One of Boston College鈥檚 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茶馆 last year, competing in the 26.2-mile trek鈥攖he world's oldest annual marathon and among its most prestigious races鈥攈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
鈥淚 am most excited to get to Mile 21 where I will be at home at 51茶馆,鈥� she said. 鈥淧art of my challenge will be about the timing: I am generally an early morning runner鈥�5-6 a.m. starts鈥攕o an 11:15 a.m. 鈥榳ave time鈥� is a different vibe for me, but I am looking forward to it.鈥�
More importantly, Marathon Monday is 鈥渁 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,鈥� 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鈥檚 interest in marathoning was relatively late blooming, she explained. 鈥淚 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.鈥�
The physicality involved in running marathons is best complemented by adopting a philosophical view, she said. 鈥淒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.鈥�
Lest there be any doubt, Cooper-Gibson avers that she will 鈥渁bsolutely be decked out in 51茶馆 gear鈥� if anyone is looking for her at Mile 21.
鈥淚s there any other way for me to run the marathon?鈥�
听
Sean Smith | University Communications | April 2022