B.U. Bridge is published by the Boston University Office of University Relations.

Contact Us

Staff

Why I'm running
Countdown to the 105th Boston Marathon -- Monday, April 16, 2001

Since I grew up near Boston and attended Boston University, I've always watched the marathon with my family, friends, and classmates. Ever since I was a little girl, I've cheered on the runners and wished that someday I, too, could be out there with them, running in one of the most prestigious 26.2-mile road races in the country.

This year, my dream has come true.

	Sarah Godbout (COM'97) and Laura Mikols. Photo by Fred Sway

On April 16, I'll run the 105th Boston Marathon -- the biggest physical goal I've set in my life. Right now I'm 12 weeks into my training program, which is sometimes difficult to maintain in the New England winter weather. But I'm thoroughly enjoying the challenge. I'm also running for a reason that's much more important than the personal challenge of completing the distance.

As a member of the Samaritans/John Hancock Marathon Team, I'm committed to raising money for the Samaritans of Boston, a nonprofit volunteer-based organization dedicated to suicide prevention throughout the greater Boston area.

Individuals who attempt, or die by, suicide do so in the midst of deep crisis, experiencing intense emotional pain and tremendous isolation. The Samaritans carefully train both adult and teen volunteers for their 24-hour befriending services, to help prevent and reduce the risk of suicide. The Samaritans also provide community education to health and human service agencies and public schools in the greater Boston area.

--Sarah Godbout (COM'97), public relations associate in the Office of Public Relations

Even though I knew all about the traditional Patriot's Day Boston Marathon from my boyfriend, who lived in Boston, I didn't fully appreciate the excitement of the race until we got married and I relocated here from Rochester, N.Y. As residents of Kenmore Square, we cheered on the runners virtually from our "front yard." As I watched the runners pass by, I thought to myself, "I could do that."

For three consecutive years, we've watched the race. Last April, I thought once again, "I could do that," but then I looked at my infant daughter and added, "but not anytime soon."

Now, in the midst of training for "that," I'm happy that this year I won't feel that familiar inspiration about entering the race rise in my chest, only to dissipate without realization. I'll be out there on the course -- exactly where I want to be -- not watching from the sidelines.

I had lots of reasons not to run the marathon this year. I questioned, for instance, how much precious time I would lose with my 16-month-old daughter. But what cemented my decision was finding out I could raise money for the Samaritans of Boston, a suicide prevention agency whose sole purpose is to bring hope to those who need it. It has been rewarding beyond words to let those in my family and community know what I'm doing and to harness their support and enthusiasm for both the marathon and the fundraising I'm doing on behalf of the Samaritans.

As a Boston transplant, the marathon represents a rite of passage to me. It is a celebration of a community that I have come to feel very much a part of and of the home that my husband and I have created here.

-- Laura Mikols, public relations associate in the Office of Public Relations

Gail Holt. Photo by Vernon Doucette

In November 1999, my brother-in-law committed suicide. Three weeks prior to his death, he ran the Cape Cod Marathon -- his first. Afterwards, he spoke to my husband about running the 104th Boston Marathon as a bandit.

As I watched that marathon with my husband, I wished each runner that passed by was my brother-in-law. He should have been running, and he wasn't.

Later, during one of my runs, I entertained the idea of running Boston, even though the longest distance I had ever run was six miles. First I challenged myself with a half-marathon and completed the Philadelphia Distance Run on September 17, 2000.

In October I contacted the Samaritans of Boston, an organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of suicide in Boston and increasing public awareness about suicide. In November, I was notified that I would be part of the Samaritans team running in the 105th Boston Marathon.

I have been empowered and motivated by the support of family, friends, and strangers in my quest to run the Boston Marathon and support a cause that works to prevent others from experiencing the pain and tragedy that my brother-in-law Lindsey and my family have endured.

On April 16, I will run the Boston Marathon with Lindsey's spirit at my side. Together, we will achieve glory.

-- Gail Holt, a senior assistant director in the Office of Financial Assistance

CALLING ALL MARATHONERS -- The B.U. Bridge would like to know if you're planning to run in the 105th Boston Marathon this April -- and why. Are you running to fulfill a dream, to support a great cause, to honor the memory of a loved one, or to challenge yourself? Please send your name, your University affiliation, and the reason you're running to B.U. Bridge, 10 Lenox St., Brookline, MA, 02446 or e-mail to bridge@bu.edu.

9 March 2001
Boston University
Office of University Relations