Boston Marathon Profile: Kristen Cute

COVENTRY, RI — Rhode Island has 158 residents running in this year's Boston Marathon. Patch highlights several of those runners in the next few weeks. Today, we meet Kristen Cute, who is 40. Good luck, Kristen!

She is a mother of " two beautiful, very active children." Originally from Pawtucket, she works full time as a registered nurse.

Reason for running: My reason for running is simple, "I can". In 2011, my dad was diagnosed with ALS. He quickly lost his ability to talk, hug, breath or walk. Dad was once a runner, now he was confined to a wheelchair. I'll never forget the day I helped him clean out his closet. He gave me his running shoes to throw away. I was heartbroken. I had to hide my tears until I got in my car to go home. Once alone in my car, I quickly dissolved into a pool of tears. I was losing my dad. From his day of diagnosis we had 6 months and 3 days to spend with him. My sister, Kerri, and I made a promise to my dad before our final goodbye. We promised to raise awareness of ALS and fundraise until a cure was found.

At the Blessing of the Fleet with her sister Kerri

ALS is a fatal disease, that is currently without a cure. On April 17th I will run my first Boston Marathon in memory of my dad, Bill Hopkins, as a member of Team Challenge- ALS. I will be the legs, arms and voice of those that are battling ALS. I run because I can, I run to remember those we have lost, I run to keep their memory alive, I run because I love it.

Marathon experience: This is her first Boston Marathon, but she's run other marathons.

"My freshman year of college I discovered running. I found it to be a great way to stay fit, unwind and clear my mind. When I'd come home for the summer, I'd try to get my family involved. My dad and I ran many 5ks together. In 2005 I ran my first marathon, as a member of Team in Training (TNT) for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I ran in memory of my sister, Michelle, who lost her battle to leukemia at age 11. I went on to complete two more marathons and an Olympic distance triathlon with TNT in memory of my sister and to raise money to find a cure for blood cancers."

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Training tip: Great motivating music is a must for long runs. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!! Believe in yourself and know that it is ok to have a bad day. Listen to your body, rest when you need to. Smile and wave to fellow runners you pass on the road; we are all part of a team, we're all running for something.

Photo Caption: At the Monster Dash with her dad

Photos submitted

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

Charlene Arsenault (Patch Staff) contributed to this report.