Race energy began to accumulate as soon as I saw the first few runners at the airport migrate to my same gate headed to Boston. Just like two years ago, excitement grew exponentially every step closer to race morning. This year however, the vibe in the city was tangible. You could feel it everywhere. Buses, subways, and city streets buzzed with thousands of runners, volunteers, fans, and other participants. People traveled back to Boston in droves to show support for the victims of last year, the city of Boston, and the running community at large.
My personal goals for this race were 1) have fun, 2) meet Team Hoyt, and 3) feel well at the finish. For me, this race was not at all about setting a personal record, although there were other types of records set. This was all about CELEBRATION!
CELEBRATING the fact that Aubree and I survived training in Detroit’s record-breaking, brutally cold and snowy winter – through storms, on ice, uphill both ways!! Yes, it was that bad. We suited up in our ski clothes, goggles, balaclavas, wool socks, and snow boots. Other times, we tested our mental stamina on the long treadmill workouts in the dark “dungeon” staring at all the spiders and wires in my basement.
CELEBRATING a mini sisters reunion with Cheryl and Becca. Celebrating the fact that we were free from injury and could run this race and cross the finish line together holding hands high above our heads! (The others on the bus couldn’t believe that we had 16 children between the 3 of us and that Becca has a 6 month old).
CELEBRATING birthdays – Cheryl’s friend, Kelly’s birthday on Sunday; Becca’s birthday on Monday and Aubree’s on Wednesday.
CELEBRATING the lives that were lost and the many survivors of last years bombing. Walking through the Boston Memorial felt like sacred ground.
CELEBRATING the strength of the community – The thousands of potted yellow daffodils lining the city. The Scarf project.
CELEBRATING the ability to run and celebrating life itself!
Pre-Race
Runners agree and say never to try anything new right before a race. Cheryl, Becca, and I did just the opposite. Just like in races past, we all dumped out our stuff and began to trade goods like we did on Halloween night with all our candy.
This year we were a little more disorganized in trying to figure out how to carry everything without a drop bag at the start. One of the best $10.00 spent was a 1-mile cab ride to Boston Common. Totally worth it! Once on a bus, Becca, Cheryl, and I chatted with others while completing all our “projects-“ tape, sunscreen, organize pockets, open poncho and finish eating snacks. The bus ride felt like it took FOREVER because I had to pee so badly! My kidneys hurt. Since we boarded one of the later busses, we were dropped us off a little outside Athlete Village. A spontaneous line of both men and women stopped to go to the bathroom in “invisible” port-a-potties. Yes, I saw a few cheeks. I was in so much pain but still waited and did the “potty dance” for at least another half mile to the potties and then while waiting in line. Funny Note- There was thousands of people around and I happen to get in line behind the same woman, Chris from Ohio, who I was in line with pre-race potties at the Big Cotton Wood Marathon. (That is another funny story in and of itself). ha!
Race
We had just enough time at Athlete’s Village to go to the bathroom before we heard our wave called to the start. We snapped a quick pic of our shoes for Bryan who hooked us up with ordering matching Sauconys. Thanks, Bry! Wha-hoo! We were off!!
Cheryl, Becca, and I decided from the beginning of the race just to enjoy it. We stopped at every water station and most of the “fake stations” provided by fans. I had my record number of hands I high-fived with some of the record, one million, spectators who came out. The crowds were amazing!- signs, cheers, compliments “Go Ladies!” “Go triplet!" "cute outfits!" It’s all in the details. I mean really, the crowds had EVERYTHING. Right when I needed a tissue, it was there. Like magic wet wipes, wet paper towels, twizzlers, oranges, bananas, fruit, popcicles, & ice etc. appeared exactly when I needed them. Thank you crowds!
I saw Amazing.People.The.Entire.Race! We saw Santa Clause, Big bird, and the Easter Bunny. At around mile 9 I saw a couple of Mormon Missionaries. We moved our way closer to the right because I figured there would be more since Monday was probably their PDay. I was right. And quess who I saw? Brother and Sister Foote from Texas. I did a double-take then ran back to shake their hands. Their daughter, Sarah was my running buddy in TX and I served in callings with their other daughter, Emily. Such a small world! I took a picture and then dropped my phone. My battery was toast for the rest of the race. Luckily, Cheryl and Becca had charged their phones.
Sometime in the middle teen miles I saw team Hoyt! They have no idea how much their lives have inspired me over the years. Their example of determination, love, perseverance, faith in each other are incredible! My eyes started watering. I felt so much gratitude for them and honored to be in their presence and running along side of them. We said hello and snapped a couple pictures before the flow of runners pushed us ahead. Meeting Team Hoyt was only a quick few seconds, but meant the world to me.
Around mile 24-ish I hear my name called out from the right. There was Abby White (another friend from TX) and her cute family!! Another needle in a haystack! I ran over hugged Abby and talked for a few seconds. Another encounter that totally made my day!
The entire race I was smiling, laughing, or cheering. My arms and cheeks (face cheeks that is) were sore by the evening. (The last time my cheeks hurt this much from smiling was on my wedding day). My arms were sore from waving them in the air the entire way. I felt more like a cheerleader on this race than a runner. Any time I felt a slight lull in energy, all I had to do was smile, put my fist in the air and scream. The crowds refueled me tenfold with their cheering reply. Hearing the news on the coarse that Meb Strong, a fellow American had won the race brought even more energy and cheers. Running up out of the underpass around mile 25 was the first time I really started feeling my body fatigue. The crowds seemed relatively quieter too. I did what any other illogical runner would do. I mustered up all the energy I had and completed one of my best chim chim-in-ey high sidekicks. The crowds went wild! I did one more. On the third sidekick, my calves were on the verge of completely cramping up so I had to stop.
Turning left onto Boylston Street was amazing. It called for another high heal click. Usually when I’m overcome with emotion, all I can do is cry. Not this time. Along with the other runners and crowds, I SCREAMED and SCREAMED the all the way down Boylston Street and across the finish line! I’ve never had so much adrenaline. I felt like a WARRIOR!! I felt triumph over those crazies from last year. No one can stop runners! No one can stop Boston!! No one can stop America!!! One or two more heal kicks and cartwheels through the shoot!!
I wish I could write everything I thought and felt the entire weekend. It was one of those UNBELIEVABLY-AMAZING-ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME events! Everywhere I went the entire weekend I felt like everyone was my best friend. People were warm, friendly, outgoing and helpful. With every step of the race, I felt the positive energy from the record-breaking fans (1 million) who came out to cheer. I felt gratitude for all the volunteers, policeman, and “sharp shooters” who were there to support and protect us. I ran my slowest marathon yet I felt like I had won the race! It truly was a day never to be forgotten. When people ask me “what my time was” I answered, “I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE!”
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