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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Brendan Manzella
Hometown: Framingham
Marathon Team: Team Framingham
Is this your first marathon? This will be my third marathon. I ran Boston virtually in 2020 and in October of 2021
What is your personal best marathon time? My personal best marathon time is 3:40:20. This was my first marathon which I ran right here in Framingham
Is this your first Boston Marathon? This will be my second official Boston but first time running in April.
Why run Boston? Boston is iconic in the sport of running. It is the oldest annual marathon in the world. I grew up close to the route in South Framingham as a
spectator and always envisioned myself as a participant.
Which charity are you raising money for? I am raising money for United Way’s Call2Talk
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Why did you pick that charity? This charity is close to me after losing a close friend, classmate, and teammate to suicide. Mental health remains a huge crisis
in our society. Throughout life we all experience highs and lows and people need guidance and reassurance that time will pass and your situation will get better.
Call2Talk is that outlet for our local community.
Link to your charity fundraising page:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/brendan-manzella-raising-funds-for-united-way-of-tri-
country-56353/#timeline
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How did you first get into running? Started with a 5K and here we are.
Why do you like to run? Running provides me an outlet to relieve stress. It’s a simple exercise where you can go at your own pace.
Tell SOURCE something about your training for the marathon: I listen to my body when running. I set a mileage goal for each training day and if I don’t hit that goal, I don’t get discouraged and make up the mile (s) on a future run.
What is your favorite cross-training activity? Walking/adventuring with my girlfriend Kim and dogs Mayflower and Gunner.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why? I prefer to train alone. I like to get lost in my music, podcast, thoughts, and the scenery of where I am running. I
do however enjoy the bi-weekly Saturday/Sunday group runs. They provide a friendly team atmosphere and camaraderie.
Are you an early morning runner or evening runner? During the week I train at night and on the weekends I run in the morning.
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How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run? I know someone else is putting in the work and I often don’t have a valid excuse.
Music or no music when running? If music, favorite song? Definitely music. I am scattered when it comes to my tunes. I listen to all genres but if I had to select one song it would be 1-800-273-8255 by Logic. This song fits the mission of my run.
What is your favorite pre-running meal? My favorite pre running snack is avocado on toast.
What is your favorite post-run snack? Usually chocolate and peanut butter is on the menu.
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Tell SOURCE readers something about you that has nothing to do with running: I have a passion and love for the game of ice hockey.
What shoes will you wear on Marathon day? I will be wearing New Balance Fresh Foam Roav
What is your goal for the 2023 Boston Marathon? My goal for the 2023 Boston Marathon is to finish under 4 hours and raise as much money as I can for
Call2Talk.
Will you wear anything personal or symbolic the day of the 2023 Boston Marathon? Why? I’ll write a message on my shoes. I’ll need some inspiration and luck.
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