Lucie Wicker Photography: #BostonMarathon Runner Story: Colleen Courtney for Gronk Nation Youth Foundation

With the Boston Marathon coming up in one week, I'd like to share some photos and an interview I did recently with Colleen Courtney who met me on Super Bowl Sunday at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. We had fun doing some running, stretching, and even some jumps (my fav!). Here's Colleen's story:

Name: Colleen Courtney

Location: Melrose, MA

Occupation: Manager, Boston University Student Employment Services

Number of Marathons Run (including 2017): 2

Boston Marathons Run (including 2017): 1

Why I Run: I love the commitment it takes to train and the feeling of accomplishment afterwards. After my collegiate soccer career ended, I felt there was something missing in my routine which is when I discovered running. The void I felt was from a lack of being challenged both physically and mentally. Running feeds my competitive drive, keeps me goal oriented and helps me maintain motivation on a daily basis.

This year I am running the Boston Marathon on behalf of Gronk Nation Youth Foundation. This organization inspires students through sports, education and fitness. I'm passionate about this organization because of my own experiences playing youth sports. Athletic involvement since a young age taught me so many qualities that I apply in my everyday life- discipline, consistency, motivation, teamwork, effort, patience and many more.

I also run in memory of my Dad who was my biggest fan and taught me the meaning of discipline, strength, and consistency in running and in life.