Fran Kistner, a Wayland High Alum class of 1986, is running the Boston Marathon this April for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. Kistner, who grew up in Wayland, moved to Florida for 21 years and then returned in 2011 with her husband Ken, and children Kenny, WHS ‘14 and Megan, WHS ‘16. She ran track at Wayland High School during the era of Alberto Salazar and Joan Benoit. The great Johnny Kelley was a brother to a longtime family friend, so the lure of running “Boston” has long been calling. However, until she started training in December, Kistner had participated in limited running events in the “few” years since HS graduation. This will be Kistner’s first marathon.
When asked why she wanted to train and run the Boston Marathon this year, Kistner offered several reasons. “My first and foremost reason is in celebration of life. More specifically, in honor of my mom. My mother is a strong and independent woman who has always been a endless supporter of me and every challenge I have tackled. This past summer, she entered Mass General for a “routine” procedure, proceeded to have almost every complication imaginable, and was hospitalized for 75 days. She was finally discharged home, healthy and independent. I am in awe of her strength and perseverance to have survived such an ordeal.”
Kistner is a Physical Therapist and teaches in the DPT program at MCPHS University in Worcester. She is also a Girl Scout Volunteer and a Venture Scout Leader in Wayland. Helping the next generation understand the significance of the being healthy is what drives her. “As someone who is involved with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing, as well as being a physical therapist, I feel it is essential to be a good role model for the health of my children, our youth and our community. With the overall rise in obesity and decline in physical activity in Americans, I want to show that the everyday “Mom” can make a positive change in their life and become stronger, healthier and create a better future for herself. The Girl Scouts Get Moving health initiative fits right in with my motivation to become healthier for me, for my family and my future. I am thrilled to be running on behalf of GSEM.” Kistner said in her fundraising appeal.
Kistner is among 15 runners on the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts’ Marathon team this year. Each runner is raising $5,000 for the Girl Scouts Get Moving health/wellness initiative that educates girls on how to stay healthy and keep moving. The Girl Scouts Get Moving health initiative educates girls on how to stay healthy and keep moving. The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts is an official charity of the 120th Boston Marathon.
Please support Fran Kistner and the GSEM team by making a donation today! Every donation, from $5 to $25, makes a difference. Donations can be made online at: https://www.crowdrise.com/girlscoutsBoston2015/fundraiser/frankistner or by check. Please follow Kistner’s journey at: https://thegreyroad.wordpress.com. Thank you for your support!
