The 53rd New York City Marathon commences on Monday, November 6th, and IMPACT Melanoma is once again proud to present Team IMPACT, which is comprised of a dedicated group of runners that come from different backgrounds and levels of running experience. Each of our runners shares 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 world.
Many of Team IMPACT’s members are survivors, family members of survivors, or a person who has lost a loved one to melanoma. Each of our team members has unique reasons as to why they’re contributing efforts to Team IMPACT, 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, Keith Austin!
How’d you learn about IMPACT Melanoma and Team IMPACT?
My buddy Merrick and I wanted to run the infamous NYC Marathon and doing so through a charity. We researched various charities but found IMPACT Melanoma to jump out to us as we both had ties in some fashion to this group. This put us in contact with the great team at IMPACT Melanoma and, in particular, Amy, who expanded on what it meant to raise awareness and run for IMPACT Melanoma.
What made you decide to get involved and commit to a spot on the team? What does said spot mean to you?
The NYC Marathon has been on my radar for several years. By finding a charity that has a direct impact on my life and would provide entry into the coveted race, I knew this was my way to not only run the NYC Marathon but to also raise awareness t for skin cancer prevention a cancer that unfortunately took my father-in-law too early. My best friend, wife, and life partner has truly impacted me in more ways than one can count. I have been told that she has many of her father’s attributes, and to not having met the person who provided my partner with such amazing attributes is something that may have been prevented. To run in honor of my father-in-law has been truly inspiring, and it gives me that extra gear when the legs start to give out on me.
How many marathons have you run in the past? What do you take away from these experiences?
This will be my 4th marathon. I try to stay sane during the training and especially on race day. Throughout the constant adjustments to my daily routine, I work on prioritizing my day and work to make the new routine feel comfortable. This is ever so important when the miles start to pile on!
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)?
This run will be electric! In the past, I have been on the sidelines as a spectator. The energy level felt on the outside of the runner’s fence was amazing, and I look forward to being on the inside of that fence this year! The race is calling for a warmer day than usual, so I am taking this as a sign to forgo any specific time and just run my race and work on finishing strong with a smile on my face!
What is your personal stance / battle cry with regard to skin cancer and taking care of one’s skin?
Wearing sunscreen and other sun blockers are important in deterring skin cancer. Sunscreen awareness is a vital part in educating people about the pros and cons of taking care of your skin.
What’s your pre-race ritual? Some sort of specific cuisine the night before? Specific stretching routine? Special socks? You tell us!
I’m a big routine person and have standard meals and attire that I typically do not waiver from. For my standard pre-race meal is a banana with some peanut butter on some form of bread (bagel, tortilla, etc.), and I wash that down with a mix of water and a sports drink. The night before, I enjoy an Italian-style meal of pasta and bread and a few sips of wine. For my attire, I like to run in a specific sock (Bombas), shorts, and tee that are laid out the night before. I will use the evening to stretch and work on loosening any tight areas.
To get involved and make a donation:
Visit Keith’s runner profile here to help him reach his personal goal:
www.givengain.com/ap/keith-austin-raising-funds-for-impact-melanoma/
Visit our Team IMPACT profile page here:
www.givengain.com/cc/teamimpactmelanomanyc2022/
