This November, Ernie Bueno will be running the NYC Marathon for the third year as part of the Race to End Duchenne team. He does it all for his friend and inspiration, Sam.

Meet Ernie

Why did you choose to join the Race to End Duchenne team?

Back in 2010, I met John Killian, father of Sam Kilian.  Sam has Duchenne.  This was the same year that I was in process of making a permanent lifestyle change (losing weight, eating better, and getting back in to running shape).  John challenged me to take it a step further and to run in my first marathon.  By joining Team Sam and running for charity, I could run in the New York City Marathon.  After meeting Sam Killian, running in this race provided a greater motivation than just running, but raising money to support the research and development for helping those with this Duchenne disease like Sam.

How many races have you participated in?

I’ve completed 13 half marathons and 4 marathons (NYC-twice, Chicago-Once, Boston-Once).  NYC 2021 will make it 5 total.

How do you prepare for races?

Training: I average 5 days per week in my running (30 to 40 miles per week).  Saturdays are typically my long run days and I always take Sundays off.  I typically take another day off mid-week.  I try to run on trails or on grassy areas during the week to minimize the pounding on my knees from the pavement.  I will occasionally replace a weekly run for a bike ride (12 to 16 miles).

Sleep: I need at least 7 to 8 hours of daily sleep.

Diet: Eat more grilled foods, stay away from fast food, minimize carbonated drinks and beer, and drink lots of water.

Do you have any fundraising and/or training tips or pointers you would share with other runners – either advice someone gave you or you’ve discovered on your own?

Fundraising tips:  Use Facebook, emails, and text messages to promote your web site for fundraising.  And always include pictures to tell the story of why you are doing this event.  It makes it so much more personable.

Training pointers: Always listen to your body.  There are some days that you just don’t want to train.  If you feel like a turtle, run like a turtle. If you feel like a rabbit, then run like one.  Bottom line to is run the way you feel to get the mileage in.

What will be the first thing you do when you finish your next race?

Get a massage and eat a Double Meat Cheeseburger with bacon and large order of fries.

Join Ernie in the Race to End Duchenne

Race to End Duchenne is Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy’s signature program that raises funds to support our mission to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy. When you join the Race to End Duchenne you are supporting PPMD’s vital work in advancing research, care, and advocacy to help those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. Join the team at one of our upcoming races!

Join the Race