The End...For Now - 3.04 miles (24:59)

"Is this the end...?" - Zee Avi

Miles Ran: 521.02 Dollars Raised: $3,662.46

So this is it.. my last post (for this blog) to wrap up my Boston Marathon experience, which I am still trying to fully grasp. I've been finding myself taking a lot of deep exhales over the past week when I think about what I've gone through over the past five months. As if that's the "wow" and "the end" of everything.

This has been the most self-reflective time of my life--and a lot of it had to do with sitting down and dissecting my runs and my days and my mental health before I went to bed with this blog. I've talked a lot about how many people and many things and activities effected my journey, but this creative outlet has been such a tool in itself. Why does it feel like I'm losing a friend when I think about putting a hold on my blogging? This entity that let me vent and talk about every little boring running issue and challenge that any normal person either wouldn't understand or care to understand. At least, that's what I think.

It would absolutely amaze me when friends or family would bring up something in conversation that I had talked about on my blog, which I didn't know they were following, and I would think, "how did she know that"?! It was an amazing way for people to stay connected with me, my training, and my thoughts, no matter what the distance was between us. I guess when I wrote, even though I slightly edited some unnecessary things and cared about whether spelling and grammar was decent, I was writing for me, without the thought that anyone else would care. So I have become in awe when I realized that people DID care enough to keep up to date with how I was doing.

Today, after a week of rest, I went for my first 3 mile run--which was incredible. At first my body and my joints felt like they were saying, "what are you doing to me"!?! But then I got into a groove where I was keeping up an average of just over an 8:00 pace. I honestly thought I'd be jogging very slowly in pain! It felt SO good to be back on the pavement again, back in my element. Though my body definitely needed the rest, I was feeling so anxious and lazy to get back to what makes me so happy. Not to mention that I turned into an absolute vacuum this past week--consuming anything and everything unhealthy I could get my hands on just because I had been depriving myself of it for the past few weeks.

In other good news, I'm happy and excited to say that I just signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon!! Katharine and I will be running for Team Semper Fi Fund, where we only have to raise $300 to participate--which we plan to raise with one fundraiser sometime this summer. Tomorrow we're going to sit down to talk about logistics. I asked Rick for his opinion of the race and he said it was actually his second marathon as well, and that it's the most well-organized marathon he's ever participated in. My other girlfriend Kim has run it three times already and said, besides Boston, it's her favorite race! I'm excited to go visit another city I've been dying to get to recently for such a great reason. And it's on Halloween! I'm sure there will be tons of people dressed in costume--but I think I'll pass on that this time around. But anyway, I'm very happy that the Boston Marathon has not made me hate or want to give up running, but made me love it and the feeling of challenging myself and accomplishing something great (especially for a cause) even more. I would love to qualify for Boston someday, but until then am completely content with experiencing other marathons around the world--and maybe do Boston for a charity again a couple years down the road. I'm excited to have a summer of races that will be fun and let me work on my speed, rather than the intimidating challenge of a new mileage set in front of me. Now that I have the Boston Marathon under my belt, I can go into my next marathon with a lot more confidence, as well as knowledge of how to train better. I'm sure major distance training in the summer will be a whole new ballgame, as it was in the winter.

Thank you again to everyone who has continued to support me and read this outlet of mine during this entire time. I appreciate it more than you'll ever know. As I go on this hiatus of writing, I leave you with a few of the many things I've learned.

Finding something you are passionate about doesn't always just fall into your lap, but when it does, don't let it slip away. Go for it with everything that you have.

There are lots of very good, generous people in this world, and a lot of times they will surprise you when you least expect it, and when you need it most.

Be open-minded to try new approaches and techniques--what do you have to lose?

Determination is a very useful tool. It can take your body to it's limits...and then push it for another 3 miles.

Set realistic goals for yourself that are challenging, but attainable with effort and discipline.

Read: Running has so much to do with the mind--opening up Eat, Pray, Love and Born to Run really enhanced my running mentality.

Write: Forcing yourself to put thoughts into organized words makes you understand and appreciate what you just did.

Running is a great way to make amazing friends :) You can learn a lot about someone on 2-hr runs, and then get to celebrate when you both accomplish something together.

Listen to your body.

Smile when you run, even when you reallyyyy don't want to.

Nothing is impossible.

Day 157 - Rest

"I can tell you ran the Marathon by the way you're walking." - Homeless man on Boylston

Miles Ran: 517.98 Dollars Raised: $3,662.46 (THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME TO MY UNO'S EVENT!!! (The check finallyyyy arrived...))

