Finished 26.2 Beautiful Miles for State #17!

On Sunday, June 7th, I ran one of the most scenic marathons I've run from Sequim to Port Angeles, WA for State #17 - the North Olympic Discovery Marathon!  It was a hot day for a marathon, but an incredible 26.2 miles.

I've never been to Washington State, and so this was like a little vacation for me.  I landed in Seattle on Saturday morning, and then took a 4 hour bus ride from the airport (including a ferry ride) to get to Port Angeles.  The views from the airplane and bus were stunning, and I knew I was in for some beautiful views along the way.  Port Angeles is a small town on the north border of WA that borders Canada (across the water). 

On race morning, I made the mile-long walk from my hotel room to catch the buses to the start of the marathon.  The buses took us to Sequim so that we could finish in Port Angeles.  At 6:00 in the morning, I was able to see some great views just as the day was starting.

 

The buses brought us to Sequim, with about an hour to go before the start of the marathon.  It was already feeling warm and the sun was shining, so I knew we were in for a toasty marathon.  We could see the Olympic Mountains in the distance, which we were able to see throughout almost the entire marathon.  Soon we were off!

The view of the Olympic Mountains beyond the Starting line.

Due to the heat, I decided early on that I would take it fairly slow.  I met some fellow Marathon Maniacs at the start and began the run with the 5-hour pace group.  Initially I thought I would try for 4:45, and so soon went ahead of the pace group a bit.  I was feeling pretty good and just taking in the views through the first half of the marathon, which was almost entirely on the Olympic Discovery Trail.  Here are some photos - but they really don't do the beauty of the Olympic Mountains justice.

Just after half way, we came out onto some small roads, which is when things became a bit difficult for me.  There was no shade and the sun was beating down, and I just became incredibly slow and a little overheated.  We finally reached the trail again, where I was looking forward to some shade, only to find some pretty substantial hills over the next few miles.  I slowed down and took some walking breaks.  No need to worry about time, I just needed to cross that finish line for State #17, but needed some motivation to get there.

I really tried to focus on the views, and as I looked out into the beautiful blue sky, I thought about all of my Stroke and Heart Heros.  I went through a bit of an emotional period as I thought about the fact that it is because of Gram, who had a stroke in 2007 and inspired be to run for the Tedy's Team and American Stroke Association, that I have taken on this endeavor and am seeing the amazing places all over the country that I am seeing.  Even though we lost her a year after her stroke, running has kept me close to my Gram, Pop, and Papa, all of whom suffered from stroke and/or heart disease.  And I thought about my Dad (a heart attack survivor) and how my parents would just love Port Angeles.  Thinking about my Stroke and Heart Heros, Tedy's Team, and everyone who has supported me got me through those miles.

Around mile 19, I met a fellow runner and we struck up conversation.  We happened upon a photo opportunity right around that time, and decided to have a little fun and take advantage...

We talked for a bit, and soon came out of the trail for a bit, where my most favorite volunteer told me the most wonderful news ever... that it was all downhill and shade from here as we went back into the trails... the hardest part was over!  Suddenly I had a rush of energy which lasted through the remaining miles.  As we came into Port Angeles, we could see views of the water, which were equally as beautiful as the mountain views.

The last 4-5 miles were along the waterfront, and went along fairly quickly (or as quickly as the last 5 miles of a marathon can go).  I was so excited to come into the finish area.  Because of my slower time in the heat and hills (and all of the picture taking), I came in a little after the 5-hour mark.  I reunited with some of the runners I had met along the way, and just enjoyed sitting on the water in the finish area.  It was an amazing day and I was so happy to have been able to run the North Olympic Discovery Marathon - it's definitely one that I would run again!

So State #17 is complete and onto State #18 in July - Revel Rockies in CO!  An all downhill marathon that I am super excited for!

