Run with Heart; An Interview with Anthony Crivello
Anthony Crivello is a Police Officer, a husband, a father, and he's currently training for the LA Marathon (his first) which takes place in a few short weeks on March 24th. While training for the LA Marathon he is also raising money for the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Anthony recently lost his 2 month old son, Andrew, to Congenital Heart Disease, on May 20, 2018, and is honoring him by raising awareness for both the disease and the hospital's work. Anthony is an avid runner who turns to the sport for inspiration and community. Please consider donating to Anthony's Charity Page, supporting his journey on instagram, or purchasing the "Run with Heart" hat (A portion of all sales from this hat will be donated to Anthony Crivello's charity efforts for the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles).
Name: Anthony Crivello
Instagram Handle: @antjoesph88
Day Job: Police Officer
Upcoming Race: Los Angeles Marathon (3/24/19)
How has training been going for the LA Marathon? What are you most nervous about? Most excited about?
The training for the marathon has actually been really enjoyable. I knew it would be difficult and I knew the marathon itself is just the tip of the iceberg compared to the actual miles of training but overall I have really enjoyed the process. I’m nervous for how my body will be that day. Some training runs I feel like my body is invincible and I can push it hard but other days, it’s like there’s a parachute attached to my back. I’m most excited about passing Children’s Hospital Los Angeles around mile 10. I feel like it will be extremely emotional with our family’s history there.
Tell us a little bit about the charity you are raising money for and why?
So my wife and I felt completely helpless when our 2 month old son, Andrew, passed away due to a severe Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. He was born in Los Angeles and transported to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to receive treatment. During our time there, he received the best care possible 24/7, including two open heart surgeries and multiple other procedures. After he passed away, I felt like the only thing we can do is help the organization that helped us during the worst two months of our lives. So I began raising money to help them with their mission.
Why did you choose the marathon as your goal distance?
I have always loved running. I remember a few years ago I was watching the LA Marathon on TV and thinking to myself that I will run that someday. Last year in 2018, before my son was born, we relocated to Los Angeles so that my wife can give birth to Andrew. I remember the Sunday before he was born, my oldest son and I went out early to get donuts. While we were out, we ran into the LA marathon course as all the runners were running by. I told my wife later that I would run it for Andrew in 2019 to raise awareness for Congenital Heart Defects. I have heard that it’s very difficult to run the distance. Without getting into too much detail, Andrew’s life was hard. I want to do something so hard for him that it runs me into the ground. I want to feel the pain that he felt. I want to sacrifice for him and want to do it at the place that we lost him.
What are some of the most noticeable changes you’ve experienced since you started to train for your marathon?
I started training for the marathon in June 2018 and within 5 months I lost nearly 40 pounds. I wasn’t exactly eating all that great before I started and I did very minimal exercise. Fortunately growing up, I played sports like football and basetball through middle school and high school so my body knew how to handle the change pretty well.
How do you manage a typical week (family/work/training)?
I work swing shift only 4 days a week as a police officer. So it’s easy for me to get in morning runs through out the work week. I try to only run 4-5 days a week. A lot times sleep gets interrupted with early morning training runs but I make up for it later in the week. My wife has been a huge support system for me. She encourages me to get out there no matter how overwhelmed she is at home with our two and half year old. If I’m not running, I’m spending time with her and my oldest son. A lot of other things in my life have had to take a backseat during high mileage weeks but it’s only temporary. (Until the next one! Lol)
How do you find balance in running?
For me, running started off as a way to train for this marathon. It started as a tool to raise money for the hosptial. But it turned into something greater. It has helped me through my grief. I feel like Andrew’s legacy continues with me and my running. Evey single time I don’t feel like getting out there too run, Andrew’s memory is there and pushes me. I run faster and further for him every day and it helps me with every step.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Alter Ego Running has been there for me and my family since the very beginning. They have built an amazing community of people with a common interest. I believe that this running community has helped me with the healing process and I appreciate them more then they know. March 24th in the Los Angeles Marathon and I am beyond ready to pass the starting line!
Feb 24, 2019