It's taken two days for my emotions to sink in and make me realize what I just did.

I got myself together this morning and made my way to work where I was greeted by so many excited, happy faces that wanted to hear all about the race. Retelling it a few times and hearing peoples' reactions brought such a smile to my face. I really wasn't that sore today, but mainly let myself fall into my desk chair, and used my arms to push myself up.

At lunch I went to meet my friend Jen who had originally been my running mentor a year ago. It was SO nice to catch up with her, and talk to someone who could completely empathize with the experience I was talking to her about. If she hadn't put me in touch with Rick, my experience would be nowhere near as amazing, if it would have happened at all. On my way back to the office I was racing time and had no cars in front of me on the Riverway for the majority of the time, so, I'll admit, I was flying. Of course I came up over a small hill where the speed limit had just dropped to 25 MPH and there was a nice cop to meet me in the middle of the road with his radar gun and direct me to the side. Here's the conversation:

Cute Cop: License and registration.

I hand it to him with a "what are you gonna do to me?" look on my face.

He looks down at me, and my medal.

Cute Cop: So. You ran the Marathon on Monday?"
Me: I did! Apparently I couldn't stop myself from wanting to continue to go fast..

Cute Cop: How'd you do? Are you sore?

Me: 4:19! Yes, I'm a little sore today. Have you ever ran one?

Cute Cop: No.. I always wanted to, I just do a few miles.

Me: Oh you could totally do it! I was NEVER a runner before a year ago!

Cute Cop:...so do you drive down here often?

Me: No sir, very rarely.

Cute Cop: Well right before this overpass it changes to 25MPH.

Me: I..uh..woiejngsklfnsoskjfnsfwoihjf

He hands me back my identity.

Cute Cop: Congratulations.

Me: THANK YOUUU!

My medal got me out of a speeding ticket? SWEET!

When I got back to work I was elated to see that my jacket had arrived! Isn't she pretty?!

After work I went down to acupuncture where Jessica told me I was the last of her patients to tell her how I did--so I was excited to tell her all about it, and happy to hear that ALL of her patients finished! I think that's quite an impressive success rate! She played such an instrumental role in my recovery, I had to write her a thank you note telling her how much I appreciated all of her work. I'm going to start tapering down with her to see how my foot can do on it's own.

As I walked down Boylston afterward I felt like I was looking at it through a new lens. I don't think I will ever look at Boylston or Beacon Street the same way again, without remembering what it was like being cheered on my thousands of people, family and friends to succeed.

When I got home I came to a strange realization: I finished in 4:19 ON 4/19! So weird! Now if only I could find a Marathon on March 30th...

What made the tear gates really flood was talking to my grandmother again about how much she and my grandfather loved being a part of my special event, and then seeing this one photo that was taken of me during the last leg of the race down Boylston. It's probably too small to see the details, but I remember exactly what I was thinking by the look on my face.

I'm almost there.. This is it.. Man, I'm going to actually do this.

http://www.marathonfoto.com/order_packages.cfm?OID=12902010S1&CustomerNumber=Y54314&BFI=tgfeqt1yot&DTS=MjAxMDA0MjEyMjExNDU=&Currency=USD&Language=EN&PictureInfo=69968708

Day 156 - Rest

"Electric shocks on aching bones..." - Snow Patrol

Miles Ran: 517.98 Dollars Raised: $3,562.60

Honestly, I have no idea how long I'll continue writing my blog now that the Marathon is over, but I figured this post-marathon week might be some good insight. This blog has given me such a creative outlet that I haven't had in a very long time. It may be a little censored to what's gone on in my non-running-life, but I'm glad that it had a focus, rather than just a rant of a million ideas--OR WORSE--a blog with nothing interesting to talk about.

The amount of messages pouring into my cell phone, email and Facebook, saying how proud people are of me and how inspiring I am is all...well...kind of embarrassing for me. It's hard for me to accept praise sometimes, even though deep down I am extremely happy and proud of what I accomplished. I just didn't expect what I was doing to effect other people.