Marathon Highlights:
The views!
The views! (just to emphasize)
The trail is great and provide some shade
Fun little bridges along the trails
Great volunteers - each water station had a theme!
Personal escort from finish line to food - pretty great!
Awesome medal

#1 Song that got me through a tough spot:
Hold On - Wilson Philips
(this may have been due to the fact that I watched Bridesmaids the night before I left for WA) :)

ALSO - while not a song - the wonderful person that put a sprinkler out between mile 18-19 - this was much needed and appreciated, and there was no one there to say thank you to.

Finished 26.2 Amazing Miles in Vermont!

On Sunday, I ran my 25th marathon, and my 20th marathon with the American Stroke Association at the Vermont City Marathon!  It was especially amazing to get to celebrate this milestone with Tedy's Team!  While I run every marathon for Tedy's Team, I am always super excited when I get to run a marathon where the whole team is traveling.  It was an awesome weekend to be able to run with Tedy's Team while also getting to visit friends and family in Vermont.  

We started out the weekend with a Tedy's Team dinner, where everyone running told our stories of why we were running for the American Stroke Association, and there were some incredibly inspirational stories.  It was so good to see our Tedy's Team alumni and meet new teammates, and it was such an awesome evening.  And I received the most awesome gift I could have ever asked for from Tedy's Team - a  wooden map of the United States customized to show all of the marathons I have run on my quest for 50 states!  What an incredible surprise!

The next morning we all made our way to the starting line in Burlington.  This was my 6th time running this marathon, and it is one of my favorites.  I love that I know so many people along the course, and I just know the course so well that it always goes by faster than any other.  The out and back portions also are fun because the runners are able to see other runners on the course no matter if they are faster or slower - so I could cheer for everyone that I saw!  This year reminded me of my very first marathon in 2009, because I had our American Stroke Association coach and staff on the course as well.  I always love to run the marathons when I get to run with the team!

It was perfect weather for a marathon at the start - 50s with a little sun and breeze.  As it warmed up, there were clouds here and there, we even got a few sprinkles of rain, which felt really good.  The first half flew by and I hit the half point at just about my usual time.  We made our way to the bike path and I was able to snap a few photos to catch some of the great scenery.

We made it to the battery street hill at about mile 15, and I took another photo to try to capture the hill.  This photo doesn't do the hill justice, but it is a good long hill with awesome support!

One of my favorite things about this marathon is the Taiko Drummers that give the runners so much energy to get to the top of that hill.  You can hear the drums as you come around the corner and it's so awesome to hear them all the way to the top.  I saw Tedy's Team, my family, and friends all along that hill, and soon I was at the top!

I was feeling pretty good through about mile 17, where suddenly I became aware of a toenail issue, but decided that I would figure it out after I finished.  I tried to curl my toes to stop what I could feel was my toenail getting pulled off which led to toe and foot cramping, but eventually I figured out how to keep the pain minimal (who knew a toenail could cause such problems!).  I later learned that there was a tiny hole that formed at the tip of my toe in my sock that was slowly catching and pulling the nail off.  Yuck!  I was mostly just happy to find out that it wasn't from my new running shoes :).

I saw our awesome Tedy's Team running coach and a fellow Tedy's Team member at mile 19, who gave me encouragement and energy to make it to the end.  It was getting a little bit warm at that point with the sun beaming down, and so it was great to see some familiar Tedy's Team faces.  Miles 20-22 went a little bit slowly, and I had to dig deep and think about my cause and everyone I'm running for.  I knew once I made it back to the bike path I would be in the home stretch, and be able to get a little shade from the trees too.  Finally I made it to the turn for the bike path and I could feel the excitement of finishing my 25th marathon!  I jumped off the path to take another photo - I like this one because you can see the ferry docking in Burlington in the distance.

