Mauri Honickman, a senior sociology major, ran in the Boston Marathon yesterday as a member of the Tufts Marathon Team. She began training in the fall of her junior year, although she originally planned to train for a half-marathon in the beginning.
"I was kind of looking for a challenge, something outside of my academics, something outside of my extracurricular activities," she said. "I enjoyed running three or four miles and then I decided I needed to do something, to put my energy into something and I impulsively registered for a half-marathon back at home … Running a half-marathon was on my bucket list."
Honickman said she initially joined the Marathon Team as training for a half-marathon.
"I started running with them, [and] I loved it," she said. "I loved training with them... and [I] somehow managed to rope myself into running the [Boston Marathon].”
Honickman said she greatly enjoyed her experience running with the team, and felt comfortable with the group of runners.
“It was a very personal thing for me. I came into a group that was very welcoming, which has a lot to do with Coach Don [Megerle]... he’s an incredible person," Honickman said. "He’s so supportive and believes in everyone, which is awesome. Coming into that felt very comfortable, as someone who’s not a fast runner... I didn’t feel I had to run a certain speed."
In particular, Honickman attributed her success to the team itself.
"Everyone’s very committed to it," she said. "You get up super early in the morning to go out and run and it’s nice to be in a group. There’s water stops along the way and Coach Don is always there cheering you on. It’s a nice community."
She credited this sense of community to Coach Don, who she said was a source of inspiration to her and her teammates.
“He really believes that anyone can run a marathon if they put their mind to it," Honickman said. "I think that mindset and that spirit he pushes on all of us has definitely left its mark on me. It’s definitely made me believe that any goal, take away running, that I make for myself, I can accomplish."
Before the marathon, the team ate dinner as a group and then went their separate ways to prepare individually. Honickman said that she was a little nervous for the big day.
“I’m very excited but I’m also not trying to think of it too much," Honickman said. "I think the biggest thing is I don’t think I’d be able to do it without the [Tufts Marathon Team]. It’s an incredible source of support, camaraderie."
This camaraderie also extends outside of the team, as Honickman said that other members of the Tufts community were excited to lend their support.
"At mile nine, [Tufts] does a tailgate," she said. "On my run, when I get to mile nine, I’ll see everyone, I’ll see Coach Don and then I’ll see them again at the finish line. ”
Honickman said she planned to meet up with her family after the race, and, of course, eat. University President Anthony Monaco is hosting a reception tomorrow for the team.
Honickman explained that running with the marathon team has had an immense impact on her life.
"It’s totally changed my life," she said. "Running for me is so mental; it’s physical; it’s the one time I really feel in control of everything. I really like it."
