“Why Didn’t You Run Faster?”

Ten years ago, while attending law school, I ran my first marathon in a city I loved and lived in for seven years- the greatest marathon in the world-Boston!

Exhilarated, humbled, and awe struck, I crossed the finish line on Boylston Street in four hours and 30 minutes. It was by far one of the most incredible experiences and accomplishments of my young life.

But to one man, I didn’t run fast enough. I will call him Mr. X.*

I met Mr. X. nine years ago when I graduated from law school. It was early in my job seeking journey - I was young, idealistic and thought my BC education and scholarship to law school would earn me an Associate’s position at one of Boston’s most prestigious law firm. Mr. X was a senior partner at the firm and entered the 18th floor conference room at the end of my preliminary interview, stoic, emboldened by his position and wearing his best lawyer face.

Suffice to say, he wasn’t impressed with me.

Mr. X, “BC graduate, academic scholarship to law school, men’s varsity crew team, extensive community service…blah…blah…blah…I’ve seen hundreds of resumes like yours.”

“Wait- I see you ran the Boston Marathon, now we’re getting somewhere.”

“How fast did you run?”

My proud reply, “Four hours and 30 minutes.”

Mr. X quipped. “Why didn’t you run faster?”

The conference table full of associates and member attorneys fell silent. Their looks conveyed the disbelief and inadequacy I felt. In retrospect, I know they felt the same way every day under the tight rein of Mr. X.

My 25-year-old respectful reply- “It was my first marathon, with further training and experience, I know I can approve my time.”

Fast forward to present day, my 33-year-old reply, I’ll keep that to myself for now.

Today, my friends, I am asking for your support, as a proud member of the Boston Police Department Runner’s Club 2026 Boston Marathon Team. The Boston Police Department Runners Club is an organization of dedicated runners who run to raise awareness regarding the needs of those who can’t run or don’t have a voice that is heard in our community. The funds they raise go directly back to the community.

My personal fundraising goal is $5,000, although with Mr. X’s story, and your support- let’s double it to $10,000 as my 33-year-old self, challenges Mr. X to a Boston Marathon “rerun”.

Dear Mr. X*,

I’m not sure if you remember me, but I remember you, and may I say, not fondly, but gratefully.

I am the young attorney who did not run the 2016 Boston Marathon fast enough to impress you to earn a position at your firm.

Allow me to take a few moments of your time to catch up on the eight years since we met. I pass by your office every day on my way to the Suffolk County DA’s Office where I have been an Assistant District Attorney in the Narcotics Division since June. Yes, I’m back in Boston!

Prior to Suffolk County, I was an ADA in Barnstable and Bristol County as the New Bedford Court Supervisor prosecuting 10,000 plus cases over seven years. Arraignments, motions, trials, convictions every day…guns, drugs, and other violent crimes…my family calls me “the justice slayer” and I love it! I see the inside of a courtroom daily. The view may not be as scenic as yours, but for me, it’s epic and I wouldn’t trade it for your corner office. Because what I’ve learned in my eight years as an ADA is that being a lawyer is much more than prestige or a paycheck. It’s going down swinging even when you know you could lose, standing up for those that have no voice and demanding real justice when all seems moot.

Thank you for not hiring me. I will cross the 2026 Boston Marathon finish line in under 4 hours and 30 minutes. And when I do, I hope I can count on you to match the funds I raised. It’s the least you can do, a little quid quo pro, not for me, but for all the young attorneys you rejected over the years who wouldn’t have thrived in your mediocrity anyway and went on to greatness.

One last question, Mr. X*, from my 33-year-old self, “how fast did you run the Boston Marathon?” “Oh, that’s what I thought”

*A name has been changed to protect the guilty

My heartfelt gratitude for your support. No donation is too small, and all are greatly appreciated. Please share my story with everyone you know, especially fellow attorneys and law enforcement officers. See you at the finish line.