“A Day in the Life” is a series where we’ll profile a variety of residents to get an intimate glimpse into their day-to-day. These are your neighbors. Get to know them.
“Anyone can run the Boston Marathon.” – John Stoller
“Right on Hereford, left on Boylston.”
In the days leading up to the Boston Marathon, you’re sure to see and hear this iconic phrase, referencing the race’s final two turns, just about everywhere. Coined by John Stoller, a marathon runner, the phrase RightOnLeftOn is ubiquitous around town, appearing on numerous T-shirts, hats and accessories.
Stoller, now training for his seventh consecutive Boston Marathon, created the apparel brand as a way to inspire others and to give back. After last year’s tragedy, RightOnLeftOn partnered with Marathon Sports to raise over $140,000 for The One Fund through the sale of “Boston Strong” T-shirts.
Here, the Boston Marathon runner and Founder of RightOnLeftOn tells BostInno about his typical day-to-day, his goals and what inspires him to keep running one year later.
How do you spend most mornings?
I am an early riser. I need to get to the gym for a good workout or I feel “off” all day.
What are the top priorities on your to-do list right now?
Right now, my top priorities are to share the sentiments behind the Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston brand as the world descends on Boston while staying in top shape to prepare for my seventh Boston Marathon. Since I created it in 2008, the brand is meant to motivate and inspire the running community and its supporters by celebrating the two final turns of the Boston Marathon while giving back to the community and its ever-deserving nonprofit organizations.
What inspired you to start running in the Boston Marathon?
It was always a dream to try and run the Marathon since I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I joined a good friend at the mile 10 mark to keep him company while he ran the 2007 Boston Marathon. I was so inspired by the spectators and overall experience that I ran all 16 miles with him and just knew I had to do it in full in 2008. Now it is my favorite activity all year and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
Why will you be running in this year’s Boston Marathon?
For me, the personal satisfaction and achievement far outweighs the difficult training months. This year, I am running for the Wildflower Camp Foundation, which is a nonprofit whose mission is to offer scholarship assistance for summer camps and enrichment programs to families in which a parent has passed away. I feel lucky and blessed to be able to run the world most famous Marathon and will keep doing it until my body says “no.”
What is the best part about your day?
The best parts are seeing the RightOnLeftOn brand raise significant dollars for the One Fund and other worthy causes and hearing customers call it the “Must Have” shirt in 2014. My other favorite part is watching my three daughters on the basketball court and lacrosse field competing and loving sports.
If you could impart one piece of advice to our readers, what would it be?
Anyone can run the Boston Marathon. Start with a 5k, enjoy the experience, and keep setting new goals. Running this race can change your life and how your family and friends view you as well as how you view yourself.
What would you do if you were suddenly granted a day off from work tomorrow?
Hope for sunny skies and then lace up my sneakers and do a nice 8 mile loop around the Charles River!
If you weren’t answering my questions, what would you be doing instead?
I’d be immersing myself back into RightOnLeftOn preparations for the Marathon.
