Race Training and Grad School

Posted October 24, 2025 by Emmy Mahoney

When I started graduate school last year, I also started another project. I have been running races. Last year, I ran the Cambridge Half Marathon, just this month I ran the Cape Cod Half Marathon, and this upcoming Thanksgiving, I am signed up for a 5K. These races are a lot of fun, even for a slow runner, such as myself. Balancing graduate school and race training might seem like they would clash, but I find that more often than not, they complement each other. 

Leading up to a race, is weeks, if not months of training. Life is three mile, six mile, ten mile runs after class, work, and between homework assignments. This has allowed me to become very skilled in time management. For each race, I create a very detailed schedule that accounts for runs, workouts, graduate school, and my other commitments. These scheduled runs are essentially allotted times for me to get outside and move my body, which is so important to do, especially as a graduate student. Additionally, being so busy makes me value my free time so much more. Having this extra commitment encourages me to get my homework done without procrastination, so I can spend more time with my friends and doing my other hobbies. 

Running these races has also allowed me to build a strong community. I have found friends that not only like running, but will actually race in these events with me. The race itself often acts as a plan to meet up with each other. As adults all on different life paths, it can be hard to find the time to get together with friends. These races allow us to schedule the time in advance to see each other, do something we love, and celebrate afterwards. This includes my friends who do not run, but come to the races to cheer us on. Having this scheduled time to see friends extends into my graduate school experience. Every time I see them, I feel more resilient and ready to take on the next challenging assignment. 

Training for these races while doing graduate school is definitely challenging, but the benefits are worth it. I feel strong and I feel accomplished. I have developed an amazing ability to make schedules and stick to them; I am making one for my upcoming Thanksgiving 5K, immediately after finishing this post. Most importantly, I have found a community that supports me on and off the race course.