Team Running for Cover: Meet Dan Abbott
The 114th Boston Marathon commences on Monday, April 16th, and IMPACT Melanoma is once again proud to present our team, Running for Cover, 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 Running for Cover’s team 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 $1.9 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 Running for Cover, 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, Dan Abbott!
IMPACT Melanoma: How’d you learn about IMPACT Melanoma and Team Running for Cover?
Dan Abbott: Several years ago I came to the realization I wouldn’t be able to run fast enough to qualify for Boston. I learned about charity running through some running friends and ultimately the BAA website. Last year, after my Melanoma was removed, I brought the list up and started researching charities. I focused on two things. 1. I wanted to find a charity that supported something that was personal for me. 2. I wanted the charity to be on the smaller side and have a more family than corporate feel. I found The Melanoma Foundation of New England (IMPACT) and Team Running for Cover on the list and right away it felt like a perfect match for me.
IM: What made you decide to get involved and commit to a spot on the team? What does said spot mean to you?
Abbott: I was searching for answers about this disease and so many of them were on the website. After a lot of discussions with my wife I decided to apply for a spot on the team. I knew I needed to get involved because I loved everything I was reading and really wanted to help bring awareness to this disease. This opportunity means a lot to me. The surprise has been hearing stories about family and friends I had no idea had been affected by the disease. So not only am I bringing awareness to the disease I am growing closer to some of them too.
IM: How many marathons have you run in the past? What do you take away from these experiences?
Abbott: I have run 3 marathons and 1 – 200 mile team relay prior to Boston. It’s not always an easy decision to run/train for a marathon. I have been contemplating running Boston for about 4 years. I think what ultimately helped with decision was my scare with Melanoma last January and a little push from my wife that helped me realize that time is valuable and I needed to stop thinking and start doing! At the end of every marathon I am so thankful that I completed such an amazing feat. This marathon will have a similar feeling but getting to run for such a great cause and run with IMPACT and Team Running for Cover is exciting. Marathons are usually focused on individual achievements. I think I am most excited about running with a team! It has been awesome so far getting to hear others stories and bounce ideas off one another.
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?
Abbott: This race is going to mean so much on so many levels. I haven’t brought this up yet but race day is my 38th birthday. It also happens to be my sons 3rd birthday. So not only will I be reflecting on my personal accomplishment but I get to celebrate with my family and son. I get to teach him about helping other people and show him that you can do anything you put your mind to. I also think knowing that all of the money being raised by IMPACT will go to helping, in some way, people affected by this disease will be an amazing feeling on race day as well. Needless to say it will be a very emotional day.
IM: What is your personal stance / battle cry with regard to skin cancer and taking care of one’s skin?
Abbott: I’ve realized in life you can give people your opinion but it doesn’t mean they will listen to you. I have always been the person who needs to have sunscreen on when I go out. Being diagnosed with Melanoma and having it caught in such an early stage just reaffirms my efforts to educate people about the dangers of over exposure without protection. My hope is even if people don’t listen about using sunscreen they will still make an appointment to get their skin checked or tell someone else about my story. #PracticeSafeSkin has become my new favorite tag line. I love using it and will always try and educate people I meet about skin safety!
IM: What’s your pre-race ritual? Some sort of specific cuisine the night before? Specific stretching routine? Special socks? You tell us! :o)
Abbott: I like to think that I am not as OCD as some runners but if you ask my wife she’ll probably tell you I am worse. I always have to have spaghetti (usually whole grain) and meatballs the night before a race. I always try and get to bed by 8:00 the two nights before a race. The morning of the race I have to allow for 30-45 minutes of stretching and I always have to have a piece of toast with honey and PB 1:30 minutes before the race. Fifteen minutes before the race I have to have my GU tri berry and 16 ounces of water. I don’t have any lucky socks but I am on a little bit of a compression sock kick right now. I love my USA ones!
To get involved and make a donation:
Visit Dan’s runner profile here to help her reach her personal goal: www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/impact-melanoma-boston-2018/danvw80
Visit our Running for Cover team page here: www.crowdrise.com/o/en/team/impact-melanoma-boston-2018
