Boston Marathon Profile: Sandra Gittlen Runs For The Animals

NORTHBOROUGH, MA—Northborough has eight residents running in this year's Boston Marathon.

Northborough Patch highlights those runners before the big run.

Today, we meet Sandra Gittlen, who is 47. Good luck, Sandy!

Reason for running: I began running for my health - to combat a critical autoimmune disease. Since my first marathon in 2013, while I still am out there staying healthy, my attention to raising money for the dogs and cats at Baypath Humane Society has intensified. It’s a cause very dear to me as a multi-time adopter, foster mom, volunteer and board member. Over the past six years, I’ve raised more than $42,000 for Baypath by running Boston.

Marathon experience: This will be my 10th marathon and 5th Boston (I broke my foot shortly before the race last year).

Training tip: Find friends to do your short and middle runs with. For the longer runs, get used to time alone in your head. 26.2 miles is as much a mental game as it is physical endurance.

Best music to run to: While I don’t have music during the marathon, I love to play Ozzy Osbourne’s classics - there is nothing like running up a hill to “Crazy Train” and down a hill to “Mama I’m Coming Home.” Classic Guns 'n' Roses, too.

Charity: Baypath Humane Society, based in Hopkinton

Photo submitted

Are you running the Boston Marathon? We'd love to feature you, too. Email charlene.arsenault@patch.com.