Boston Marathon Inspires Swampscott Mom

This Q&A article was done by Sarah E. Blodgett of McDermott Ventures.

Nicole Reither

Business Development Manager  

Suffolk Construction Company 

From Swampscott

Nicole is running to support the Boston Scholar Athletes program (BSA), a program launched by Suffolk Construction CEO John Fish and Boston Mayor Tom Menino.  The BSA is driving academic achievement through athletics and giving kids the extra incentive to do well in school so they can participate in school sports.  www.bostonscholarathlete.org

Nicole’s fundraising page: http://www.crowdrise.com/BSAMarathon/fundraiser/nicolemarker

Q&A With Nicole

Where do you live?

My family—my amazing husband and two gorgeous little boys—and I live on the North Shore in Swampscott.  We have to be by the water—a walk on the beach at least once a day is our philosophy!

Is this your first time running a marathon?

This will be my second time running a marathon.  I ran the Rock & Roll Marathon in Arizona before I had kids.  It was flat and hot, but there was music and bands every other mile, which made it a very cool experience.  No heartbreak hills out there!

What is it about the BSA that inspired you to run for this cause?

I have always volunteered and have done work in the fundraising and non-profit sector, whether it was sitting on the Board for Kids in Distress or having a Best Buddy.  (Although we are now miles apart, she still is my Best Buddy!)  So I am thrilled to have the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon and raise money for the children in Boston Public Schools in the hopes of motivating them to do physical activity.

Other than supporting the BSA, are there other reasons that you want to run a marathon?

Other than the fundraising aspect, I needed some sort of motivation to lose my baby weight.  I am blessed with two little boys—a two year old and a six month old.  They are my world but to set aside some “me” time and run has been amazing!

What are you doing to train for the marathon?

I keep asking all of my younger BSA team members what they are doing and how far they are running and try to keep up as much as possible.  It is not an easy task whatsoever!  I do short runs during the week and then get up really early on the weekends to do long runs.  I am very grateful for the gym in the office!

What additional volunteer activities do you participate in?

Currently, I am on the council for the Pine Street Inn, raising money and awareness for homelessness.