Boston Marathon Q&A: J. Alain Ferry

This post is part of our Boston Marathon Q&A, where we ask local runners about their journey from the streets of Boston to the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. 

J. Alain Ferry aka ‘orangeman’ running the 2011 Boston Marathon. Photo provided.

Name: J. Alain Ferry

Age: 41

Residence: South Boston

What did your training regimen look like?
No running from September to March due to knee injury and surgery in January. Then six runs on a treadmill, including a 13-miler. Then 5 runs on the track in Southie, including a 10-miler. Plus, a reasonable effort at Shifter’s 5K in Waltham on March 31st.

What was the hardest part of training?
In a normal year, the most difficult part is getting in a long run despite crappy New England winter weather. This year, having knee surgery three months before the race is the obvious challenge.

What’s your favorite pre-race (night before) meal?
A bunch of Team RaceMenu friends get together each year for a pasta dinner at a friend’s place in Back Bay. Pasta is the fuel of champions. Why eat anything else the night before Boston?

What is your favorite post-race meal?
Beer.

How will you stay motivated during the course?
It’s difficult to lose motivation when surrounded by so many talented runners and hundreds of thousands of spectators cheering for you. I typically walk through every other water station which they have at every mile, so sometimes that’s a nice mini-goal to keep chugging along.

Why do you run the Boston Marathon?
The first year I ran, in 2005, I entered because a hand injury which required several surgeries was going to sideline me from bicycle racing that year. I’ve gone back each year since because it’s such an amazing experience. You probably need to run it to know what I mean.

Do you have any racing superstitions?
None. I wonder if Nomar Garciaparra ever ran Boston?

What will you be doing the day after the Boston Marathon?
Laying low, avoiding stairs, and taking vitamin I (ibuprofen) every few hours.