The last 4 miles went by smoothly, and soon we were emerging from the bike path out onto the waterfront for the final .2 miles!  This is always packed with supporters, and whether they know you or not, they are cheering!  I did see some friends along the way, and I was able to give my Mom and Dad a high five right before I crossed the finish line.  It meant a lot to have them there, as they don't get to see too many of my marathons since I'm traveling all over the place.  I crossed the finish line at 5:00:27 - the goal was to finish in under 5 hours, but I figure that's pretty close (and I lost at least 27 seconds taking pictures of the scenery along the way).  I met friends and family at the finish (and even a canine supporter!), and it was an awesome end to an awesome marathon!

We ended the day with a Tedy's Team celebration dinner - all of us made it to the end for our cause and our friends and loved ones affected by stroke.  It was so great to finish with the team for this marathon. 

Less than two weeks until my next marathon in Port Angeles, WA for State #17!

Marathon Highlights
Awesome support from beginning to end
Beautiful views of Lake Champlain
Taiko Drummers!
Finishing on the waterfront

#1 Song that Got me Through a Tough Spot:
Fight Song - Rachel Platten 

Finished a beautiful 26.2 miles in Kenosha WI for State #16!

Last Saturday, I made my way to Kenosha, Wisconsin to run the Wisconsin Marathon.  It was a beautiful day for a marathon... even a little warmer than ideal, but I was just very happy that it wasn't raining after a streak of rainy marathons this year.   I rode with a friend to the start, and we made it there just in time to hop into the start corral before the race started.

Here is a picture from the start - a beautiful day!

It didn't take long after the start to see some amazing views as we ran along Lake Michigan.  I love running along water, especially now that I don't have much water to train near.  It gives me a sense of peace, and as we ran along the water,  I looked out frequently thinking of memories of my Gram and Pop and everyone that I am running for.  I was getting off to a faster start than in the past few marathons (thanks to fewer hills!), and the first half of the marathon went along pretty smoothly.  We ran through numerous small parks, and I tried to snap some photos of the scenery as we ran.

Here are some views from the day...

The half marathoners split off from the full marathoners at mile 11, and so suddenly there was much less company around, and just after reaching about half way, I was feeling a little bit sluggish.  But along came a fellow runner that had already completed the 50 states, and we ran for about two miles together talking about the marathons we had run and the quest for 50 States, and it made those miles go by really quickly.  I gained some energy as we chatted, and after we said goodbye, a few other runners asked about my 50 States Challenge, or simply gave a thumbs up for the cause as we passed, giving me even more energy to make it to the end.  

I don't always have a time goal, but since I had gotten off to a pretty good start, I was hoping to break the 5 hour mark, since the last few marathons had been slow for me and I hadn't broken 5 hours in a little while.  It was getting a little bit toasty towards the end, but I was feeling pretty good, and the last few miles along the water helped me to reach this goal as I thought about my cause.  I made it across the finish line in 4:55, completing State #16 for the American Stroke Association!!  It was an awesome day!

  

The lighthouse we saw several times along the course...

Since the Wisconsin Marathon, I have made it over $12,500 for my fundraising, which means I'm over half way to my goal of raising $25,000 for the American Stroke Association for my 50 States Challenge!  I cannot thank everyone that has supported me enough for making this journey through the 50 States successful in raising funds and awareness for stroke!

My next marathon is the Vermont City Marathon on May 24th, which will not add a state for me, but will be a "mile"stone, as it will be my 20th marathon with the American Stroke Association.   It is especially meaningful for me to reach this 20 marathon milestone in Vermont, as that is where it all started in 2009, when I ran very first marathon after losing my grandmother a year after her stroke.  When I cross the finish line in VT this year, I will have run 524 marathon miles for the American Stroke Association since that day (not including training), and every single one has been amazing.   I never imagined in 2009 that I would start a journey to run 50 marathons in memory of my Gram, Pop, and Grampa, and in honor of my Dad who have all been affected by stroke and/or heart disease.  I also cannot thank the American Stroke Association and Tedy's Team enough for helping me to create something so positive out of the horrible experience of a loved one having a stroke or heart attack.  It keeps me close to those I have lost, and keeps me closer to those that are still here, and together we are all making a difference in the fight against stroke and heart disease!

