Boston Marathon Q&A: Lisa Warren
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.
Lisa Warren at the 2010 Cape Cod Marathon. Photo provided.
Name: Lisa Warren
Age: 31
Residence: Kingston, MA
What did your training regimen look like?
I wasn’t as strict this time around as I was for previous marathons, where I never strayed from Hal Higdon’s plans. In an average week I would do a couple of five- to eight-mile runs, a fartlek or speed workout, and a long run on Saturday morning. And whenever my schedule had the time, I’d join the South End Athletic Company and City Sports for their weekly run club runs through the city.
What was the hardest part of training?
I moved to the suburbs last year and I learned the hard way that there’s even less sidewalk to run on after it snows than there is in Boston. Anyone who says they love training outside during the New England winter is lying.
What’s your favorite pre-race (night before) meal?
Any type of pasta except fettucine alfredo (this has disastrous race-day consequences).
What is your favorite post-race meal?
Last year my Team With A Vision teammates and I went to Pizzeria Uno in Kenmore Square post-race and I quickly learned that deep dish pizza hits the spot.
How will you stay motivated during the course?
The spectators! They’re the best in the world and they won’t let you quit when your legs are telling you otherwise.
Why do you run the Boston Marathon?
I run Boston for Team With A Vision. We are a team of sighted and blind runners who race to raise awareness for the abilities of visually impaired athletes while raising money to support the programs of the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Do you have any racing superstitions?
My mother bought me a 26.2 necklace after my first marathon in 2008 and I’ve worn it during every marathon since. It’s totally corny, but come on, it’s from my mother!
What will you be doing the day after the Boston Marathon?
Working, eating, and perpetually updating my social media accounts with reminders that I ran Boston.
