Today, in the third installment of the "Meet the Marathoner" series, I am thrilled to introduce you to Chris Mario.
When it comes to love for the city of Boston, I pretty much feel that I reign supreme. That was until I met Chris. Chris' pride, joy and enthusiasm for Beantown is unparalleled.
His devotion to Boston is only outweighed by his reason for running - to honor his friend Sam. Sam passed away from Lymphoma in January 2014. Chris is running in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for the third year in a row. This year, as in years past, he'll run with Sam's name across his shirt.
As you read the below interview with Chris, you'll want to fist bump him, but you may also need to reach for the tissues.
Thank you, Chris, for reminding us what it's all about.
PBS: When did you run your first marathon?
CM: I ran my first marathon in Boston in 2013. (Pictured below, Chris in the 2013 race)
It was the most perfect day I could have asked for, until suddenly it wasn't. I was about two blocks past the finish line when the bombs went off. I choose to focus on the beauty and strength that came out of Boston that year. We are a community, and the Boston Marathon is a powerful expression of our resiliency and determination.
PBS: Rumor has it, this isn't your first marathon.
CM: I ran Boston in 2013 and 2014. This year will be my third year running, all part of Team in Training with Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Go team!
PBS: Tell us more about how you got involved with the LLS team.
CM: I first got involved with the team in December 2012 when my uncle was diagnosed with Leukemia. My uncle is thankfully healthy and doing well today.
In the spring of 2013, while I was training for Boston with LLS, one of my best friends was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Sam and I grew up in Westford together, attended and worked at the same summer camp in New Hampshire and lived together on Cape Cod for a summer in college. (Pictured below, Chris and Sam)
After many forms of treatment, Sam passed away on January 15, 2014. Sam inspired me and everyone lucky enough to know him. I miss him every day.
PBS: This is your third year running with the LLS team. What keeps you coming back?
CM: The people who support LLS are amazing. Our coaches, coordinators, water stop volunteers - they all invest so much time and energy to make the team a success.
I run to honor Sam and to support the team's mission of finding a cure for blood cancers.
PBS: Now let's talk about training. How has it been during the official worst winter in Boston's history?
CM: In a word - amazing! We live here, we signed up for this. We run for those who can't. When you see the course packed with charity runners on a frigid Saturday morning - that is what this city is about. The Boston Marathon is a badge of pride, and training through Boston cold and snow makes that badge what it is.
Nobody said training this winter would be easy, just that it would be worth it. (Pictured below, Chris with his family after the 2014 race)
PBS: What was motivating you to run in the sub-zero temperatures or through the mountainous snow banks?
CM: Those lucky enough to know Sam know that he was an amazingly gifted runner, but more importantly, he woke up every morning and worked hard. Sam believed that if you were given a gift, it was your job to work as hard as you can at it. We as charity runners have been given the gift to fundraise and participate in the Boston Marathon. It is our job to work at this. Every day is a gift and opportunity to do so. The cold and snowy mornings are nothing but a reminder that this is the BOSTON Marathon!
PBS: What is your favorite stretch of the course?
CM: Without a doubt - running through Boston College! A roar of students cheering meets you as you cross the final crest of Heartbreak Hill. Those pesky Newton hills have just leveled you for a few miles and you are wiped. Then you reach the heights, a downhill stretch that will lead you home to Beacon.
Keep that spirit up, BC. Keep bringing the noise! (Pictured below, Chris running the 2014 race)
PBS: Will you be wearing anything special on race day?
CM: I run with Sam's name on my LLS jersey. For Sam's family and friends, we remember him as love. This day is about Sam.
PBS: Is there anything else you'd like the readers to know?
CM: I want to thank the city of Boston and supporters for turning out on race day every year. It truly is the crowd that makes this event what it is. As a city, this our day. Let's do this!
PBS: I don't know about you guys, but Chris is my hero. I hope you all feel as inspired as I do by his positive attitude, his unwavering commitment and his pride for our beautiful, brave city.
You can donate to Chris and his team his right here.
If you'd like to get to know the other runners in the "Meet the Marathoner" series, you can do so below.
