Running is a ‘Form of Prayer’ for Sr. Christin Tomy, Who Completed Chicago Marathon

For many, long-distance running can be a spiritual experience—and for Sr. Christin Tomy, OP, that's no exception.

Sr. Christin, who joined Dominican University in August as university minister for community life and pastoral care, completed the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 13 with a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes. It was her third marathon, but first in Chicago.

She was cheered on by a group of Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, as well as members of DU staff and recent alumnae.

“Running is a practice for my physical and mental health, but also, for me, it really intersects with the values of community and prayer,” Sr. Christin explained. “Running is a form of prayer for me. It can be very meditative, and I often find myself in a space of wonder and awe—especially when I’m running along Lake Michigan in the morning, looking at the sunrise. It offers a lot of space for reflection.”

Running also creates community, she said, pointing to the running group with which she trains and the support she received from the Sinsinawa and DU communities.

Sr. Christin twice participated in the Twin Cities Marathon. Her first Chicago Marathon was an enjoyable experience with a lot of “great energy” along the route, she said.

“It’s a great way to experience the city,” she noted. “There were musical groups, like mariachis in Pilsen, and a drum group in Chinatown. There were really cool community and cultural pieces to the marathon.”