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 2022 Boston marathon to be held in April this year. If you would like to submit a profile contact editor@framinghamsource.com.
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Anna Rouse
Hometown: Arlington, MA; currently a Framingham resident
Marathon Team: Team Framingham
Is this your first marathon? This will be my 6th marathon overall (my third within a year)!
What is your personal best marathon time? My best marathon time was 4:23.
Is this your first Boston Marathon? This will be my 2nd Boston Marathon. I ran for Dana Farber in 2019.
Why run Boston? There is nothing like this course, and nothing like the spectators out on the course.nIt’s the most fun I have had during a run, and I could not resist the opportunity to run again.
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Which charity are you raising money for? I am raising money for Jeff’s Place.
Why did you pick that charity? I am a social worker and have spent my career doing clinical work with children and families. The mission of Jeff’s Place and the support that they provide not only to families, but to schools and communities really spoke to me. I understand the importance of grief work through both my professional and personal life.
Link to your charity fundraising page: https://www.givengain.com/ap/anna-rouse-raising-funds-for-jeffs-place/#timeline
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How did you first get into running? I have always enjoyed running. Growing up my dad ran daily, to and from work, and then longer runs with friends on the
weekends. I could never keep up. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011 and we started doing races to raise money for cancer research, even after he passed in 2012. It just took off from there and now I can’t stop.
Why do you like to run? I think above everything, it is my “me” time. Especially now, I have two young kids at home, and this is a great way to get out of the house on my own for a bit. It is also hands down my favorite form of exercise.
Tell SOURCE something about your training for the marathon: This will be my third marathon in a year, so I am really just focusing this time around on being kind to my body and enjoying the process.
What is your favorite cross-training activity? I tend to stick with things I can do at home. We have a Peloton so doing a bike or strength class are generally what I go for.
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Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why? Both. I enjoy the camaraderie on the course and having some company to chat with. Runners in
general are just cool, down to earth people who just want to be out there, and I am always up for that support. I also really enjoy a good podcast or audio book so I am happy either way!
Are you an early morning runner or evening runner? Morning, definitely morning.
How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run? I have an extremely supportive family, and just the idea that I can set a good example for my kids keeps me going. They are always asking me if I went running and I would hate to disappoint them by saying no.
Music or no music when running? If music, favorite song? Books, podcasts, music- yes to all of the above. My favorite running music is more up- tempo, but any genre is fine by me.
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What is your favorite pre-running meal? Cup of coffee with almond milk, and bagel or English muffin with peanut butter.
What is your favorite post-run snack? Weirdly, coffee. I don’t like caffeine on the course so I just crave it after, and because I like to run in the morning I am partial to eggs after a good long run.
Tell SOURCE readers something about you that has nothing to do with running: I love sushi so much that for a long time there was a maki named after me on the menu at one of my favorite restaurants. It was delicious.
What shoes will you wear on Marathon day? Brooks have been good to me, so I will likely stick with those.
What is your goal for the 2023 Boston Marathon? Have fun and finish, and if I can PR, great!
Will you wear anything personal or symbolic the day of the 2023 Boston Marathon? Why? I always wear my favorite earrings that my dad gave
me. I am picky about clothing so this is an easy thing I can do that keeps him with me.
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