Onto the Vermont City Marathon, which will be closely followed by State #17 in Port Angeles, WA!!

Highlights from the marathon:

Absolutely beautiful views

Flat

Nice option of having packet mailed ahead of time

Vegan options for post-race food!

Nice medal and t-shirt

Great support!

#1 Song that got me through a tough spot:

"Let it Go" Idina Menzel 

A HILLY State #15 is in the Books!

On this past Sunday, I made my way to the start line of the Publix Georgia Marathon for State #15, and what a day it was!  I was excited to be running my first marathon in my new home state of GA.  While the weather had started to warm up for us earlier in the week, it was a cool and rainy morning at 7:00am in Atlanta.  But I was ready to attack the hills that I had heard so much about for my cause, despite the rain!

This was an especially fun marathon, where I was able to tour more areas that surround where I live, which was great.  We started out in the Centennial Olympic Park (site of the 1996 Olympics), and made our way all around the city.  I started to warm up a little a few miles in, but then it actually seemed to get cooler in the second hour, and never really warmed up again after that.  Because of the rain, my State # stickers fell off pretty early in the race, which actually seemed to make for more conversation, as fellow runners wanted to know what state I was on and which states I had completed.  Many runners gave encouraging words in support of the cause, which really helps me on those tough days - and this was a particularly tough course!

Leading up to the event, whenever I had mentioned that I was running this marathon, the response always included mention of it being "hilly".  I have come to understand that Atlanta is hillier than I ever had anticipated since I moved here and started training, but didn't think much of it.  I had run "hilly" marathons before.  But yikes!  This course is composed of unrelenting hills - they seem to never end, and there comes a point where the down hills even feel difficult and you really just want a little bit of flatness... but it rarely happens.  But at the same time it really is a great marathon, and eventually I learned to just accept the hills as part of the challenge of the day, and I knew that my cause and everyone I was running for would get me to the end.

I would say the highlight of the marathon was when we reached Decatur, just a few miles from where I live.  This was around mile 12 or so, and I had gotten a bit discombobulated with my running belt of goodies, due to frozen hands that could not manipulate my energy snacks at the previous water stop.  I took a longer walking break than usual to get myself reorganized, which made it a struggle to get back into my running pace.  But then we entered Decatur and all of the sudden, dozens of series of rhyming signs popped up, which proved to be very entertaining.  In addition, the crowd was especially enthusiastic and there was some great music as we ran through downtown.  Either there were fewer hills in Decatur, or the signs and crowd did an excellent job of distracting me from thinking about them!  This got me back on track with my pace, and I must say I was disappointed to see the rhyme signs come to an end when we left Decatur.

We then continued on our way back towards Atlanta - and between the hills and the rain, I started to slow down.  I had pain in my neck that was much more intense than usual (I always have a little after a few spine surgeries) and no amount of stretching was helping, and it was actually worse than any pain in the legs or anywhere else.  But the miles passed, and eventually I made it to mile 17 - my favorite mile, and I have no idea why.  It is a mile that serves as some marker in my mind that makes me feel like I can get to the end.  From there I just accepted it would be a slower marathon for me, but I would make it to the end, and I was fine with that.  I tried to just enjoy the scenery and in fact I learned my way around the city a bit better, and even noted a few restaurants that I might like to try at some point (I was getting a little bit hungry :).

I slowed way down at miles 22-23, and then got a little burst of energy at mile 24, where I was able to pick up the pace through the end.  I thought about all of my stroke hero's and teammates, and they helped me cross the finish line of my 15th state.

And the socks!  Oh the socks... they were actually compression leg sleeves, but I had ordered them the week before the marathon and it was the first time I had used them (yes I know I broke a major marathon running rule here to never try anything new on race day) - they had stars on one leg and stripes on the other in all different colors.  I thought they were fun, but didn't realize how responsive the crowd would be!  I've never heard so many comments on what I've worn - but these definitely seemed to be popular!

