Marathon Coaches Crissy Straub (left) and Malinda Dublin (right) on a race weekend in Bermuda
For the fourth year in a row, The Children’s Room is pleased to share that Lexington resident Crissy Straub and Arlington resident Malinda Dublin have generously volunteered their time to coach The Children’s Room’s 2019 “Miles and Memories” Boston Marathon team, as they fundraise and promote awareness for The Children’s Room.
Crissy and Malinda are lifelong friends and running partners who have run a combined total of 59 marathons to date. In 2015, they decided to form their unique blend of friendship and running experience into a business, MC Coaching, which specifically coaches marathon runners who are running to benefit a charity.
Malinda and Crissy share, “This year, as every year since the Boston Marathon bombings, runners, spectators, volunteers, and supporters of the marathon will come together on Patriots’ Day in unity of a day that celebrates motivation, determination and perseverance of the human spirit. Our motivation to coach the team stems from knowing that the marathon fundraising dollars will allow TCR to continue the amazing work they do, and because we believe a supported runner is a happier, healthier and more successful runner and fundraiser. As coaches we strive to empower runners by providing them with tools they need to be successful from day one of training up through race day.”
Crissy mentions, “Being able to coach the Children’s Room “Miles and Memories” Boston Marathon team is a truly meaningful, fulfilling way for me to support an organization that does such important and necessary work. To be able to help other people while doing an activity which I love is a win-win situation. Running for the greater good is what every “Miles and Memories” team member does. They run for their goal to finish the Boston Marathon and to raise money for an organization that helps so many people. It really is a way to pay it forward.”
Malinda adds, “A huge motivator for me is seeing the transformation of the runner throughout the training cycle. For first-timers in particular, the weekly long run is often the longest distance they have ever run before, and it is rewarding as coaches to see runners reach these milestones. It is our privilege to be part of each runner’s journey to 26.2.”
“We are so thankful to Crissy and Malinda for once again demonstrating their commitment to our mission by volunteering to coach our Boston Marathon team,” The Children’s Room’s Philanthropy Director Kim Cayer says. “We practice support in all aspects of what we do at The Children’s Room, and having Crissy and Malinda extend their support to our runners is a major physical and emotional benefit to each of them as they train to accomplish their goals and run their best race.”
This year’s “Miles & Memories” Boston Marathon team is: Tom Fitzsimmons, of Brookline; Jennifer O’Brien, of Arlington; Paudie O’Connor, of Sudbury; Catherine Renehan, of Charlestown; John Shea, of Needham; Chris Watson, of Norfolk; and Larissa Nekhlyudov, of Newton Highlands.
Over the past nine years, our marathon teams have raised over $800,000 to support The Children’s Room. Runners receive ongoing support from The Children’s Room in reaching their fundraising goals.
To support our Boston Marathon team with a donation, please click here to visit our page on Crowdrise.
