A Fresh Take on the Boston Marathon
Alltown Fresh® puts a fresh take on everything, even down to its concept of providing healthy, handcrafted meals and a thoughtfully curated selection of locally sourced goods that you wouldn’t expect for your neighborhood convenience store. For those on the go and especially those who will be running the Boston Marathon in a few short weeks, having accessible and clean food options is a necessity. This year, local marathoners are turning to Alltown Fresh® to help fuel their long runs as they gear up to return to the starting line in Hopkinton, MA on Patriots Day since the COVID pandemic hit two years ago.
Meet the runners:
Juile Mizraji
Charity: Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Training out of: Waltham, MA
Why are you running the marathon?
Running a marathon has always been on my bucket list but not something I ever thought I could do, especially after my breast cancer came back two years ago. My life felt so uncertain at the time and I felt like I lost my ability to look towards the future and accomplish goals. I had picked up running during the pandemic and ran a half marathon on my 30th birthday, but still a full marathon seemed beyond my ability. When I saw that the Boston Marathon was coming back to the spring again, it hit me one morning that I wanted to go for it and run for something beyond myself. I have been going to Dana Farber Cancer Institute for my treatment the past several years and becoming a part of their marathon team and raising thousands of dollars for research felt like the best motivation. So I am running the marathon for cancer research, for everyone who has been touched by cancer, for my metastatic breast cancer sisters and for myself.
As this is your first marathon, what have you learned most about training and eating?
I learned that training for a marathon is HARD! It’s hard on your body, your mind, your schedule. While I knew this would be difficult, I never mentally or physically pushed myself so hard before. I’ve learned that sometimes less is more. Your training cannot be defined by one run and you have to be prepared for setbacks whether that’s from injuries or just not feeling your best.
In terms of eating, it’s so important to fuel yourself well the day before with healthy carbs and protein. Take time to learn what works well with your body because everyone is different.
What is your favorite post-run meal?
Since I usually run in the morning, I will eat a larger breakfast right after. Some of my favorite things to make are avocado toast with eggs, oatmeal, or a breakfast bagel sandwich along with a chocolate protein drink.
What is your favorite item on the Alltown Fresh® menu that would compliment your training?
Everything looks so good! If I had to choose, I love the B.L.A.T, chicken teriyaki bowl and the breakfast burrito.
What products in the Alltown Fresh® marketplace would you be interested in using to fuel your race?
I was so excited to see Bolt Energy Chews. I have become to partial to having gels on hand to get me through the tough miles.
The nearest Alltown Fresh store to Waltham is in Marlborough (at 14 miles away). Running there and back would be a marathon, Would you ever do it?
Haha I may be a one-and-done marathoner….we will see. So I may pass on running to Alltown Fresh and back, but that would be a great bike ride!
Any tips for new runners?
Sign up for a race! It doesn’t have to be a marathon or anything too extreme but give yourself the opportunity to work towards something. It could be a local 5K that you set your goals around. There are many training plans available for beginners that will accommodate both your schedule and skill level. Overall tip, having a plan and goal are key.
Learn more about Julie’s race for Dana Farber.
Jez Langhorn
Charity: Home Base, Mass General Hospital
Training out of: Boston, MA
Why are you running the marathon?
I’m running the 2022 Boston Marathon to raise money for Massachusetts General Hospital and their program ‘Home Base’ which is dedicated to supporting Veterans, Service Members, their Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research.
What have you learned most about training and eating for a marathon?
I ran the virtual Boston Marathon last October. The thing I learned was “train hard, run easy.” And it wasn’t easy!
What is your favorite post-run meal?
Protein smoothie.
What is your favorite item on the Alltown Fresh® menu?
Veggie Quinoa bowl—with Chicken!
The nearest Alltown Fresh store to Waltham (where you work) is in Marlborough (at 14 miles away). Running there and back would be a marathon, Would you ever do it?
Of course!
Any tips for new runners?
Sign up for a good training plan. I’m using the one from The Heartbreakers Running Club.
Learn more about Jez’s race for Mass General
Liz Grenier
Charity: The Herren Project
Training out of: Lowell, MA
Why are you running the marathon?
To raise awareness and funds for the Herren Project. The Herren Project raises money for addiction recovery and prevention programs, awareness of substance use disorder and helps break the stigma of drug and alcohol addiction. This organization is life changing for those individuals and their families looking for help. Alcohol and substance addiction is no stranger to my family and friends. I could not be more passionate about raising funds to support the Herren Project, as I know firsthand the difference turning to Herren can make.
What have you learned most about training and eating for a marathon?
This is my fifth marathon and second time running Boston (back in 2015 I ran for Dana Farber) and have a handful of half marathons under my belt. I learn more about myself and the process with each training. The last two marathons I’ve trained for, Dublin in 2018 and this year’s Boston, I’ve learned that nutrition and consistency is everything! Meal prep, meal prep, meal prep! “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. A friend told me this once and just looking it up now, it looks like it’s from Benjamin Franklin! Anyways, I try my best to follow this advice!
What is your favorite post-run meal?
For the long training runs it’s 110% a Burger – I’m talking about a loaded one!
What is your favorite item on the Alltown Fresh® menu that would complement your training?
Any of the bowls which are filled with deliciousness! I’d also accompany those with the Green Glow smoothie with coconut milk, YUM!
The nearest Alltown Fresh store to Waltham (where you work) is in Marlborough (at 14 miles away). Running there and back would be a marathon, Would you ever do it?
Absolutely!
Any tips for new runners?
Have fun with it! I started by walking around my new NYC neighborhood 12 years ago and remember calling my father with excitement about venturing out. He lovingly told me to pick up the pace, haha! I ended up joining Team in Training and met an incredible amount of positive and fun people!
Learn more about Liz’s race with The Herren Project