Friend Of | In It for the Long Run: A Sit-Down with Twelve-Time Marathon Runner Laura Schirripa

Friend Of is a new series where I sit down with friends, creatives, professionals and every day people — to hear their stories and inspire connection.

In honor of my favorite Sunday of the year, I had a conversation with 12-time New York City Marathon runner Laura Schirripa — my mom.

Let’s start at the beginning, how did you get into running?

I started running at age 13. I ran cross-country for my junior high school in Las Vegas.

After high school and into adulthood, I ran recreationally and continued running through both of my pregnancies until about seven months.

How many marathons and half marathons have you run to date?

12 NYC Marathons total. Sunday will be 13. I’ve also finished 41 half marathons — running races in Australia, California, Las Vegas, and New York.

After finishing the marathon in 2015

You’ve always ran for leisure so how did you segue into marathon running?

I started participating in organized races in 2003 after I’d just turned 40. Living on the West Side Highway, I was taken with the views of New York City and would often create my own mileage. I heard about the MORE Women’s Half Marathon in Central Park which is now the Shape Women’s Half and ran it with friends, which is where my journey began.

If you had to choose, what was your most memorable marathon?

The 2015 New York City Marathon — I lost my mom earlier in the year and dedicated my race to her.

Running got me through the eight months of taking care of my mother after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It provided an outlet during a difficult time and taught me that I should not run away from my problems but rather that running is the best thing you can do to alleviate anxiety and pain.

What is your favorite part of the New York City Marathon?

I have a few, but my favorite part is seeing my family along the way and my husband—who is my biggest fan—at the finish line every year.

Talking about the course itself — I love the 59th Street Bridge. At that point all you can hear is the sound of runners’ feet hitting the ground. It’s an incredible experience before turning onto First Avenue where you hear the crowds roaring.

What do you listen to while you train?

A variety. My playlist ranges from The Rolling Stones to The Killers to Bad Bunny.

Do you listen to anything while you run day of?

I bring my Airpods in case I hit a wall and need something but that’s never for long, especially once I reach the Boogie Down Bronx! But all in all the sounds of the crowd carry me through.

How do you prepare, and what do you like to do in the days leading up to Sunday’s race?

Since the pandemic, I pretty much train year-round. I do a 13.1-mile run every month and usually start ramping up in July with longer runs and a more structured plan.

Beginning Monday of marathon week, I am very conscious of what I am eating - protein and carbs!

I start to really focus in on carbs beginning Thursday and continue through the weekend. I don’t just carbo-load for one meal, I make sure I’m fueling up every time I eat. My Saturday night dinner will be broccoli, salmon, and pasta.

On Thursday I head to the Expo at the Javits Center. It is a tradition to go with my husband and he always picks out merch for me while I pick up my bib because it is very overwhelming in there - if you’ve been to the Javits Center then you know! He always picks out a mug, sweatpants and some sort of jacket.

Do you have any set goals for this Marathon?

The first marathon I ran I finished in 4 hours and 9 minutes and have since added on.

Now, I don’t focus on my time. I prepare and train to enjoy the best marathon in the world, to finish strong with a smile on my face, and — most importantly — uninjured. That is my goal every year.

Do you have any advice for people who want to get into marathon running but are intimidated

When people say to me “I could never do that” my answer is that if you want to do something, then you can. You can put your mind to anything that you choose to.

I consider what I do for the love of running at age 62 and hope to continue. Training and taking care of yourself is a complete commitment but the outcome of crossing the finish line is beyond words!

What about advice for NYC Marathon first timers?

You cannot let your adrenaline get the best of you. Enjoy yourself, take your time and listen to your body.

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“26.2”

Nick Heller’s new short film 26.2 is now streaming on YouTube. He follows four determined New Yorkers on their road to the Marathon. In just 35 minutes, the film perfectly captures the spirit of the race.

I cried a lot — watch it!