LUBBOCK, Texas — Dr. Jaclyn Cravens is a professor and program director of the couples, marriage, and family therapy master's program at Texas Tech University in her day job. But she's also an avid runner, and she's competed in the last six Boston Marathons.
Dr. Cravens competed in the 128th Boston Marathon on Monday and has been prioritizing running to ensure his physical and mental health.
“Sports have always been central to my life, and training and marathons have allowed me to set personal goals and push myself physically,” Cravens said.
The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest marathon event. In the 1970s, women were allowed to compete for the first time.
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Photo credit: Dr. Jaclyn Craven -
Photo credit: Dr. Jaclyn Cravens -
Photo credit: Dr. Jaclyn Craven -
Photo credit: Dr. Jaclyn Craven
“One of the best things about the Boston Marathon is that the entire city supports the runners throughout the weekend, and the crowds on the course are unmatched at any other race,” Cravens explained.
She then explained her training plan for the marathon, which takes into account the differences in terrain between the rolling plains of West Texas and the rolling hills of Boston. She said she ran at Canyon Lakes and Buffalo Springs to mimic the hilly terrain of the Boston course.
Mr Craves said the weather posed challenges due to the heat and many people dropped out. She also explained the toll that “Heartbreak Hill” can have on runners' legs.
“Despite the warm weather for running, so many people came out to cheer on Monday's marathon that the crowd cheering was even louder,” Cravens said.
