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9-25-2023 11:19pm
Tips for New Walkers: Sunday's Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Photo by Sam Blackman from Flickr. In a past Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, some participants (on left) travel their course, while others (on right) take a moment to frame a memory with a photo.
Mild early autumn days will soon turn chilly, but before that happens, community members who are interested in getting some exercise outdoors and socializing, all while supporting a worthy cause, can still sign up for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which will be held this Sunday, October 1st.
The course follows the traditional route of the Boston Marathon and offers participants four different distance options, from 5K to marathon length, plus a virtual option. For newcomers who may be on the fence about walking the course, read below for tips from Westwood resident and veteran participant, Julie Wallace.
In past years, Ms. Wallace has walked with Team Access in memory of family members, friends, and patients of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she works as a senior director in the Access and Financial Department. This year, she will walk with another group of colleagues on Team Finance, and she will be remembering two additional people. One is James, a Westwood neighbor and friend. The other is Nick, a family friend. They both fought "very courageous" battles with cancer over the past several years, she says.
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Julie Wallace Answers Questions - How to Participate in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk
Q: What are the prerequisites to participating?
The only prerequisites to participating are signing up at http://www.jimmyfundwalk.org and agreeing to the fundraising minimum. The fundraising minimum varies for Adults and Youth, as well as In-Person and Virtual.
Q: What kind of shape should a new walker be in, in order to successfully participate? Any tips for advance preparation?
Luckily, there is a walk route for really any level of walker. The course is stroller friendly and there are refueling stations along the way. For anyone who is nervous about the distance, this is a great year to give it a try, as the routes are slightly shorter. We’ve always been able to do the 5K walk with very little preparation; however, it is definitely important to train appropriately for the longer distances!
Q: Can children join parents on the walk? Is there a minimum age you would recommend?
We have always done the walk with our children. As long as children can physically walk the distance (or are willing to ride in a stroller) there is no minimum age. There is always great energy on walk day and our kids love seeing Boston on foot, especially places where we went to school or lived in the “pre-kids era”.
Q: Which of the 4 routes have you experienced? Is there something you can tell Westwood Minute readers about the routes you've taken to help them decide which to choose? How long will they take?
Our family has walked the 10K route and the 5K route previously. The 10K route typically starts at Boston College. We did this route when our children were younger and willing to sit in the stroller. Now that they are old enough to walk on their own, we have done the shorter 5K route most recently. Both routes are fun and very family friendly.
I personally love the 5K walk because it starts on Jimmy Fund Way, where many of our youngest patients show their support by holding up signs and cheering us on from the glass walkway above. It is always very emotional for me and such a touching reminder of why I walk and the importance of the work that our teams do each and every day for our patients.
Several of the routes are a little shorter this year as the walk will end at Fenway Park due to ongoing construction in Copley Square. The 10K walk is adjusted to 5.2 miles and the 5K walk is adjusted to 1.6 miles.
It is hard to say how long the walk will take since we typically stroll and spend extra time at the snack stops, etc. I’d estimate we will take about 40 minutes to walk the 1.6 miles this year. There is usually a lot to do at the finish line too (food and music), so it is fun to stick around and celebrate with everyone afterwards.
Q: Should walkers bring their own water or is that provided at the refueling station?
There are snacks and beverages at the start locations and refueling stations along the route, but we usually bring our own water bottles just in case.
Q: Any tips on clothing to wear or how to carry personal belongings?
Definitely check the weather report before you go and bring layers. Sneakers are a must, and a backpack is a great way to carry your personal belongings.
Q: Where is the toughest part of the course for a walker?
There really is not a “tough” part of the 5K or 10K course. As with any large walk or run, it tends to be a bit more crowded/slow at the starting points, but it opens up very quickly.
Q: Any other advice you can offer to new walkers?
Walk with friends, family, and/or colleagues and have fun! It is a really special day and so motivating to be surrounded by so many people with the same goal of defying cancer.
Westwood Minute notes that, for added incentive, new or veteran participants alike can use the promo code, NEWS, to receive $5 off the registration fee. Registration and more information are available at www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255.
Thanks to Julie Wallace for contributing information for this article.
Updated 9/27/2023.