Some might think that as you run more and more marathons, they get easier.  I wish that were the case.  In 23 marathons, I've learned that there are some marathons that seem to take less effort for one reason or another, but I've not run one marathon that I haven't had a point at which I've struggled at least a little bit.  With more marathons, the mental aspect has grown - I know that when I hit these spots, it will almost always get better in 5-10-15 minutes.   I use those times to think about my cause and let it take me through.  I use those times to take in the scenery of all the new places that I'm seeing (even here where I live - Atlanta is a big place to see!), and think about how lucky I am to be able to run.  Sure I set goals for time, and it's awesome when I can reach or surpass them, but in the end it doesn't really matter how long it takes to finish, because I'm running for Tedy's Team and the American Stroke Association, and it's raising awareness and fighting stroke that matters! 

So onto State #16 - the Wisconsin Marathon in Kenosha, WI on 5/2/15, which advertises itself as "The Cheesiest Marathon", so it is sure to be a good time!

Race Highlights:
Nice expo
Great course support throughout
Decatur!
A good challenging course (don't underestimate the hills!)

#1 Song that got me through a tough spot:
We're not Gonna Take it - Twisted Sister 
I seem to be living in the 80's with my songs lately... 
  

Finished State #14 at the Mercedes-Benz Marathon in Alabama!

This past Sunday I made the trip to Birmingham to complete the Mercedes-Benz Marathon in Alabama, and it was a great day!

The day started out a little bit rainy, but warmer than it had been in the south for the week prior to to marathon, which was awesome.  It was about 50 degrees with some rain on and off for the first hour or so, which was great weather for a marathon.  This marathon didn't really go by fast or slow for me, I just kind of plugged along.  I had made a huge change in my life this winter in moving to a new state, and so my training was not quite perfect, and so I just took it nice and easy.  Of course with the rain, I kept my trusty garbage bag with me to help stay dry through the 26.2 miles!

One of the things that I love (and I've mentioned in other posts), is how my cause leads me to meet people along the 26.2 miles and tell my story, and hear other stories.  On the back of my singlet, I always have my 50 States Challenge and my State #, and so even if it's just a quick thumbs up, or a longer discussion about the challenge, it's a great way to keep my cause with me in my running.

For this particular marathon, it was a double loop and so after the half marathoners split off to finish, the runners spread out and I spent a great deal of time thinking about those who I am running for - memories of my Gram and Pop (and what they would think of me running all these marathons, especially in the rain!), my Dad, my family,  my teammates on Tedy's Team, and everyone that has supported me.  Everyone has given me such inspiration, and with the rain and sore legs towards the end, I just thought about how lucky I am to be able to run for this cause.

I don't think there was a particularly difficult point during the race.  I started to pick out some familiar faces in the crowd even though I didn't know anyone cheering, because it loops back through the center of town a few times, and so I started to recognize people cheering!  One of my favorite parts of marathon running is interacting with the crowd, and even though the crowd wasn't huge, they were certainly fun!

When I finally reached the finish line, it felt great!  And who couldn't love a Mercedes-Benz medal?? And a nice added bonus was that we received a finisher's beach towel at the end too!  That is my first marathon beach towel, and I will be sure to use it, especially now that I'm living in the south!

So all and all it was an awesome day!  I was so excited after finishing, that I decided to add another marathon into my schedule, and so now I am getting ready for State #15 at the Run Hard Columbia Marathon in SC on 3/7/15, and then I will complete State #16 at the Publix Georgia Marathon on 3/22/15!

And what about the fundraising??  My goal is to reach a total of $4000 for this season before the VT City Marathon in May, so that I can surpass $15,000 for my full 50 States Challenge total!  If you would like to support the fight against stroke, you can visit my fundraising page by clicking on the images at the top right of my blog!

Onto South Carolina!

Race Highlights:
Nice rolling hills (some are a little long, but not bad)
The course loops in and out of town, so good for spectators!
Great support, fun crowd
Awesome medal and finisher beach towel!
 
