26.2 Miles of Non-Stop Crowd Support

The 2023 Boston Marathon is a month away and runners are focusing heavy on their nutrition and recovery. Hopkinton Running Club member, Mike Burdulis, has over 30 years of experience taking on the 26.2 mile challenge and shares insight into why having the right food and supplements pre and post-run is essential.

Name: Mike Burdulis

Running Out Of: Hopkinton, MA

Why are you running the marathon?

I have been running marathons for almost 30 years, but Boston is so special. It is “The Marathon.” There is nothing quite like it; 26.2 miles of non-stop crowd support.

What have you learned most about training and eating for a marathon?
Managing my blood sugar is super important because I have diabetes. Choosing the proper nutrition before, during, and after long runs is crucial.

You are a member of the Hopkinton Running Club. Can you share some of the benefits of being a part of it? How does it help you as a runner?
HRC is a fairly diverse group with runners made up of different ages, experiences, backgrounds and goals that all enjoy running.  I can always find someone to work out with whether I am planning a long training run or a shorter recovery.  It’s great to have others to talk with while running.

What is your favorite item on the Alltown Fresh® menu that would complement your training?
Since the partnership, I have checked out Alltown Fresh more frequently than I did before. I like to have some carbs and protein before a run so a simple bagel with cream cheese is always good. After a run, I prefer something heavier like the breakfast burrito that I found quite tasty and filling.

What products in the Alltown Fresh® marketplace would you be interested in using to fuel your race?
As I said before, I need to maintain my blood sugar during a race. AF has a great supply and variety of energy bars to choose from.

Any tips for new runners?
Start slow – Rome wasn’t built in a day. Set some good and tangible goals, like how many days a week or how many minutes per run you want to hit. I would hesitate to set speed goals; you can control preparation and the work you do, but not necessarily the outcome.  Signing up for a race can be a good motivation, but don’t let it stress you out.