Boston Marathon 2015 Runner Profile: Liz Loveless, of Needham

Name: Liz Loveless

Age: Late-twenties

Profession: Child Therapist in Needham

Marathon experience: I have run one marathon before in Richmond, Virginia and a few half marathons, but this is my first Boston Marathon!

Reason for running: I am running for Samaritans, a suicide prevention organization. Samaritans provides a 24/7 crisis service for those who are feeling hopeless or need to talk to someone who will offer unconditional and non-judgmental support.

I work as a child and adolescent therapist in Needham and have seen how our town has been affected by suicide. I truly believe in the services that Samaritans offers our youth and community as a whole. It can be so hard to find someone who understands you, especially as a young person. Having a number to call any time of the day with someone on the other line who will not criticize, complain or freak out is incredibly comforting and can help you out of a dark moment when you feel hopeless.

Charity: Samaritans, a suicide prevention organization that provides a 24/7 hotline, grief support services and community education. Click here if you would like to help me reach my goal and raise money for suicide prevention! Thank you for your support!

Training tip: Chocolate milk! I love drinking chocolate milk after a long run. It gives you carbs, protein and calcium which help your body to recover - and it just tastes so good after a grueling run!

Bib number: 29,992

If you’re running the 119th Boston Marathon on April 20, Patch wants to recognize you.

We’re putting together brief profiles of local runners, and we want to include you! To be featured on Needham Patch, email a photo and the following information to Needham Patch editor Mike Bednarsky by emailing michael.bednarsky@patch.com