Mark Adamiak ran the 2017 Boston Marathon to support Playworks and their dedication to healthy, inclusive recess in schools.
When Mark Adamiak, 23, thinks back on what he loved about his hometown of Middletown CT, he remembers the diversity. His mom and dad emigrated from Poland, and in Middletown settled into blue collar life amidst a tight knit community of people from a wide range of race, income level, and occupation. Mark’s older brother Arthur, who was always involved in sports, taught Mark how to ride a bike, throw a ball and throw a Frisbee paving the way for Mark to compete in track, cross country running, soccer and Ultimate Frisbee in high school. “All of my opportunities to travel and meet people were through sports,” Mark recalls.
THE PLAYWORKS CONNECTION
Sweating for good was not a new concept for Mark, who is part of Ulman Cancer Fund’s Cancer to 5k running group that helps cancer patients and survivors get back in to being active by training for a 5K. “It was a no-brainer,” Mark said upon learning he could run the Boston Marathon for Playworks New England. “It aligns with my values. Sports have been a huge part of my life, and Playworks creates that for kids.” After a rigorous and competitive application process, reminiscent of applying to college, Mark secured bib #30,275.
THE FUNDRAISING
To secure a charity bib, runners commit to raising at least $5000 but Mark wanted to aim higher, ultimately raising $7800 which will be doubled by Positive Tracks. Fundraising on this scale? “It was daunting!” he admits, so he embraced the power of diverse partnerships to suit the widest range of supporters. His efforts included everything from Harpoon Brewery pizza nights, organizing two treadmill running classes at a local studio, a March Madness bracket, and rallying friends to throw a concert.
THE TRAINING
Mark’s biggest fear in training was burning out or getting injured, so he aimed to run three to four times a week max, and mixed in biking, yoga and swimming to ease stress on his joints. He joined weekly runs with fellow charity runners and stayed in close contact with his small, but nimble Playworks team, which Mark describes as, “Awesome! Playworks and the Positive Tracks coordinators made the process so much easier. Karleen and Cheryl woke up early on Saturdays to support us for our long runs, provided support and swag for my fundraising events, held an appreciation lunch for us, and regularly checked in regarding our fundraising and training.”
GAME TIME
After weeks of cold and blustery winter training, race day’s biggest challenge was the heat. “At 78 degrees it was a solid 25 degrees warmer than what we had trained in,” says Mark. “I knew to start slow, but I hit a wall at mile 13 and was hurting all at once. Miles 13-18 were the hardest.” But once over Heartbreak Hill, the crowd brought him through. “The atmosphere was unbelievable, especially in the last 4-6 miles.”
THE AFTERMATH AND BEYOND
Walking down stairs was a challenge for a few days and although he’s not signing up for another marathon just yet, he sees sweating for good in his future. “I definitely see being involved!” says Mark. “People my age can’t always offer money but we can provide our time and energy.”
MARK’S POSITIVE TIPS
Let people know exactly where their donations are going – i.e., $100 gives 4 children the chance to play in a sports league for the first time; $182 enables 1 child to be a part of Playworks for a whole year, etc… Be persistent, especially with social media promotion. People need to see it a few times before they act.
When it comes to training, Mark is a big advocate of the slow build. “Don’t overdo it!” He only ran 3-4 days per week, not 80 miles per week. There are multiple ways to train for a marathon.
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