Brookline Resident Nancy Roe Running Boston Marathon for Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass.

Working towards finishing the 26.2 grueling miles involved in a marathon is rarely an easy journey, but for Brooklineresident Nancy Roe, it’s been an obstacle course. Roe, who is a Girl Scout volunteer, has committed to run as part of the Girl Scouts’ marathon team.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts has been selected as a charity of the Boston Athletic Association Boston Marathon^® Official Charity Program. The funds raised by the team will support the Girl Scouts council’s Get Moving Initiative, which educates girls on how to stay healthy and active.  Every year, Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass offers indoor and outdoor programming to girls at its 14 camp properties and through year-round programs. These programs educate girls on health, fitness and wellness in a variety of ways.

Roe has been volunteering with Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts since she and another mom started a Brownie troop two years ago. She felt it was important to involve her daughter in Girl Scouts because she has very fond memories of her time as a Girl Scout when she was growing up in the Midwest. Now with a group of 10 Girl Scouts, Roe and her troop have brought cheer to animals at the MSPCA, gone on a rock climbing trip, and plan to camp on the Cape this spring.

“I have been so thrilled to introduce my daughter and her friends to Girl Scouts. The organization has come a long way since I was a girl. But the underlying message of strength and leadership has remained,” said Roe. This is Roe’s first marathon; she is running to set an example of healthy living for her troop. “I wanted my Brownies to see me set a goal, work towards it and complete it, and I want my daughter to understand that good things can happen when you set your mind to something.” 

Roe knew that agreeing to train and run was a big commitment, especially at a time when she was traveling to the Midwest frequently to be with her mother, who passed away earlier this year. Then in January, her husband was forced to take a job out of state, leaving her with the responsibility of raising three children alone while working full time as an occupational therapist. Finding time to train has been quite a struggle.

“This has not been an easy goal to accomplish, but I made it clear to my family and troop that these obstacles have only strengthened my resolve to finish.  I decided to run the marathon because I want to set an example of a healthy lifestyle for my troop, but in the end my healthy decisions have made running the marathon easier,” she said. “This entire experience both as a troop leader and as a runner for Girl Scouts has been amazing, and I can't wait until Marathon Monday.” 

To help Nancy reach her fundraising goal and to send her well wishes, visit her web page athttp://www.razoo.com/story/Nancy-Roe-Fundraising-For-2013-Girl-Scouts-Of-Eastern-Mass-Boston-Marathon-Team.