CASual Conversations with Our Favorite Runners

Our CAS Student Government President Tyler Critz (‘24) and Vice President of Student Affairs Matt Lutkins (‘25) will be running in the Boston Marathon this Monday! Read more about what they’ve been doing to prepare for the marathon, people they’d like to thank, and more.

“Why are you running in the Boston Marathon?”

Tyler: “Although I have never really been a competitive runner, the biggest reason for running the marathon was simply to give myself a goal to work towards while I tried to keep in shape and grow as a person. Being a BU student, it’s always been a goal of mine to run the marathon while still here as I think the Marathon Monday celebrations are some of the best traditions here on campus. Additionally, the opportunity to run for the Back on My Feet organization has been one that has allowed me to help give back and support others even though I’m not necessarily in any significant position to help of benefit others as just a college student. In many ways, this marathon has felt like it came at exactly the right time in my growth and development as a person. It has taught me new skills and also forced me to refine and rethink my work ethic and resilience.”

Matt: “Ever since high school, I’ve always loved running and the community that has come with it. Especially after arriving at BU and experiencing my first Boston Marathon, I’ve been so inspired watching the thousands of participants run right through our campus and finish the race with insurmountable grit, determination, and perseverance. I feel honored to not only run the Boston Marathon this year, but represent Back on My Feet as well, an organization that helps combat homelessness through the power of running and fitness. As a Sociology and Economics double major, their mission of mitigating socioeconomic inequality resonates deeply with me. It’s such an honor to run on behalf of their organization and help spark beneficial change in the world amongst people who need help the most. “

“How has training been? What are some highs and lows you’ve experienced?”

Tyler: “Training has been such a wonderful and positive experience for me. Although the runs have certainly not always gone well. The stability, both mentally and physically that consistent running has had for me over the process can’t be understated. I’ve loved being able to have a place where I could work and train without the pressure of performing to a certain level or meeting other criteria. In many ways I think training for the marathon has allowed me to feel more positive and energetic across every aspect of my life. Some of the highs have been my first few long runs that felt massively successful. My legs felt great and it was the first time I began to feel confident that I really could run and complete a marathon. That being said, some of the lows have come towards the end of my training as I’ve continued to try and run while being sick. It’s almost reintroduced a sort of fear or stress about the marathon, however, I still feel fairly confident in my ability.”

Matt: “Training for the Boston Marathon has definitely been one of the most rigorous and rewarding experiences I’ve ever done. It’s taught me a new form of discipline and accountability–much different than anything else I’ve ever done. Balancing school work, extracurricular responsibilities, and a strict running regimen wasn’t the easiest, but it taught me that if I set goals for myself, I can and absolutely will accomplish them. Some weeks. I ran upwards of 45 miles and was able to explore all of the beautiful secrets of the greater Boston area. Other weeks, I endured the frigid New England winter and wanted nothing more than to end my runs. Regardless, this entire training process has been a great time to foster new relationships, hear a lot of advice from former marathon runners, and receive a lot of support from BU alumni.”

“Anyone special you’d like to thank or shout out?”

Tyler: “I just want to shout out Matt of course for being so good at keeping me honest to the training regimen and also sharing this experience with me. I’d also like to shout out some of my best friends here on campus. They were certainly surprised when I first mentioned I was even thinking of running, but since then, their support hasn’t wavered even for a moment and I can’t wait to see them on the side of the course while I run. Finally, the biggest shout out of all goes to my parents. They’ve always pushed me to pursue my passions and to take pride in the progress and growth I have and that support has been supremely helpful while training.”

Matt: “I’d like to thank Tyler for calling me late one summer night and convincing me to run the marathon. It was a scary prospect at first, but I’m so glad we’ve been able to share this incredible opportunity together. I’d also like to thank my family for supporting every through every step of the training process. Even though they doubted my ability at first, their unconditional support has meant the world to me. This opportunity also wouldn’t have been so positive without the constant enthusiasm and excitement from my friends here at BU. Specifically, I would like to thank Tejas for her unwavering optimism and help. She was right beside me throughout the entire process and helped me send so many emails (an unholy amount) to finally reach my goal of $10,000—I couldn’t have done it without her. Finally, I would just like to express my gratitude for Back on My Feet for letting me run on their marathon team and change lives.”

Be sure to cheer on Tyler, Matt, and other BU friends running this Monday!