Team IMPACT: Meet Michael Schwartz
The 123rd Boston Marathon commences on Monday, April 15th, and IMPACT Melanoma is once again proud to present Team IMPACT, which is comprised of a dedicated group of runners that come from different backgrounds and levels of running experience. Each of our runners share a passion for our cause – which is to spread awareness and prevention initiatives with regard to the incidences of melanoma around the United States, and, with our lead, the word.
Many of Team IMPACT’s members are survivors, family members of survivors, or a person who has lost a loved one to melanoma. Together, along with our partnership with the Boston Athletic Association, we’ve been able to make great IMPACT over the years raising in excess of $2 million, which has gone to directly benefit IMPACT Melanoma’s mission of prevention, education, support and advocacy in the fight against melanoma.
As mentioned, each of our team members have unique reasons as to why they’re contributing efforts to Team IMPACT, and, as such, we’re highlighting a handful of them in support of their run, and their campaign to raise necessary funds.
With that in mind, please join us in welcoming and thanking, Michael Schwartz!
IMPACT Melanoma: How’d you learn about IMPACT Melanoma and Team IMPACT?
Michael Schwartz: A colleague of mine who has run Boston in the past with Team Impact referred me to this organization.
IM: What made you decide to get involved and commit to a spot on the team? What does said spot mean to you?
Schwartz: My practice as a facial plastic surgeon in Florida has me regularly interacting with patients dealing with skin cancer and helping them cope with the after effects. The opportunity to do Boston (a “bucket-list” race) and work with a charity that helps prevent skin cancer was a natural fit and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate.
IM: How many marathons have you run in the past? What do you take away from these experiences?
Schwartz: This will be my eighth marathon and my first Boston. Training for these races and dedicating the efforts to a worthy cause has been a win-win for me and many people. I have run London on behalf of Smile Train, NY on behalf of the American Heart Association, and Disney on behalf of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
IM: I know it’s hard to predict, but how do you think this particular run will stack up (from a philosophical/humanitarian/or just straight physical point of view)?
Schwartz: I expect this race to be challenging as it is primarily a qualifying race, so most participants are not casual runners as occurs in the other majors where there is a lottery allowing many to participate. I myself would not “qualify” without participating in a charity team. Many runners are also determined to make a PR in this race. Florida training is challenging for this race as it is flat here. I have tried to incorporate bridge and garage runs to simulate hills but I know that will be an issue for this race.
IM: What is your personal stance / battle cry with regard to skin cancer and taking care of one’s skin?
Schwartz: Skin care is something I emphasize to my patients frequently. They are often concerned about having a youthful appearance. The skin is the “fabric” and having it maintain the best quality with hydration, sun protection, good diet yields the best results with all other procedures.
IM: What’s your pre-race ritual? Some sort of specific cuisine the night before? Specific stretching routine? Special socks? You tell us!
Schwartz: Pre-race Saturday I and my family (the best support crew ever) will definitely carb load at Rino’s of east Boston. I don’t know if you have ever been there but it’s hands down the best lobster ravioli in New England. I’m wearing ASICS for this race but in the past have used Hoka One One when I had heel pain. An old trick we use here in the Florida heat is to apply Vaseline to your feet before long runs. If you do, you never get blisters…
To get involved and make a donation:
Visit Michael’s runner profile here to help him reach his personal goal: www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/impact-melanoma-boston-2019/michaelschwartz58
Visit our Team IMPACT profile page here: www.crowdrise.com/o/en/team/impact-melanoma-boston-2019
