Newport Naval Reservist Runs Boston Marathon for Play

Julie LaFleur, 34, of Newport, R.I., has worn many hats in her professional career. For eight years, she served in the United States Navy during which she worked on cruisers and aircraft carriers as well as trained future Naval officers through ROTC. After transitioning from military to civilian life, LaFleur remained in the Naval Reserves and studied International Development earning a Master’s degree from Brandeis University. Just last year, following an assignment to Djibouti, she worked as a substitute teacher for elementary school students in her hometown of Elyria, Ohio. Now, as a Naval Reservist, she studies at the U.S. Naval War College. Throughout all of her jobs, she used basic life skills, such as leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. All skills she developed as a kid on the playground.

On April 17, LaFleur will lace up to run the Boston Marathon for the first time to support Playworks New England, a regional branch of a national nonprofit that works to bring safe and healthy play to elementary schools during recess as a means to improve the health and well-being of children and to enhance learning. Through onsite direct-service coaching and training school faculty and staff, the organization integrates physical activity with social-emotional learning into organized activities during recess. The goal is to create a space where students feel included, are active, and build valuable social and emotional skills needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

“As a substitute teacher, I saw firsthand the negative effects a poorly organized recess can have on students both in and outside of the classroom,” says LaFleur. “Playworks New England does a remarkable job bringing organized activities and games into elementary schools during recess so that this time is a positive experience, helping to minimize discipline issues and the incidence of bullying, increase rigorous physical activity, and reclaim valuable learning time. Every kid deserves access to safe and healthy play.” Entering its 11^th year, Playworks New England serves 50,000 students in more than 100 elementary schools across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. To date, the nonprofit has served 160,000 youth.

Growing up, LaFleur watched her parents participate in races. As a result, she started participating in fun runs and 5Ks at a young age. One year, she and her family members drove to Massachusetts to cheer the Boston Marathon runners on. She never imagined she would have the opportunity to participate in the historic event. This will be LaFleur’s fourth time hitting the pavement in a full marathon. Previously, she ran the Las Vegas Rock and Roll Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon twice in Washington, D.C., giving back to fellow servicemen and women. LaFleur is one of six individuals running as part of Team Playworks New England. Her goal is to raise $7,500.

To train for the event, LaFleur is concentrating on inclines and preparing to conquer the famous Heartbreak Hill. During the week, she runs three to five miles every other day and cross trains with calisthenics or swimming. On the weekends, LaFleur focuses on longer distances and participates in team runs, during which the group runs a portion of the Boston Marathon route.

“Preparing to run a marathon can always seem a bit daunting at first,” says LaFleur. “I believe it is our responsibility to provide a good future for our youth. I am running for Playworks New England because kids need the physical, emotional, and mental stimulation they get during recess to become engaged and successful citizens.”

In the weeks leading up to the Boston Marathon, LaFleur, alongside the rest of the Playworks New England team will participate in a number of fundraising initiatives, including selling Playworks t-shirts, hosting raffles at grocery stores, and hosting events. On Friday, March 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the team will host a fundraiser at Harpoon Brewery. The event is open to the public. Admission is $30 and includes unlimited pizza and beer samples.

For more information about Playworks New England or to donate to LaFleur’s run, visit:

https://www.crowdrise.com/PlayworksBoston2017/fundraiser/julielafleur.