Somerville’s Meg Rabinowitz digs deep to support New England Aquarium as a first-time Boston Marathon-er

Meg Rabinowitz, 29, ran cross country at Somerville High but she’s never attempted a marathon. Until now.

The Somerville native is one of 25 members of the New England Aquarium team running on April 21 in this year’s Boston Marathon. It’s a special opportunity for her– not only because it is her first year in the marathon - but Rabinowitz also works for the Aquarium in the marketing and communications department.
She and her teammates are running to support the Aquarium’s community outreach program which serves 45,000 Greater Boston area children by bringing tide pools and aquatic animals into day care centers, schools, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other community settings. Each runner has a $5,000 fundraising goal. The Aquarium is an official charity of the 118th Boston Marathon. To sponsor Rabinowitz, click on: https://secure2.convio.net/neaq/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=3340&3340.donation=landing

“This is my first marathon ever. It really means a lot to me to be a part of this historic year, especially after being so close to the tragedy during last year's event,” said Rabinowitz. “I was involved with a wheelchair team that was fortunate to finish just before the bombs went off. Coming back to do the whole thing from start to finish is a testament to the running community as a whole. Running is a very individual sport, but the running community is a huge support system for everyone.”

A near lifelong Somerville native who only recently moved to Brookline, Rabinowitz has fond memories of growing up on Winter Hill, where her mother still lives, and of being co-captain of the Somerville High cross country team during her senior year. She also ran indoor and outdoor track and participated in the city’s annual road races to benefit the high school athletic association.

This year has been tricky for training with the deep cold and frequent snow but she has her techniques by wearing warm, moisture-wicking layers. “I learned this in high school: you can't just layer up with any old stuff. You really need to layer on lightweight but warm items that will keep you cozy but will dry quickly as you start to sweat. Even though it's cold out, you are still working up a ton of body heat but you need to regulate.

Rabinowitz is excited about combining her love of running with raising money for her other passion, the Aquarium. “I get to reach for this huge personal goal - all while doing it for an organization that I love,” she said. “It's not hard for me to explain why running my first marathon and doing it for the Aquarium is so significant. I've loved this place since childhood - and I couldn't imagine supporting any other institution in this way. I truly believe in what we stand for at the Aquarium - outreach, conservation, education - and I'm proud to spread that message through my training.”