Francisco Jose Moguel was born and raised in Mexico City, where his love for sports first took root. He played soccer and golf throughout middle and high school before moving to Boston in 2021 to attend Boston University (BU). Now a senior, Francisco is set to graduate in May 2025 with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, he will continue his education at UT Austin, pursuing a master's degree in Management and IT.
Beyond academics, Francisco is a passionate supporter of Boston University hockey, leading the student section—better known as the BU Dog Pound. He also remains deeply connected to his Mexican heritage, proudly supporting his favorite soccer club, Pumas UNAM. In everything he does, Francisco strives to honor his roots and make a lasting impact.
He recently completed a challenge of running across all eight Boston train lines in eight days, raising over $1,000 for The Hidden Opponent (THO) along the way! Hear from Francisco as he shares more about his journey.
How did you first get into long-distance running?
I got into long-distance running when I arrived in Boston for college. My dorm was next to the Charles River Esplanade, and as soon as I saw it, it felt like it was calling to me. So, I bought a pair of sneakers and started running.
I quickly fell in love with it because, as someone who sometimes struggles to navigate the complexities of human relationships and social situations—on top of the pressures of school—running felt like my space. It was a way to retreat into my own world, and through it, I discovered so much about myself and my identity. I stuck with it because it gave me peace, a way to meditate, and a daily opportunity to reconnect with myself.
How did you come up with the idea to run the Boston MBTA train routes?
I was inspired by Jonny Davies, who ran the London Tube. When I came across his idea, I thought it was really cool—but more than that, it was so inspiring. So, I added it to my bucket list. While training for the Chicago Marathon, I decided it was the perfect time to take on the challenge and incorporate it into my marathon training.
Why did you choose to fundraise for THO during this challenge?
I decided to partner with The Hidden Opponent after being referred by someone I admire a lot—Reagan Rust. She recently started coaching at BU for the women's hockey team, but I had been following her long before that because of the many mental health resources she shared, which helped me a lot in my own battle. I finally got to meet her through a mental health campaign she did in February of 2024.
What have you done to manage the ups and downs of college life and to help yourself get out of the dark places mentally?
College was difficult because, as I mentioned, sometimes I struggle with navigating human relationships and social pressure. When I first arrived at college, I started to act and think like someone that I was not, just to please others and fit in. But that eventually caught up to me. Pretending to be someone you're not for too long has consequences, and it took a toll on both my mental and physical health. It also did not help that I tried to fit in places that were toxic to me.
Luckily, I had a huge support system, including close friends and family who were always there for me, even at my lows. Their support helped me realize I was lost in many aspects. As difficult as that realization was, it ended up being the best thing that could have happened. It pushed me to seek help through therapy and reconnect with myself and the people I love. found a new friend group that accepted me as who I am, reconnected with old friends that bring me joy every day, and also my family who are the best.
I think seeking help, doing the stuff I loved because I wanted to and not to please or impress someone, and looking to connect with people through other activities outside of my comfort zone is what helped me the most. I recognize how licky I am that I had ways to seek help and resources because I know people don't have that. A major purpose of the project was to raise funds so more people can get help and resources.
How did the challenge go for you? Give us an overview of what it was like for those eight days.
Those eight days were a perfect metaphor for my mental health journey. It was very hard, physically and mentally, especially convincing myself that I could keep going when it was hard. The mind goes to very delicate places, like insecurity, but that's where your true identity and true self should prevail, and you can conquer your fears.
What was the best part of the challenge? What was the hardest part of the challenge?
The best part was doing what I love most, exercising, while also helping a cause I am very passionate about. It was so nice to explore Boston again, the entirety of it, going through some very dear places to my heart while also discovering new parts of the city. The hardest part was the fatigue after the first 3-4 days and waking up tired every day. But, the excitement of it and the purpose were bigger than that, so I kept going with a smile on my face.
You raised over $1,000 for THO. Were you surprised by the support you received from friends and family?
Yes, I was very surprised. Sometimes, when you go through episodes of anxiety and sadness, you feel very alienated, like no one cares or truly understands you. It was very nice seeing that people actually cared and wanted to help out strangers, too.
What challenges or races are next for you? Or is there anything else that you're looking forward to coming up soon?
I have now run four marathons: Boston, NYC, London, and Chicago., I will be running Tokyo and Berlin this year and will become the youngest Mexican to get a 6 stars from the world marathon majors.
Is there anything else you'd like to share or any takeaway message that you'd like to tell our readers?
I just hope people are more aware of the fact that everyone is going through something. It is very scary to know you are not ok, so if you can just reach out to your loved ones once a week and ask if they are ok, it may mean the world to them. There is nothing more humble than asking for help, so let's keep doing that and keep the mental health conversation going, as it's equally as important as physical health. Also, don't be afraid of being yourself. People should love you for who you are. Never settle for less; there is always a place and people who will love you for who you are.
