Milton Native to Run First Marathon for UMass ALS Champion Fund

Michael Traverse, of JW Traverse Insurance and Real Estate in East Milton, has long used a few nights a week of casual running as an excuse to indulge occasionally when it comes to food and drink.

On April 16, Traverse, 31, will run the furthest he’s ever run at one time and his efforts will go much further than just allowing for extra cheese. Traverse is one of eight runners participating in the Boston Marathon for the UMass ALS Champion Fund.

The fund is raising money for UMass Medical School and the research of Robert H. Brown, Jr., DPhil, MD, as they seek significant breakthroughs for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Like a growing number of Americans, Traverse has been peripherally touched by ALS. He said growing up in Milton he had a neighbor who was diagnosed with the disease. He also knew a guidance counselor and football coach at BC High who had ALS.

“It seems more often people are effected by ALS,” said Traverse.

The growing prevalence of ALS proves the need for research and has aided on the fundraising front. Traverse recently eclipsed his $5,000 fundraising goal set by the Champion Fund. Each runner has until the week after the marathon to raise the funds.

As part of the UMass ALS Champion Fund team, Traverse had the opportunity to hear a speech from a local spokesmen for ALS, Former Massachusetts Governor A. Paul Cellucci, who announced his diagnosis in January 2011.

“It’s always powerful,” said Traverse of the address.

For his training, Traverse has been increasing his running mileage, but he has also incorporated stretching, yoga, swimming and acupuncture.

Traverse said when his training started in late December 2011 he hit the internet looking for tips for first-time marathoners. Eventually, the flood of ideas was too much to process and Traverse let his body dictate the workouts.

“You get to a certain point where you realize what your body can and can’t do,” said Traverse.

While he’s always want to run in the famous Boston race, the long training runs have been a vast departure from the five or six miles he was previously logging per run.

“It’s been a lot different,” Traverse said. “The constant pounding of body parts I didn’t even know existed is starting to take a toll.”

With a week left before the 26.2-mile test, Traverse says this is likely his first a last marathon. He is now turning his sights to finishing the race, hopefully under the five-hour mark.

Now, Traverse says he’s looking forward to receiving his medal, posing for a picture and enjoying a much-deserved beer. He’ll also end the day accomplishing a tremendous physical feat and contributing to a worthy cause.

If you are interested in making a donation to the UMass ALS Champion Fund, visit Traverse’s page, here.