Region – Sarah Friedman, of Northborough and Maria Benway, of Marlborough will both be running in their first Boston Marathon this year. The two women are running to raise funds for Roseann Sdoia, who had to have part of her right leg amputated after being seriously injured by the bombs in last year's marathon.
Why are you running Boston this year?
Friedman -I am running in honor of Roseann, to demonstrate our solidarity with her and love for her. Maria and I are part of “Team Ro,” comprised of 12 people from all over the country.? Our goal is to raise $100,000, which is the cost of the prosthetic leg she will need every five years.
Benway – I was at the Red Sox game last year and saw all the runners that had stopped and didn's get to turn onto Boylston Street. It was heartbreaking to me to see everyone that was affected and after all the training that they had been through and were not able to finish.? The next day, I got the news that Roseann was injured.
How much have you raised?
Friedman -I am fortunate to have the full support of my company, ServiceMaster by Gilmore.? Our president Steve Gilmore has donated countless man hours to helping us raise as much money as possible.? So far, we have raised approximately $20,000.
Benway – To date, I have raised $20,000.00
Has this winter's weather affected your training routine?? If so, what have you done to cope with it?
Friedman – Although I like running in cold weather, the snow and ice have made footing dicey at times. I almost always run outside, but some of the subzero days have forced me inside to the treadmill.
Benway – I prefer running in the cold over the heat, but this winter has been particularly bad especially with the snow.? I have had to do more treadmill running than I prefer. I always do my longs on the weekend with friends and we brave the cold together.? Having people to run with makes all the difference.
What does it mean to you to run in this year's marathon?
Friedman – As a lifelong runner the chance to run Boston is the opportunity of a lifetime! ?Boston is the holy grail of marathons for runners. The fact that I am fortunate enough to run Boston as my first marathon is unbelievable. I am humbled and extremely grateful to have the chance to run this race, this year, for our friend and colleague Roseann.
Benway – I am running for those that can's.? It means everything to me; running the marathon has been one of my goals since I was in high school and running it this year for Roseann, makes it even more special to me.
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/RoseannSdoiaRecoveryAndSupport.