By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson/Marlborough – Marlborough native and now Hudson resident Rick Lacina is training to run his first marathon. He feels the time is right to begin with this year’s 121st Boston Marathon. As his benefitting charity, Lacina chose to join the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC) because, he said, “Too many friends and family members have been affected by cancer recently.”
Among those affected by cancer are colleagues at 1Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb Middle School in Marlborough, where Lacina works as assistant principal for grades five to eight.
“Over the last couple years, many of our staff members have been affected by cancer, including some staff members’ young children,” he said. “We saw one co-worker get diagnosed, struggle, and then pass away last year. A colleague took a leave of absence and he’s receiving treatment at Dana-Farber. Another colleague’s son was at Dana-Farber this year and last I heard he’s in remission. Too many people need to go there; too many lives have totally changed because of cancer.”
According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute website, the 2017 DFMC team is “the largest charity group in the Boston Marathon” and “aims to raise $5 million in pursuit of the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.”
Although a first-time marathoner, Lacina grew up playing sports with a particular interest in football. As an adult, he ran a couple 5K races and a few half-marathons including Michelob ULTRA Boston, Rock ‘n’ Roll Providence, and the Father’s Day Half-Marathon as part of the Worcester Running Festival.
“I never thought I could do a half-marathon – much less a whole,” he acknowledged.
As his most memorable half-marathon, Lacina cites his several years participating in Boston’s Run to Remember. The tribute to fallen law enforcement officers and first responders is held annually Memorial Day weekend.
“I most remember seeing all the active police officers lining the streets,” he said. “They volunteer their time and cheer on all of us runners.”
DFMC provides its team participants a training program designed by 1976 Boston Marathon winner Jack Fultz. Lacina has accepted the offer.
“Jack sets up different training plans for anyone from a novice, intermediate to expert runners,” Lacina explained. “I’ve been trying to do the program the best that I can – obviously, for a novice. I’m running three or four times a week, doing some cross-training at the gym, and taking rest days. I’m tired!”
His training includes treadmill workouts at the gym, and runs on the Assabet River Rail Trail from Hudson to Marlborough and back. Sporting DFMC apparel while working out has bolstered his motivation to complete his goals.
“When I’m wearing my Dana-Farber T-shirt, I get stopped by people who thank me and want to donate,” he relayed. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about how Dana-Farber treats their patients.”
Lacina is adjusting to the marathon training. However, he’s less comfortable with the fundraising.
“I’ve never really had to ask people for donations, so that’s very hard for me to do,” he shared. “It’s humbling when somebody reaches out and offers to help.”
In between training and fundraising, Lacina spends time as a sports dad with 10-year-old twins Colby and Cooper, fifth-graders at the David J. Quinn Middle School in Hudson.
“My son plays hockey, and I help coach my daughter’s softball and basketball teams,” Lacina noted. “There are some days when I miss basketball practice because I’ve got to go run seven miles. They understand and they’re excited for me. I want to show my kids that it’s important to stay active no matter how old you are. I want my kids to be proud of me.”
To donate to DFMC in Lacina’s name, visit www.runDFMC.org/2017/ricklacina.