#1 Song that got me through a tough patch:
Heaven is a Place on Earth - Belinda Carlisle 

 

Finished States #12 and #13 at the NU Hartford Marathon and Steamtown Marathon!

Last weekend, I finished my second double marathon weekend to complete states #12 and #13, and it was awesome!  On Saturday 10/11, I made my way to the starting line of the NU Hartford Marathon (Hartford, CT). It was a cold and rainy morning, but I've made it through a few rainy marathons, and so I didn't let that get me down.  I put on my super lovely looking garbage bag jacket, and it helped me stay warm at the start.  I timed it pretty well though, with only about 10 minutes of waiting before starting.

Knowing that I was going to be running another marathon the next day, I took it nice and slow to go easy on my legs and feet.  I took off my garbage bag after the first few miles, but kept it with me, which I was sooooo happy about at around mile 14, when every part of me started to freeze from the rain.  I pulled it out and put it back on, and it kept me warm until the end.  It's amazing what a little garbage bag can do for keeping you warm!  It seemed like it took forever to get to the half, which is when I usually feel like I'm getting somewhere in the marathon (it's kind of where it starts in my mind).  But after the half, things went a little faster.  I ran by some very fun houses that were decorated for Halloween, and the foliage was awesome.  There was also a DJ playing Irish music that we passed at mile 10 and again at mile 24 that picked me up a little bit.  I wanted to take some pictures along the course, but it was so cold and rainy that I lost dexterity in my hands because they were so cold!  Even just getting my sports beans out of the package was an interesting challenge!  The legs got a little sore around the same time I started getting pretty cold, and so that was when I needed to dig down and think about my cause to get me through.  I kept a nice run/walk pace, and it got me to the end pretty comfortably.  I had a new singlet made up before the marathons, and one of the things I love about having the cause printed on my back is that it strikes up conversations with other runners, and I get to share my story, and also hear others' stories along the 26.2 miles.  I crossed the finish line of State #12 at about 5:19 feeling good and energized for the next day!

After the finish, I went to the food tent and had one of the tastiest grilled cheese sandwiches - I've never thought of grilled cheese after a marathon, but it was really good!  I also got some good recovery drinks and snacks, made my way back to the hotel to pack up and make the 3-hour drive to Scranton, PA for the Steamtown Marathon.  The trip to Scranton went pretty well, and I arrived there with time to have a nice pasta dinner, get everything ready for the next day (including taking care of some of the biggest blisters I've ever had - thanks to the rain), and get a good night sleep.

Sunday was an early morning, as the the Steamtown Marathon is a point-to-point marathon, so there were early buses out to the start.  We rode the bus to Forest City, where there was the most welcoming group of people I've ever met at a marathon!  On the bus ride, I met some awesome runners and we were able to share our running stories of why we run, which was great.  One of the things that I love about running is getting to meet new people and learn their stories, and then hopefully see them again at other marathons.  It's also a great opportunity to share my story and raise stroke awareness.  I still can't get through telling my story without getting a little teary eyed.

We were able to stay inside and warm while waiting for the start, but luckily it was a much nicer day than Saturday - it got up into the 60s and was sunny throughout the entire 26.2 - a perfect day!  We made our way to the starting line, and I was ready to go.  The first few steps reminded me that I had run a marathon the day before, and the first few miles involved some grumpy muscles, but after about mile 3, everything loosened up and the legs did pretty well for the day.   The second day went much faster (even though I was running the same pace), and I reached the half in what seemed like no time.  The next mile that I get excited to see is mile 17 - I have no idea why, but it gives me a feeling that the end is in sight.  The next mile I look forward to is 21, because it's a nice countdown from there.  I had some great conversations with other runners along the way - getting thumbs up for the cause, or questions about what states I've done and what states are next.  I also met some fellow Marathon Maniacs along the way, and it's always awesome to meet more maniacs :).  Surprisingly the legs and feet made it through pretty well, with just about the normal amount of soreness, and I crossed the finish line at about 5:21 feeling great!

