Boston Marathon Profile: Lauren Flateland

BROOKLINE, MA - Brookline resident Lauren Flateland will run in this year's Boston Marathon as one of 20 members of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation team.

Flateland, a 30-year-old researcher at Merck pharmaceuticals, said running in the marathon has been a goal of hers for years.

"I was so excited," she said about hearing the news she had been accepted. "It was one of the happiest days of my life, after my wedding."

Flateland has been a runner since high school but started running distances after moving up to Boston for graduate school nine years ago.

Patch caught up with her to find out what it's like being a first-time Boston Marathon runner.

On running with a group: "I think in general I push myself harder. They are all a dedicated, fun group of people and its very inspirational. I really like when we get to run in costume; we once did a superhero run and another one around Easter where we dressed up like bunnies and chicks."

On raising money for the NEPCF: "It's a really great organization because the funds that we raise go to a lot of smaller charities that don't get as much exposure. I feel like I can make a bigger impact through these people and thought that was a great way to help the community."

On asking for donations: "It's a very unique experience to have to ask for money from everybody you know, as well as complete strangers. It's definitely new territory for me and adds a level of stress and planning because you have to meet your goal."

On her marathon aspirations: "My goal is to have a strong run - to feel good and feel like I have energy left when I turn on Boylston Street and go for the finish line."

On running in her first Boston Marathon: "There's always nerves with a run that's very long. I think it's mixed with excitement this time around because its a fun and inspiring race."

Flateland also wanted to give a special thanks to the NECPF for picking her and said she is grateful for her fellow runners.

To donate to Lauren Flateland's page, click here.

Photo submitted