Ready…Set….GO! Dr. Curalli is off and running!

Last updated September 18, 2023

Dr. Curalli, your Seattle dentist, is gearing up for the NYC Marathon on November 1, 2015. He will be running to benefit the CdLS Foundation, an organization which has provided tremendous support for his family. Today marks the OFFICIAL start date of his training! We asked Dr. Curalli to share with us some of his training plans, as well as tips he has gathered from his previous 2 marathons. Whether you are training to run a full marathon, or just working to get in better shape, getting some words of wisdom from others who have been successful can always be an encouragement!

Q: Dr. Curalli, what is your current training schedule?

A: For my previous 2 marathons, the Seattle Marathon and the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon, I used the Hal Higdons training method. I will be using the Novice 1 Marathon schedule again. I was turned on to this training method by a very good friend of mine who has run more than 20 marathons, and just as many ultra marathons. I would recommend this training method to anyone who is looking to try a half or full marathon!

Q: What are your favorite training foods? Before, during, after?

A: Before a race (or big training session) I find I do best with a good combination of carbs, protein and fats. My favorites are a bagel with ham and cheese, or a protein shake smoothie with fruit. For post race fuel, it is basically whatever is close at hand that has massive calories! My favorite is a giant burrito. I do find that I really need to keep up on my carbs during a long training session, and especially during the race itself. I use Clif Bars, CU Gels, or gummy bears. And of course LOTS of water! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! This cannot be stated enough!

Q: What helps you keep your motivation, stay focused on your goals and not burn out?

A: Staying focused on goals and not burning out hasn’t been much of a problem before. I love running as it is a good way for me to relax, and gives me a chance to explore different areas of the city, or nature. I like to run to a destination. One of my favorite runs is to leave from my house, run to sunset hill park overlooking the Shilshole marina, run along shilshole to Golden Gardens, Run through the lochs and up to Discovery park for a loop on the beach trails, and back through the lochs to my house again… about 15 miles total.

For this particular race, running for the CdLS Foundation will also be a huge motivation. The chance to raise awareness for such a great cause is exciting and an honor, and not having my best race would be a disservice.

Motivation is not a problem, finding the time to train is more difficult! I have a wife, 2 kids, and work full time at my own practice. Most of my weekday training will require waking up early (5AM or earlier) and heading out on a run.

Thank you Dr. Curalli for sharing your training tips with us! Be sure and check out the fundraising page and feel free to share it to help him reach his goals!

Dominick Curalli’s Fundraiser: Team CdLS NYC Marathon 2015

If you have any tips or local Seattle running trails you want to share with Dr. Currali and our community, please share them in the comments below or on our Facebook page.