I had a pretty comfortable 7-hour drive back to VT after Steamtown, but I could definitely feel the muscle soreness/tightness when I got out of my car at home (yikes!), but no major issues, and the legs were back to normal by about 3 days later.  I was so excited to have finished the double marathon for Tedy's Team and the American Stroke Association, and to spread the word about stroke!

The next marathon (State #14) will be the Publix Georgia Marathon in March, but I'm hoping to fit at least one more in before then.  And I'll be looking for another double (or triple) in the spring!

NU Hartford Marathon Highlights:
Great course support
Very organized
Beautiful foliage
Nice option of mailing the race packet out ahead of time if you can't make the expo
The Irish DJ!

Steamtown Marathon Highlights:
Very organized leading up to event (lots of emails)
Organized buses to start
Nicest welcoming group of people ever in Forest City
Beautiful foliage - nice trails
Packet pickup option in the morning
Great marathon all around

#1 Song that got me through a tough patch:
I think I might have listed this one before, but:
Livin' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi

Finished the 2014 Boston Marathon with Tedy's Team!

What an absolutely awesome day April 21st was.  With 76 runners strong, Tedy led us to the starting line in Hopkinton and we were ready to make it to the finish line this year!  Many runners on Tedy's Team didn't get to cross the finish line last year, and were back this year to take back the finish line, and we did it together! There were so many stories along the 26.2 miles, that I can't begin to share them all, all I can say is Tedy's Team is a a team like no other!

We started the weekend with our pasta party, where we learned that not only did we blow past our first goal of raising a half a million dollars for the American Stroke Association, but we blew past our second goal of raising $540,000 (to match Tedy's # with the Patriots, 54) to raise $557,000 for the cause!  That is the most that Tedy's Team has ever raised for Boston, and I am so incredibly proud and honored to have been a part of it.  Thanks to everyone who came out to my fundraisers and supported the cause, I raised more than I have ever raised for one marathon, with a total of $6,303 for the American Stroke Association, bringing my grand fundraising total since I started the 50 States Challenge to $10,724!!

On Marathon Monday (Patriot's Day), we had an early start to the day, with a 5:00am bus from Boston out to Hopkinton.  We had a good 5 1/2 hours before most of us started at 11:25, and spent the time at our meeting house having fun, taking pictures, and getting ready for the 26.2 miles.  I had so missed being a part of the Boston Marathon team over the past two years, and could not wait to hit the pavement and make it to the end for my cause, my team, and the city of Boston.  Tedy and our teammates gave some incredible inspiration, and we made our way to the start with enourmous excitement.  This year was also special because Tedy himself, along with 2 of the Tedy's Team staff, conquered the 26.2 miles along with us.  I took a picture of the start with the famous sign in Hopkinton ("It all starts here").  Some of our team members even had personal introductions as we crossed the start line!

So how did it go?  Well, in 17 marathons up until Monday, I've never struggled quite as much to make it to the finish.  I usually don't dwell on the days when I struggle, but wanted to share this because of how much getting to the end meant to me, so here is the story.   I crossed the start line feeling pretty good, but could tell that I was going to have trouble with side stitches, which worried me a little, but I didn't care much because today was the day I was running the Boston Marathon with Tedy's Team.  At mile 5, I realized just how badly they were going to be a problem, with the worst pain I've ever had in my abdomen while running.  I took some long walking breaks and managed to make my way to the half marathon point on schedule.  However, all of the walking ended up giving me massive leg cramps since I wasn't trained for speed walking such long distances.  I made it to mile 14 when the pain was so much that I knew I couldn't keep up my pace if I wanted to finish.  It was a hot day and I was dehydrated and couldn't get myself back to normal.  I made my way, mile by mile, to mile 18, where I collapsed onto the side of the course due to nausea and dizziness from dehydration and stomach and leg cramps (this has NEVER happened to me in 17 marathons!).

