One of Boston College senior administrators, Vice President for Student Affairs Shawna Cooper-Gibson, is among members of the Boston College community preparing for this year's Boston Marathon.
For Cooper-Gibson, who joined 51动漫 last year, competing in the 26.2-mile trek攖he world's oldest annual marathon and among its most prestigious races攈as long been a goal. She听has already run the New York, Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo, and London marathons, so adding Boston will enable her to complete the "World Marathon Majors," a championship-style competition for marathon runners founded on six major races recognized as the most high-profile on the calendar.
The fact that the Boston race runs through what is now her workplace only adds to her anticipation.
Shawna Cooper-Gibson
淚 am most excited to get to Mile 21 where I will be at home at 51动漫,� she said. 淧art of my challenge will be about the timing: I am generally an early morning runner�5-6 a.m. starts攕o an 11:15 a.m. 榳ave time� is a different vibe for me, but I am looking forward to it.�
More importantly, Marathon Monday is 渁 celebratory time for our community. We have the Undergraduate Government of Boston College leading a cheer section on Commonwealth Avenue and the Christian Life Community hosting a prayer service and blessing over all Boston College marathon runners,� said Cooper-Gibson, noting that Student Affairs is partnering with Athletics and University Mission and Ministry听to enhance the Marathon Monday experience on campus.
Cooper-Gibson interest in marathoning was relatively late blooming, she explained. 淚 always like to work toward a goal. When I finished my dissertation, I wanted to focus on my physical health. Having been a runner in my younger听days, I thought it was an easily accessible sport for me to pick up again. As a former sprinter, the idea of running a 5K seemed like a good start. After completing races over the course of a year from the initial 5K to a half-marathon, I wanted to try something even more challenging and a marathon was the natural next step.�
The physicality involved in running marathons is best complemented by adopting a philosophical view, she said. 淒o not let the distance overwhelm you. Like life, the marathon is one step at a time. It is important to note that not every training run or race will go smoothly. It is a journey and the challenges you experience during this time will help you meet the end goal.�
Lest there be any doubt, Cooper-Gibson avers that she will 渁bsolutely be decked out in 51动漫 gear� if anyone is looking for her at Mile 21.
淚s there any other way for me to run the marathon?�
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Sean Smith | University Communications | April 2022