Parkway Running Club's Connolly on Running Boston Marathon

Parkway Running Club's Colleen Connolly, of West Roxbury, is running the 2013 Boston Marathon and answered questions about training, what she thinks about while running and chicken parmesan.

Patch: What made you want to run in the 2013 Boston Marathon?         

Connolly: Running the Boston Marathon has always been a dream. I remember watching the runners cross the finish line on Boylston Street as a teenager and thinking it would be really cool to run the marathon someday. I ran the Chicago Marathon in October 2012 and decided I would try running Boston. I am very excited and nervous, but mostly excited. 

Patch: How and where did you train? Do you have any superstitions, or particular things you needed?           

Connolly: I trained with the Parkway Running Club and met a few other members down at the Y at 5:30 a.m. a couple of mornings a week. I did my long runs with the group also and participated in a few races geared toward people running the marathon. This winter I needed very warm clothes to train!

For training I don't have any superstitions, but the night before every big race I always eat chicken parmesan. I will also carry the memorial card of my good friend Father Dan Kennedy with me on race day. Dan was also a member of the Parkway Running Club before he passed away five years ago from an undiagnosed heart condition. I carried his memorial card with me during the Chicago Marathon and had a great marathon. I am hoping for the same on Marathon Monday. 

Patch: What do you like about running?  

Connolly: I love running because of all the positive things it brings to my life. Running in the morning also gives me nearly an hour to reflect on the day ahead. To be honest, nothing seems as bad after a four- or five-mile run. In addition to the benefits to my health, I have made a lot of wonderful friends through the Parkway Running Club and I couldn't have asked for a better group to train with. 

Patch: What will you be thinking about while running?         

Connolly: When I ran the Chicago Marathon all I could think about was how lucky I was to be healthy enough to be there and to have so many people cheering along the way. In Boston, I know I will probably be thinking the same thing and about how cool it is to be part of such an historic athletic event.

Patch: What else would you like to say about running the Boston Marathon?  

Connolly: I am thrilled to have the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon. I can hardly wait to get past Heartbreak Hill and cross the finish line on Boylston Street.