Joey McIntyre talks to Runners Feed

Runners Feed has posted an article about Joey and his plan run a half marathon to raise money for Alzheimer’s Association on April 7

Joey McIntyre could tell you hundreds of captivating stories about traveling the world as a member of New Kids On The Block. With over 80 million albums sold, one might find it difficult to speak about anything else. Not McIntyre. I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with this international superstar AND runner, and to be quite honest, it wasn’t because of who he was or what he has done as a musician. After interviewing countless professional runners, it was refreshing to speak with someone who appreciates what the sport can do for him but also what the sport can do for others.

McIntyre appreciates the health benefits of running. “It is great cardio and keeps the weight off” said McIntyre, but this is such a small portion of why he will toe the line in Hollywood on April 7th. He is running to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Here are a few interesting facts from ALZ.org

1) 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.

2) One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer’s disease.

3) Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

4) More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care valued at $210 billion for persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

5) Payments for care are estimated to be $200 billion in the United States in 2012.

McIntyre’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and he was quick to admit that it is tough to watch. He speaks about his mother and the process in a powerful blog post entitled “My Mom May Not Know Who I Am…“. He is candid and forthcoming with stories that one might expect a person of his stature to hide. It is evident that McIntyre is on a mission to raise awareness to put an end to this nasty disease. As one of nine children, he says “this disease affects the whole family. My mother is so fortunate to have the care she has, but so many are not as lucky.”

McIntyre respects the half marathon distance. He likened running this distance to dealing with Alzheimer’s. “You must be present and focus on the moment. You have to run mile 6 before you can think about mile 10″.

When I asked McIntyre about his training leading up to The Hollywood Half Marathon, McIntyre said, “I run three to four days a week and upwards of 6 miles”. Within five minutes it became evident that he had caught the running bug.

He went on to say, “I was out for a 7 mile run and it was beautiful outside so I decided to run 10 miles. Once I got there I figured I might as well run 13.”

As a native of Boston, McIntyre mentioned that the Boston Marathon is on his radar. If you thought it was loud when you ran past Wellesley College, wait until Joey McIntyre debuts in Boston.

Below is an excerpt from McIntyre’s Fundraising Page:

My mother suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. She loved to walk everywhere. Never had a driver’s license- so I’ll run for her instead the Hollywood Half-Marathon. Thank you for your support to Alzheimer’s Association- its an amazing organization working hard to finding a cure for this debilitating disease.