Retired astronaut Sunita Williams, who is about to run the Boston Marathon Monday, has a message for all the kids in Needham, her hometown. When it comes to trying new challenges and staying fit, she said, “Do it. Just do it, like Nike says.”
Williams, Needham High School Class of 1983, is concerned that kids today worry a lot. Her message to them: “Don’t overthink it. Just go out there and do it,” whether that means going for a walk, going for a bike ride or just learning something new every day.
Interviewed by the Observer as she prepared to run those 26.2 miles, Williams said she received encouraging wishes from students and staff at the Sunita L. Williams Elementary School, built and named after her in 2017. Principal Caren Firger sent along the following message: “We know and love Suni. We continue to be inspired by the challenges you take on and we wish you only the best.”
Williams admitted her “best” might actually be pretty slow as she is currently running 12-minute miles. But her message to everyone is to not let fear limit your aspirations. “At least try. Even if your times are slower, who cares. If you can’t make your time, who cares. If you don’t finish, who cares. At least you get out there and try.” That was certainly her motto back in July 2007 when she ran on a treadmill in space and completed the first marathon by an astronaut in orbit.
Even in difficult times, like her unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space station last year, she valued the choices she’d made to take risks that had gotten her there. “If I hadn’t said, ‘what the heck, let’s try this,’ I would never have been able to do the things I got to do.”
Williams was in Florida for the launch of Artemis II which circled the moon. She was amazed at the size and power of the rockets. She was a little nervous until it was clear everything was going perfectly. She was moved by the words of returning Artemis astronaut Christina Koch who said that from space, “earth was a lifeboat hanging in the universe.” Williams also felt that sentiment, that we are all one, when she returned from her extended stay in space. “People I didn’t even know were happy to see me. All goes away when we see each other as human beings. Space changes your perspective on life and each other.”
The Boston Athletic Association is honoring Williams on Marathon Day with the Patriot Award for her spirit of perseverance, service and curiosity. She’ll be running for the Finish Strong Foundation, which inspires youth to stay strong and fit.
She MIGHT have time to visit Needham in the next few days, but knows for sure she will be back in May to speak with 6th-grade students at High Rock, and then for the Fourth of July this summer.
As for Monday’s race, she knows she will feel the love from those along the race route. “People here are great, it’s a hometown event and everyone loves sports here.” And she admitted that if this marathon feels good, she might even do another one.
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