Why I’m Running: ‘I’ve always considered Boston my home city’
Tyler Critz is running Boston to raise money for Back on My Feet.
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston.
Name: Tyler Critz
Age: 20
From: Hollis
As a New Hampshire native I’ve always considered Boston my home city but I’d never experienced the Boston Marathon until my first year at Boston University. As an athlete fresh from high school looking for a new hobby, it was watching these races that piqued my interest in running. During each run I’ve completed while in Boston, I have always been struck by the people I have seen.
Although not the typical method of people-watching, seeing, meeting, and interacting with those I see on my runs has been one of the ways I’ve come to learn about this city I’ve had the opportunity to call home for the past four years. I believe that treating homelessness as a symptom of a larger issue, while true, has allowed society to ignore the mental and physical tolls that struggling with homelessness can have.
Back on My Feet’s approach, of encouraging healthy habits and structure provides a community and support for those who can benefit from is most and I believe successfully acknowledges and aids those who suffer from homelessness. While pursuing my psychology degree, I have come to know the proven importance that providing a helping hand can have and I believe Back on My Feet is exactly that, the hand that helps our community back onto its feet.
As a college student, it’s been easy to think that I can only begin to impact my my community after graduation from school, however, running the 2024 Boston Marathon for Back on My Feet affords me the opportunity to jump in and help in a way where I know I can make a direct impact. Regardless of age or experience, we can all support and benefit our society, it’s just about looking for the opportunities to do so.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
Be civil. Be kind.
Read our full community guidelines.To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address