TEAM IMPACT: MEET RONALD YOUNG
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, Ronald Young!
Impact Melanoma: How’d you learn about IMPACT Melanoma and Team IMPACT?
Ron Young: My daughter-in-law (Rebecca) did the research to find Team IMPACT. I qualified and ran Boston in 2015. It was such a wonderful experience that I wanted to do it again. On October 6, 2018 I tried to qualify at St. George UT for the men’s 75-79 age bracket. However I ended up with a 4:46:33 while the new BQ time is 4:35:00. Naturally I was disappointed.
For my 75th birthday on November 15, 2018 Rebecca surprised me with a way to run Boston – what a gift. I have a friend who tried to run for a charity but concluded that besides raising money, a significant amount of volunteer time was also required. Naturally that would not work unless you lived in the Boston area. I had no idea that this was an option.
Having lots of experience with skin cancer and a couple melanomas, this seemed like a great opportunity. Also with IMPACT Melanoma reaching out beyond the Boston area made this possible.
IM: What made you decide to get involved and commit to a spot on the team? What does said spot mean to you?
Young: Initially I was motivated by the opportunity to run Boston again. However, the more I learn about IMPACT Melanoma, the more I realize that this is not just about me, but the opportunity to help others. As part of the fundraising effort I have shared my story among friends and my health care professionals, including the dermatologist that removed my melanomas. I believe in giving. This has also provided the opportunity to have a conversation with my friends about the benefits of tithing.
IM: How many marathons have you run in the past? What do you take away from these experiences?
Young: My first marathon was in 2012 at age 68. Since then I have run 10 more marathons in California, Utah, Hawaii and Boston. I have also run over 100 1/2 marathons over the last 45 years. What I enjoy most is attending an event where I am part of an optimistic, energetic, healthy, supportive, and friendly group. While each runner is competing for their best time, there is a sense that we are all part of the same team.
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?
Young: I am really looking forward to meeting the other members of the team and finding out how I can continue to support the efforts of IMPACT Melanoma long after the race is over. Naturally I will train for and use my best efforts to run a Boston qualifying time.
IM: What is your personal stance / battle cry with regard to skin cancer and taking care of one’s skin?
Young: Stay out of the sun, especially between 10AM and 3PM. Wear protective clothing. Have skin checks regularly.
IM: What’s your pre-race ritual? Some sort of specific cuisine the night before? Specific stretching routine? Special socks? You tell us!
Young: For the period leading up to the race I try to store as much glycogen as possible, in my liver and anaerobic muscles. This involves running some fast intervals, eating lots of carbs and staying hydrated. The day before the race I rest, trying to stay off my feet. The night before the race I have the traditional spaghetti dinner.
On race day I start sipping the fuel I will use during the race. Currently I am using Hammer Perpetuem for fuel, because it contains some protein which is beneficial after three hours. Most races start at daybreak so I don’t eat any solid food on race day. However the charity runners start Boston at 11:15 so that routing may change slightly.
I use a Garmin watch which I have programmed into 1-mile laps. On the main screen I monitor heart rate and lap pace (the tachometer and speedometer). To run a BQ pace for a 75-79 male requires an average 10:35 minute/mile pace. I try and keep my heart rate below 135, which I estimate is my lactate threshold. Since some miles are faster than others, I have a second screen where I display overall pace and distance.
During the race I try and run my own race, avoiding falling into a pack. I focus on running the current mile, not thinking about the miles left. I concentrate on running mechanics, landing on the ball of my foot and standing up straight. I also try and run the tangent, which is important in Boston with the wide streets.
I use a running belt where I carry two flasks of fuel, electrolyte capsules, GU, a phone (to connect after the race) and my ID including medical information.
I usually walk the aid stations, especially during the second half of the marathon. Depending on the weather I will drink water or electrolytes.
To get involved and make a donation:
Visit Ron’s runner profile here to help her reach her personal goal: www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/impact-melanoma-boston-2019/ronaldyoung6
Visit our Team IMPACT profile page here:
www.crowdrise.com/o/en/team/impact-melanoma-boston-2019
