Boston Marathon Q&A: Rich DeSilva

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.

Rich DeSilva. Photo provided.

Name: Rich DeSilva
Age: 43
Residence: Mansfield, MA

What did your training regimen look like?
Training is going extremely well (knock on wood). I only run three days per week, including a long run on the weekend, and I cross train (swimming, yoga, strength training) the other days. My off day (Friday or Sunday) usually includes a hike.

What was the hardest part of training?
Honestly, I find the taper to be the most difficult part of the training.  The psychological component of running should not be understated. When I have a “shorter” run of 13 miles, I tend to let my guard down and find that more difficult than a 20 miler that I have mentally ramped up all week for.

What’s your favorite pre-race (night before) meal?
My tradition is to eat pasta with shrimp the night before, have two beers, and then hydrate, hydrate before the race!

What is your favorite post-race meal?
Burger and a beer!

How will you stay motivated during the course?
Initially, the adrenaline and crowd carry you.  When you hit the hills at mile 18 and the going gets tough, I shift my focus to the real reason I am fundraising and running, focusing on the people and families I am helping.

Why do you run the Boston Marathon?
The origins of my interest in running the marathon came when I was introduced to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) in December 2010, when I was diagnosed with melanoma. I have also lost two friends and a colleague to cancer, just within the past two years. And several other family members and friends in recent years [have gone into] remission. Therefore, this is a cause that is near and dear to my heart, as Joe and I are both cancer survivors hoping to make a difference in people’s lives.

Do you have any racing superstitions?
Yes, I always start my iPod with “Mina Loy” by Billy Corgan. Gets the adrenaline and blood pumping.

What will you be doing the day after the Boston Marathon?
 Relaxing early, then probably something involving an active recovery, like a hike with my family and dogs at the Blue Hills.