Hi Everyone!

Running the Boston Marathon has been a dream of mine. For years I would head down to Boylston Street to cheer on the runners. It wasn’t until April 2013 that I thought to myself, “why am I not out there running this amazing run? It should be me out there running not just standing in the sidelines cheering!” Then the unfortunate events occurred moments after my ambitious thoughts of running in 2014 became a goal. Being in the crowd during the bombings and knowing some of the victims of this terrible tragedy only increased my desire to be a part of this run, to run for Boston.

On April 20th 2015, my dream of running the Boston Marathon will come true. I am honored and feel lucky to say that I will be running for the Boys and Girls Club of South Boston. This organization is close to my heart as I am a Boston Public School teacher who works at the Condon Elementary School, in the same neighborhood as the Boys & Girls Club. I currently teach and have taught many of the students that belong to this great organization. Together we have the same mission of providing a place of hope and opportunity. I personally know the huge impact the Boys and Girls Club has on the children and how important it is to keep this organization up and running. I also think my students past and present would think I am the “coolest teacher ever” for running the marathon in their honor.

To my family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, fellow runners, I appreciate any donation you can give as I embark on this challenging but amazing journey!

**If you prefer to send a check please make it out to the South Boston Boys and Girls Club. Checks can be given to or mailed to me. Contact me at shawnalenz@hotmail.com if you'd like a mailing address.

Thank you!

Shawna