At that point, the spirit of the marathon and team came out.  One of the spectators near where I went down ran into his house and came out with a huge bottle of ice water and told me to keep that bottle because he didn't need it back.  As I sat on the side attempting to recover, three of my teammates passed by together, and I found the strength to get up and join them.  The crowd cheered as I picked myself up off the ground and joined my teammates.  I walked with them for about a half a mile as we encouraged each other, gave some inspirational words, and then said goodbye as they started to run ahead of me.  At mile 19 (caution - this is gross), all of the water and gatorade and sports beans that I had taken in for the first 19 miles found it's way back up onto the side of the course, and I collapsed again (this has also NEVER happened to me before!).  This time there were some medical folks who came over to check on me, gave me some water, and made sure I was okay.  Again, I laid down on the grass on the side with spectators and runners offering support, and oddly, felt just a little better (a little less nauseous!).  But I knew I was dehydrated and couldn't run anymore if I wanted to cross that finish line because it was so hot with the sun beating down, I no hydration left in me, and I couldn't keep down much (if any) fluid.  But I was determined to finish, even though by that point, my stomach was so painful and my legs were seizing with cramps.  I picked myself up and received the biggest ovation I've ever received from the crowd and runners passing by.  I walked to mile 20 where I saw some familiar faces, who gave me huge motivation to get to the end (while also reminding me that there were medical tents along the course if I needed one - but I avoided those at all costs).

I had to dig deeper than ever before and think about my cause - my Gram and Pop, my Grandpa, and my Dad, everyone on Tedy's Team and everyone they were running for, all those affected on April 15th, 2013, and everyone who had supported me to find the courage to get through those miles.  And even during those last miles, 6 hours after I had started, the crowd was still out jumping and cheering my name and for Tedy's Team and giving me the strength to get to the end.  I went to the ground one more time at mile 23 and one of the spectators came over to me and looked me in the eye and said "you know you're going to finish, right?  You've only got three miles to go and you're going to finish!"  I said, "oh I'm going to finish alright" and got myself up for one more ovation, as another runner gave up her water bottle to me to help me get to the finish, and walked my way to the end Boston Strong and Tedy's Team Strong.  In 3 Boston Marathons I have never been so happy to take that right hand turn onto Hereford and left onto Boylston Street.

No, it wasn't my fastest race by far (about 2 hours slower than my fastest race, in fact), but none of that mattered because I was running for the cause and to take back the finish line that was taken away from so many last year, and that's what I did.  But I don't know if I could have done it without the support of my team and the crowd, and just knowing that that finish line was waiting for me.  And I even managed to get up the energy to run the last 500 yards down Boylston street and under the enormous Boston Strong sign to the finish.  Absolutely awesome.

So that was a bit more detailed (and gross - my apologies) than most of my posts, but at the same time, it tells the true story of the spirit of the marathon and how the cause, the team, and Boston got me
to the end.  In the end, it didn't matter that I finished in 6:28 when I was aiming for my usual 4:45, because that is just a number.  The experience of being a part of Tedy's Team in the Boston Marathon and knowing that we raised $557,000 for the American Stroke Association in honor and in memory of all of our stroke heroes and all those affected by stroke (yes, that fundraising number is the number that matters to me!), and were also running for all those affected in last year's marathon is what it's all about, and the experience was awesome no matter how long it took to get to the finish.

So how am I doing now?  Well, it took about a week for the stomach and legs to feel somewhat normal and the nauseousness to go away, but all of that got better and the experience (and my medal) will stay with me forever.  And I can't wait to do it all again as I work towards the 50 states! Although hopefully the dehydration part won't happen again :).

I'm still figuring out my schedule for the summer and fall, but for right now, States #12 and #13 will be a double marathon weekend with the Hartford Marathon in Hartford, CT on October 11th and the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, PA on October 12th.  I can't thank everyone who has supported me enough for all of your support in helping me to reach my fundraising goals and to run the Boston Marathon as part of Tedy's Team!!