Westborough Firefighter Dons Marathoner's Gear

Name: Carl Roche

Age: 47

Marathon experience:  Carl is a lifelong town resident and. “It’s a great job. I love it,” he said. Carl is a recreational runner who has participated in many local races over the years. “I’ve always wanted to run the Boston marathon. I call it ‘the big show.’ It’s going to be a great adventure,” he said. Carl is one of four members of the Westborough Fire Department who are running the Boston Marathon this year.

Reason for running:  Carl is running with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team and has raised nearly $5,ooo for the cause.  “I am running for a dear friend and neighbor who is fighting cancer and has been a great inspiration to me,” he said. As a firefighter, graduate student, and father of three young children, it’s been challenging for Carl to fit in his marathon training. “With my schedule, I’ve had to train by myself,” he said. “My goal [for Boston] is to get to 3:30 and have a qualifying time for next year.”

Training tip: For marathon hopefuls, Carl recommends starting training early. “Start well in advance. For a spring marathon, start in the fall and run through the winter. Work your way slowly into it,” he said.