Countdown to Boston: 25 days – Swampscott’s Pelletier back for second time

Name:Francesca Pelletier
Age:22
Hometown:Swampscott
Where you live now:Newark, Del., while attending the University of
Delaware
Q:Have you run a marathon before? If so, how many, and which ones?
A.I ran the Boston Marathon in 2014. It was my first marathon ever.
Q.What are your thoughts going into the marathon?
A.I still consider myself fairly new to this whole thing so I think there?s a mix of emotions going into it. Your nerves kick in just because it?s such a big event. I was more nervous last year because I didn?t really know what to expect, so this year I am a little more relaxed. I?m also extremely excited to have the privilege of running in the Boston Marathon for the organization that I am a part of this year. For me, it comes down to raising money for those in need, enjoying the moment, and having fun.
Q.What was training like this winter?
A.This winter was brutal. Thankfully, where I go to school in Delaware, we didn?t get as much snow as Boston, but it still was pretty difficult. While I was home for the holidays, not only did I have to dress extremely warm, but the snow, snow banks, and ice made such a mess. I had to pay attention while running outside because I had to be on the lookout to make sure cars could see me over the snowbanks. Hopefully, those snow banks are gone by race day!Q.Do you have a target finish time? What?s been your best time?
A.Last year I ran it in just over four hours and 30 minutes. I really just try to focus on finishing the course, and also saying hi to my friends along the way, so I don?t really have a target finish time. I would love to beat my time from last year, but if that doesn?t happen, I won?t be devastated. I reached my fundraising goal this year so that is what I am very excited about!Q.Why do you run it?
A.Marathon Monday has always been such a fun, memorable day for so many people not only in Boston, but all over New England. My dad ran it a bunch of times when I was younger, so I remember going into the city with my family and cheering him on. And when he didn?t participate in the race anymore, my family and I would always go to the Red Sox game in the morning and then catch the end of the race on Boylston Street. When the bombings occurred two years ago, I was away at school and I just felt so helpless. I always thought of Marathon Monday as such an uplifting day with my friends and family, and I didn?t want people to think of it otherwise because of someone?s horrific actions. I decided to run it, and to hopefully keep running it, to help restore how the Boston Marathon should be and to run for those who cannot because of what happened.Q.Are you running for a charity? If so, which one, and what does that mean to you?
A.This year I am running it for the Boston Red Sox Foundation. I interned for the Red Sox this past summer and saw firsthand how amazing their foundation truly is. Every single day, the foundation had something going on with one of their charitable programs. They work so hard to improve the lives of families and children all over New England. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to contribute to their efforts in giving back to the community.
Q.What is your best/favorite running memory?
A. My favorite running memory has to be running the marathon last year. It?s hard to put into words how amazing the experience was. All my friends from the University of Delaware drove up to Boston with me. To see the city bounce back in such an incredible way last year was amazing. All of my friends and family were at Cornwall?s bar in Kenmore Square, and I saw them there just a mile before the finish line. They were all going crazy and doing their part cheering me on. I?m lucky to have such great family and friends to share the day with, and to have them donating to my efforts. It definitely is a team effort!Q.What are you most looking forward to on Marathon day?
A.I?m most looking forward to just getting out there and having fun. Hopefully