#WalkingBoston – A Marathon in Every Boston Neighborhood: Roxbury Part 2

By: Patrick Maguire

Book Chapter: Human-to-Human Service

Posted: 04/17/2024

Welcome to #WalkingBoston. To learn about the inspiration, mission, goals, and updates, please see the #WalkingBoston launch blog post.

The total official, verified distance covered on the first 14 Boston walks in Eastie, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, South End, Chinatown, Leather District, DTX, Financial District, North End, West End + Waterfront, Beacon Hill (including the Common and Public Garden), Roxbury Part 1, and Roxbury Bonus = 184.51 miles. Almost very walk is a minimum of a half marathon, 13.1 miles and is verified using the MapMyWalk app. A full marathon will be covered in each neighborhood that is large enough, and small neighborhoods are combined. The goal for the entire mission is to cover at least 1,000 miles. ‘Bonus Walks,’ like the Harbor Islands, Night Walks on main streets, and destinations I missed (please tell me) will be included after walking every neighborhood.

The #WalkingBoston journey continues on Friday, 4/19/24. The walk covering the eastern half of Roxbury, leaves the Liberty Diner at 1003 Mass Ave at 7:45ish. Early bird breakfast/coffee, stretching, and map/course review begin at 7am. The weather forecast looks good, cloudy, but no rain with a high of 55. All are welcome to join, even just for breakfast and/or a portion of the walk. Here is the half of Roxbury we will be exploring:

[Please Note: A post-walk summary, reflections, distance, and pics/videos from this walk will be added to the end of this blog post.]

As always, please send me ‘must see’ sights from the map above, including ‘hidden gems,’ art, nature, parks, murals, fountains, history, architecture, Mom & Pop #SmallBiz, etc. I love getting suggestions in advance to include while mapping out the walks. The course will be finalized on Thursday, 4/18. Please email patrick@servernotservant.com or comment at the end of this post with specific, ‘can’t miss’ suggestions.

If inspired by #WalkingBoston, please consider a donation to the following: Stride for Stride is a partner of #WalkingBoston. Stride for Stride is a non-profit running organization that buys race bibs for immigrant, BIPOC, and low-income runners – the goal is to make races more accessible, inclusive, and diverse for everyone. Stride for Stride founder, Tom OKeefe, aka @BostonTweet, “Our logo signifies equality. It’s simple, bold, and shows that you support running for all. Our goal is a simple concept too, but one that changes lives. Having a race to strive for keeps you focused and healthy, while crossing the finish line is pure joy and empowering in both sport and life – it proves that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Never give up!”

To celebrate my recent birthday, I dedicated a blog post to raise money for Stride for Stride after Jorge Rosales donated a kidney to save founder, Tom O’Keefe’s life: ‘Life and Death,’ hero, and badass are often overused exaggerations. As restaurateur/author and James Beard Award winner, Gabrielle Hamilton noted in her memoir, “badass is a juvenile aspiration.” Especially as a self-imposed moniker. None of those terms are embellishment when describing the evolution of the relationship between Tom O’Keefe and Jorge Rosales. Tom provided Jorge an opportunity with Stride for Stride. And Jorge saved Tom’s life. That’s badass. And how that came to be is an amazing, awe-inspiring story. Please read the full story here.

Donations inspired by #WalkingBoston can be made to Stride for Stride by clicking here.

Now that I have a completed more than 7 marathons, I’m in the process of seeking sponsorships and collaborations with local companies and individuals, and I’m wide open to all creative ideas to raise money. Donations to Stride for Stride are tax deductible.

Lastly, folks have also reached out asking how they could sponsor/support my #WalkingBoston mission and expedite the publication of my #ServerNotServant book advocating for service industry workers and fellow humans. A grassroots fundraiser has been set up to keep me walking and writing. Donations can be made here.

Please remember to check back after the 4/19 walk for reflections on the day, along with a photo album in chronological order of the trek. Thank you to everyone following, supporting, and sharing the multiple missions of #WalkingBoston – A Marathon in Every Boston Neighborhood. I hope to see you at breakfast and/or on the road…

Cheers-Patrick

 


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