Boston Marathon Runner Profile: Kat Whitten

Name: Kat Whitten

Age: 42

Profession: School Administrator

Marathon Experience: This will be my 11th marathon and 3rd Boston. It's the first Boston I've qualified for, though.

Reason for Running: Qualifying for Boston has been a goal of mine since college and there's nothing quite like running through Natick and getting the support of my friends and neighbors. I've been running competitively for almost 30 years, and it is an integral part of who I am. I feel happiest and most myself while out on a long run or while completing a speed workout on a track.

Training tip: For me, consistency is the most important thing. If I know I'm setting an alarm to get up to run, it simply becomes routine. There's always a reason to talk yourself out of running, so as much as possible, simply take the not-running option off the table.

Qualified runner or charity bib? Qualified with a 3:33 this fall at the Smuttynose Rockfest in New Hampshire. I was excited to have met the qualifying standard for females of any age, not just those over 40.

Bib number: 14747