Readers Say

Why I’m Running: ‘I ask myself every day, ‘If not now, when?”

"I'm now trying the ultimate new thing by running a marathon."

Nadia Havens is running Boston in honor of her grandfather.

March 18, 2022

1 minute to read

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. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.

Name: Nadia Havens
Age: 22
From: Franklin

I’ve dedicated the rest of my life to trying new things.

Naitik Shah is running his third Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber

My Poppop was my best friend, and he was the epitome of living life to the fullest. He always made me try new foods, places, boardwalk rides — you name it and we’d try it. He’d wait months to try his new ideas so that his family could be there and experience it with him.

He passed away unexpectedly in 2017, with his clothes set out and his lunch packed for the next day. This left such a lasting impact on me, and I ask myself every day, “If not now, when?” I’m now trying the ultimate new thing by running a marathon. I know for sure if my Poppop was still here with us he’d either be running beside me or cheering me up Heartbreak Hill.

I am currently working and running with Tufts Medical Center and collecting donations on behalf of those like my grandpa who don’t have the opportunity to run. Whether it be the amazing staff working at Tufts or those who are inpatient at the medical center on April 18, all of your donations go to making patient care possible.

I’m lucky enough to be a witness to and part of the exceptional patient care Tufts Medical Center provides and I have attached my personal fundraising page so we can continue to deliver such care and teach the next generation of medicine!

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.