how to cook. My husband is a phenomenal cook, and I love food, but I was clueless in the kitchen. I’m getting better, and we haven’t even had to order take out on the nights I’ve cooked yet! 

What shoes will you wear on Marathon day? A pair of pink Brooks Ghost 14 that my daughter picked out for me! 

What is your goal for the 2021 Boston Marathon?  finish strong and enjoy the day!

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