This morning I woke up around 7:30, called in sick to work, and got on the phone with CitySports to try and track down a champion's marathon jacket--a pure symbol of finishing the Marathon in this city. Of course I didn't want to jinx myself by purchasing one beforehand, and then when I did finish, they were sold out everywhere. I tracked down what I thought was a women's size large down at the CitySports on Comm. Ave., but after veryyyy slowlyyy making my way down there, it turned out they put a MEN'S large aside for me. I was so irritated! Any other day it would have been no problem for me to get there, but on this day, the saleswoman had no sympathy for my aching legs. So one should be arriving at Winsor tomorrow that I ordered online :)

I was happy to get up and move around (I was happy to be able to get out of bed in the first place) and felt like it loosened up my muscles/joints a little bit. My quads are the main problem, and I spent the majority of the day lying in bed rotating ice and a heating pad throughout the lower half of my body. I just took a VERY nice hot bath and massaged my quads, which are now feeling slightly better. I'm just exhausted...time for bed and the real world tomorrow...

Day 155 - THE BOSTON MARATHON 26.2 miles (4:19:06)

"Dream on, dream on...dream until your dreams come true." - Aerosmith

Miles Ran: 517.98 Dollars Raised: $3,562.60

I actually fell asleep last night after I started to type my entry--so forgive me for not being timely!

I want to start off by saying, that yesterday was THE most amazing and challenging day of my life. Never have I ever felt so loved, so much pain, and so much determination to push through that pain than yesterday. It was a completely surreal experience, that I can say is the biggest accomplishment of my life. Secondly, I couldn't have done it without the support of all the people around me. You all helped me believe in myself like I never thought possible, and helped me reach my charity and physical goals. Yesterday, I pushed my mind and body to the absolute limit, and would do it all over again. I have no regrets.

I'll try to put into words as best as possible what went on throughout Marathon Monday, April 19, 2010.

I went to bed at 10:30 the night before after having dinner with my family, and woke up at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00. I felt like I had solid sleep in between

those breaks, so at least that was good. I woke up for good at 5AM and went through the motions of getting my clothes together, eating my bagel with almond butter and banana, and drinking some water. I made my way to the T, and of course, missed it by about 30 seconds, but luckily had two other runners to talk to and get anxious with about another train coming. When I finally got on the T, I called Katharine to confirm our meeting spot, and all of sudden--it hit me. As more and more people with yellow bags started to get on the train the butterflies began. I felt like I was going to throw up. I thought, "I'm really doing this! I'm going to run THE Boston Marathon today."

I finally arrived at Park Street and Katharine was right there waiting for me. I was in awe of how many people were all there, waiting to board the buses to Hopkinton. We got in a huge line that wrapped around the T entrances and up towards the church. The weather, thankfully, was clear, and just a little cool as we were waiting around, standing still. But once we got onto the buses the

warmth was amazing. The bus ride was...interesting. It was nice to take them as part of the experience, and because it probably would have been tough to navigate through the closed off streets, and I felt confident that on this bus, I would arrive in time. However, the seats were really tight and uncomfortable, and the ride took FOREVER. Of course, idle time on a bus means more time to think about what your body is going to endure that day and thoughts of self-doubt start to creep in. It took so long that two people actually got off the bus and ran into the woods because they had to go to the bathroom so badly, and then were able to get back onto the same bus. When we finally arrived at Athlete's Village, they couldn't just drop us off at the entrance, but had to pull alllllll the way around and make us get off and walk.

When we did enter the village, you were finally able to conceive what 25,000+ people looked like--absolute madness. If I had one complaint about Athlete's

Village it's that it wasn't organized very well. I never received any paperwork of the layout of it, so when we first approached the field of people we thought, "is this it"? We got in a ridiculously slow line for the disgusting Porto-Potties, and then realized that, actually, there was entirely other field around the corner where the majority of the people were, including our charities. I ended up calling Rick because we were completely lost and had no idea where the charity area was where we would be able to drop off our bags. We finally found them in the back corner, and where I was looking for tents, were a few banners hung up at eye level on a wire fence... I was SO gracious though to have them there because volunteers brought our bags directly from Athlete's Village to the Westin, so we would not have to deal with finding them on the buses after the race. Something that I did differently yesterday that I've never done before was completely grease up my body with Body Glide. Usually I'll just put in on spots that rub, like my calves, but I put it all over my toes, on my arms, my calves, around my sports bra, and did not have ONE blister at the end of the race! At this time, the sun was making us feel so warm, that I only needed to wear my hoodie over to the starting line that I would eventually shed. On of Rick's great tips was not to wear your race shoes to Athlete's Village and only put them on when you're on the pavement on the way to the starting line. So I wore an old pair of kicks, with no insoles, which were great because the ground was wet and muddy from all the rain this past weekend. I was able to change my sneakers and shed the old ones as well. What was nice was that all the clothes and sneakers that are shed are picked up, and then donated to the homeless!

