LVRR: What college will you attend and your intended major of study? Do you plan to run while attending college?
Madison Martinez: I will be attending Ithaca College, majoring in Exercise Science, Pre-medical concentration. While at Ithaca, I will be a part of the women’s indoor and outdoor track and field team.
LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
MM: I started running at the LVRR Youth Series when I was three years old. I was born into a family of runners, so running is an activity that we could all enjoy together.
LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
MM: Breaking the 30-year-old 300-meter hurdle school record at Palmerton Area High School was my greatest running accomplishment.
LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to “sink or swim.” What did you learn from it?
MM: When I was a sophomore in high school, I fell over one of the last hurdles in my 300-hurdle race during District finals. This prevented me from running at the State Championship Meet. I got up and finished the race despite needing stitches in my shin. This taught me to always get back up when you fall and never give up even when facing challenges.
LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
MM: My Dad has been my most influential role model because of his accomplishments as an athlete. He has run 15 marathons, 2 ultra-marathons, an Ironman, and countless road races throughout my life. I admire how he always finds time for the sport of running despite his busy schedule as a surgeon and father.
LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
MM: I think people would be surprised to learn I started a program at my high school where children with special needs could compete at our home meets for track and field. This is one of my greatest accomplishments both on and off the track.
LVRR: What is one word you would say to someone who has just started running– whether it be a youth in the LVRR Kids Series, or an older individual- about why running is worth it?
MM: Happiness is why running is worth it.
LVRR: Is everyone else in your family a runner?
MM: Yes, we’re known in Palmerton as the running family. Both my parents run every day and compete in races of all distances. My twin brother, Jacob, is a running fanatic. He runs up to 70 miles a week and will be continuing his track and field and cross-country career at Lehigh University. My little sister Emma, my favorite running partner, is a freshman at Palmerton Area High School and she competes in cross country, soccer, and track and field. It is so helpful to be surrounded by athletes who know exactly what I am going through in all stages of training.
LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
MM: I competed in the 100-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles, 4×100 meter relay, and 4×400 meter relay.
LVRR: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
MM: Whenever I feel unmotivated or exhausted, I remember my ultimate end goal. In addition, I remind myself of all of the hard work and progress I have made to be in the exact position I am physically and mentally. Few people are willing to put in the work to become great, I just want to be one of those people.
LVRR: What extracurricular activities (outside of running) and community involvement have you participated in?
MM: In high school, I was a captain of my varsity soccer team. I was also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Environmental Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Leo Club, Art Club, and Aevidum. In the community, I volunteered for Carbon County Special Olympics, Homework Helpers, Community Meals, Sacred Heart Church as an altar server, LVRR Youth Series and St. Luke’s Half Marathon.
LVRR: What are three words that describe how you feel when you’re out running?
MM: Powerful, Confident, and Fulfilled.
LVRR: Any other comments/information you would like us to know:
MM: I am the luckiest person in the world to have grown up with a built-in best friend/running partner. My twin brother Jacob reminds me to always put forth my best effort and find true joy in running. It will be difficult to go our separate ways in college, but I am more than excited to see everything he accomplishes on and off the track at Lehigh University.
