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 BC 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 BC,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 BC gearā if anyone is looking for her at Mile 21.
āIs there any other way for me to run the marathon?ā
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Sean Smith | University Communications | April 2022