I run therefore, I am!

This race is not about me. This race is about redeeming peace and justice back to Boston.  I have been waiting to run this race for a year. I had a starting bib of 348 which put me I the first corral behind the elites. I was able to get a pic and high five from Ryan Hall at the start and Meb and Bryant Jensen. That really made my day.  I got to experience running on the same trail that Paul Revere rode. I ran through towns that were once were at war with the British. There was a lull in the air at the start like I've never felt in the over 50 marathons I've run. It was a feeling of rebuilding, coming together, uniting for a cause. A cause that was worthy to fight for!  As the race started, I immediately was blown away at the amount of spectators that came to see us off. I choked up and teers came to my eyes.  This is a special day! We came upon the first great site of a biker bar that had enormous support almost rivaling the Wellesley girls. At the 5k mark we came into the first city with mega support. They were there to thank us! They were there to motivate us!! The route continued with constant support and as we got to the 10k mark there was a sign that said teers at 6. I swear they were trying to make me cry on purpose. It Worked!! I have never run a race where I was bawling uncontrollably already. Mile Six I thank you for your support!  There was a forceful peace pushed upon us there!! I heard yells like "you worked your ass off to help us rebuild!! We thank you all!" You try not to get choked up!  I made it to a beautiful lake at mile 8. The sites and sounds continued to lull my senses. I neared the hill after mile twelve and could hear the screeching shrills coming up from the Wellesley girls! Here it comes! I was so pumped up at these crazed ladies with signs asking for a kiss!! I gave them fives as I ran through what seemed to be a half mile of the highest pitched screeming girls you'd ever encountered. I now know what a famous rock star feels! The deafening roar subsided a quarter mile after passing and my ears were in full ringing mode!  Half way! I was now preparing myself mentally for the hills to come. I hit the first few head on with pretty good strength. The next four seemed to wear on me. I got through Heartbreak hill without any problem and saw the famous Citgo sign. I got to the Citgo sign an had a mile left to the finish. This was getting real! I turned the corner on the last stretch and saw more people than I ever have encountered. Screaming for us! I saw the two spots where the bombs went off. I teered up and thanked The Lord for letting me prove to the evil doers that tried taking something so special to me away from me. I screamed! I cried! I went through the finish with great emotion!! What an amazing day! What an amazing experience. What amazing volunteers congratulating me. What amazing security making me safe. That night I went to a party to award our elites their trophies. I heard an Anazing speech by Meb giving the credit to Boston. So humbling. I heard the first place woman giving the credit to Shalane! What a magical day I will never ever forget.