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After her second son was born last May, Jennifer Goldsmith, manager, Strategic Planning and Finance, was searching for some solitude and quiet from the busy atmosphere of work and home life. She turned to running and in only a short period of time, a few simple jogs evolved into a training program to enter the 2002 Marathon.
Goldsmith also discovered that hitting the road offered much more than a reflective retreat. She realized running had resulted in a newfound strength, self-confidence and motivation. “I know now not to set limits. This accomplishment sets a standard for what I should expect of myself in the future,” she said.
Goldsmith also found that Newton’s hills had a way of breaking the silence a long run affords. With the Marathon on the near horizon, the hills, once a quiet retreat, became a place where complete strangers gravitated toward conversation together, exchanging stories while adding another mile to the hundreds logged in preparation for Monday.
“Once I met a psychiatrist at MGH who was running for Dana Farber’s team,” said Goldsmith. “Another time I began jogging along with an English teacher from Boston Latin. That long run resulted in great book recommendations,” she added with a laugh. “Because running is an individual sport, when you are out there with your fellow marathoners-in-training, you gain a stronger sense of team and draw inspiration from one another,” she said.
But, Goldsmith was quick to point out that she never lost time for her self-reflection while training. After all, this was a primary goal from the start and according to Goldsmith, a benefit to her work on BWH’s Strategic Plan as well.
“I come up with some of my best ideas on my long runs,” Goldsmith said while describing the clarity one gains during an 18-mile training session. “At one meeting I was really able to clearly and concisely execute my presentation. My colleagues complimented me on the analogy I used, and I told them I came up with that one on Heart Break Hill.”
Goldsmith is genuinely excited for race day. She has had a tremendous amount of support from several communities, circles of friends and her husband and sons. There has been an outpouring of generosity from old classmates, ranging from elementary to graduate school, coworkers, neighbors, family members and even the parents at her children’s day care center. With all this encouragement and support, Goldsmith is currently one of Team Brigham’s top fundraisers, generating more than 100 contributions so far.
If Goldsmith tackles the Marathon course like she has the fundraising call from Team Brigham, she is sure to be a true success story at this year’s race. Goldsmith and more than 70 other members of Team Brigham have already raised $116,475 and are still accepting donations through May 15.
To make a donation online to support Goldsmith or other members of Team Brighamvisit (https://www.brighamandwomens.org/forms/donationform.asp), click on “Making a single donation,” then “Other” and write in the runner’s name along with the phrase “Marathon Program 2002.”
Although this year’s slots for Team Brigham are full, employees are encouraged to support Team Brigham members or volunteer their time to assist with logistics the day of the marathon. To find our more about volunteer opportunities, contact Linda Werman at 781-297-7250 or lwerman@attbi.com