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Continued from page 25 alin takes over. I stick to my own game — meaning not hav- ing to pass everyone — but I don’t hold back on race day.” According to Rory, a streak of internal competitiveness is as important as trying to catch that runner ahead. “You need a competitive gene,” he says. “But mentally, you have to be hard as well, to bear down and keep going. V’ll slow down sometimes, but I’ve never not finished. Re- ally, you’re competing with yourself.” Training for a marathon demands a substantial commit- ment over five months, blending runs of varying prescribed lengths with recovery days. “I drew on a combination of websites and friends,” Ben says. “I learned about nutrition, which was critical for me, as well as training programs. On race day, you can tell who’s properly prepared.” Five months’ preparation for an April date demands building endurance — at least one weekly run will top 20 miles - during the harshest season of the year. In addition to plunging temperatures — “my body hates the cold,” Ben admits wryly — winter can sometimes spell dan- gerous conditions, as Sabrina discovered. “Tm struggling with conditioning now because I lost a month’s training - I had a concussion after falling. But I’m satisfied with my progress, consid- g” work, though not an ideal substitute, has been necessary, as well as effec- _l tive layering when out- doors. In addition to running, all stress the need for a cross-training component. “Ym in the gym two or three times a week,” Rory says. “Boot Camp’s part of my regimen.” “Tbike from Port Perry to Oshawa and back,” Ben adds. “Biking works different muscles and provides variety.” Sabrina, who has been seven days a week in her preparation, finds time for “just enough” other activities. “Yoga, core training, weights, and kickboxing... not a lot of any, and not intense.” Despite their extensive training, winning the race is no one’s realistic goal. All agree that “just finishing” will count as a satisfying result on race day. And while the prospect of running steadily over variable terrain for three and a half hours may not attract the non-runner’s envy, these three plan to smell the roses. “run with fast-paced music,” Rory says. “Lintend to really enjoy this experience.” Certainly, a measure of that in-race enjoyment stems from the knowledge they’re on their way to successfully completing so iconic an event. As well, they agree running Boston now carries an emotional component. “There’s solidarity among run- ners in the wake of the bombing,” Rory says. “I just wish I could’ve gone the year after the explosion, because I’m sure that feeling was even more powerful then.” : “You can’t worry about pos- y sible danger,” Ben says of poten- 4 J tial angst caused by the events of 2013. “Life's too short.” The camaraderie men- tioned by Rory also motivat- ed Sabrina - she expressed it as “kinship” — in her effort to qualify for Boston. The issue is on her mind, though at the moment beneath the surface. “To be honest, I haven't thought yet what it'll be \, like that day, but it'll definitely feel different than any other race.” Personal drive and feel- \ ings will take a run- ———— k, and Ben Lariviere are headed for the Boston Marathon. 26 FOCUS - APRIL 2015