Five runners will be representing and raising money for the Adaptive Sports Foundation by participating in the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 2. The next marathoner we’ll be highlighting in our Marathon Monday campaign with a Q & A is John Blackwell! Please consider donating to John’s fundraising page by clicking here.
ASF: What’s been the most challenging part of your marathon training so far — and how did you push through it?
JB: The most challenging part of my marathon training has been time management. Our daughter was born in July (on my birthday!) and taking care of a baby, returning to work and training has been quite difficult. I’m proud to say that my wife has supported me the entire way and lets me sleep through the night so I wouldn’t be able to do it without her!
ASF: If your marathon training were a movie, what would it be called?
JB: Nap Time? More Like Lap Time
ASF: What’s your ultimate pump-up song while training?
JB: I don’t listen to music while I run. I never have and it’s because I enjoy being alone with my thoughts and I think there’s no better voice than my own to pump myself up when things get tough on a run.
ASF: Are there any running superstitions or pre-race rituals you swear by?
JB: I drink coffee, take an antacid, and get carbs in.
ASF: If you could train with any athlete or public figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
JB: I’d train with Neil Armstrong if he was still alive. I’d enjoy listening to him describe what being on the moon was like and hear stories that didn’t make it to print.
ASF: Do you have a “running buddy?” If so, how do they impact your run?
JB: No, I don’t have a running buddy up here. Next time though.
ASF: What are you looking forward to the most on marathon race day?
JB: I’m most looking forward to seeing my wife and daughter cheering me on!
ASF: Have you ever been to NYC? If so, what are your favorite spots in the city and if not, what are you looking forward to most about exploring a new city?
JB: I currently live in NYC and have lived here for six years. I love running on Flushing Avenue past the Brooklyn Navy Yard and into Dumbo because it gets quiet after business hours and has a lot of sunlight and water views. I think the East Village is the best neighborhood in the entire city and I’ll never go a summer without biking to Rockaway Beach.
ASF: How did you first learn about the ASF? What made you want to get involved?
JB:I was looking for a charity to run with and to raise money for a good cause. Our friend recommended ASF and after reading up on it, it resonated with me and I applied.
ASF: What does running for the ASF mean to you personally?
JB: As a lifelong athlete, I’m grateful to be able give back and help people get outside and enjoy the experiences that I so often take for granted.
Good Luck John, and thank you for choosing to run with Team ASF in the TCS NYC Marathon!
John is one of five marathon runners raising money and awareness for the ASF in this year’s TCS NYC Marathon. If you’d like to learn more about the other runners and donate to their pages, click on their links below:
Connor DiGiacomo
Allison McClain
Claire Scavone
Brian Vinniski
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Source: Adaptive Sports Foundation