One of Boston Collegeās 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 Ļć½¶Šć last year, competing in the 26.2-mile trekāthe world's oldest annual marathon and among its most prestigious racesāhas long been a goal. SheĢżhas 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
āI am most excited to get to Mile 21 where I will be at home at Ļć½¶Šć,ā she said. āPart of my challenge will be about the timing: I am generally an early morning runnerā5-6 a.m. startsāso an 11:15 a.m. āwave timeā is a different vibe for me, but I am looking forward to it.ā
More importantly, Marathon Monday is āa 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,ā said Cooper-Gibson, noting that Student Affairs is partnering with Athletics and University Mission and MinistryĢżto enhance the Marathon Monday experience on campus.
Cooper-Gibsonās interest in marathoning was relatively late blooming, she explained. āI 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 youngerĢżdays, 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.ā
The physicality involved in running marathons is best complemented by adopting a philosophical view, she said. āDo 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.ā
Lest there be any doubt, Cooper-Gibson avers that she will āabsolutely be decked out in Ļć½¶Šć gearā if anyone is looking for her at Mile 21.
āIs there any other way for me to run the marathon?ā
Ģż
Sean Smith | University Communications | April 2022