We made our way past Hopkinton homes, filled with children waving, men looking out their front doors in their bathrobes with their coffee, and even a tent set up

with free band aids, water, etc. I told Katharine my feet felt like they were walking on clouds. Maybe it was the adrenaline, who knows. When we got to our corral some woman actually grabbed my arm because she only saw part of my bib number and thought I was in the wrong corral--WOAH! We packed in tight like sardines with all of the other runners and were commenting on the funny sayings people had on their shirts. "Like my running? Call 617-555-5555" "I'm favored to win" "Stop looking at my butt!" There were many others dedicating their shirts to loved ones, mine said "NO REGRETS!" I also took one of the pink roses from the bouquet my girlfriends sent me and secured it in my hair for the entire run.

Katharine and I squeezed each other's hands as we approached the starting line, started our watches, and yelled "Here we go!!!" We took off at what felt like a really comfortable speed, varying from 8:45-9:15. I felt like I was just jogging. There was not one point, even in those beginning miles, that there were not people lining the streets yelling, "You can do it, SAMMY!" The start was just amazing. Looking up ahead it just looked like a huge dipping wave of people floating up and down. The first seven miles just flew by, I remember looking down at my watch at one point, seeing it had been over an hour, and thinking, "I'm a quarter of the way done." The first person I saw was a coworker of mine, Libby, who was volunteering at the 7 mile water stop on the left hand side. I spotted her about halfway down the line and went straight to her--"LIBBYYY!" and she handed me water with a pat on the back, "SAM! You're lookin great!"

Next up, I was on the lookout for my family, who were going to be around mile 9 in Natick. I knew which balloons to look for--but when I actually saw them from afar, I was ecstatic. Katharine and I were able to pause for a minute, get some pretzels and jelly beans, give hugs, take a quick picture, and then were off with an "I LOVE YOUUUU!!!!"

Now, here is where I think we got a little ahead of ourselves. We started to pick up the pace a little bit, which was fine, and were going anywhere from an 8:30-9:00 pace. At times I felt like I was getting a little bit fuzzy, most likely from losing and not replenishing the amount of salt in my body. It was kind of scary. I just know of some of the things that can happen to people during a marathon (dehydration and cardiac arrest to name a few...) and those thoughts were creeping into my head. For a couple of those miles in the middle my brain kept telling me how easy it would be to give up. I was having a total battle with it, but just kept fighting. Thank goodness Katharine and I stuck together for so long. I feel like we really motivated each other to keep going--even if we maybe should have slowed down just a tiny bit. When we reached the halfway point at Wellesley College I started to get really emotional for the first time in the race. It was just such a landmark, and it was kind of amusing to see how the women runners kind of migrated to the left as the men veered to the right to get closer to the screaming girls with signs that had variations of "KISS ME I'M _____"

I was also appreciating at this point in the race having had run the 20-mile charity run very much. Coming up to points and thinking "I remember this!" or "there's a big downhill up here" really helped me mentally prepare and recognize what was ahead. If and when I do another marathon elsewhere, I will be SURE to at least drive the course, and hopefully run on parts of it beforehand, just to know what to expect.

When we got to Mile 15, I was able to spot and flag down Rick who was amidst the runners. The conversation went like this:

Me: RICK!!! RICKKKK!!!

Rick starts running backwards next to me.

Rick: SAM! Take out your headphone and listen to me. These next two miles are going to be the most important two miles of the course. Focus on your form. Then when you get to Mile 17 at Heartbreak Hill you'll be in the single digits to Boston. You can do this!

Me: OK! Thank you so much!

It was just what I needed. From that point on, nothing else mattered besides keeping my form in check, and that's what I believe carried me to the finish line without having to stop and walk. Around Mile 16 Katharine pulled over. Her hip and her back had been paining her earlier, and this time, she made me continue on without her while she walked. Turning that corner onto to Heartbreak Hill where the Newton Fire Station is without her was really sad. It was something that we had talked about, that turn, for weeks. As I started to make my way up that first hill my quads were NOT happy with me. In fact, it felt like they were going burst through my skin. It was definitely a mental game at that point. I just had to tell myself to "get comfortable with being uncomfortable." It was like I had to acknowledge the pain, accept it, and just freaking deal with it. At about mile 19, I was halfway up Heartbreak Hill when I knew I needed to stop and replenish with some pretzels. I know we're not supposed to take things from people on the side of the road, but this family was at the perfect spot for me to accept a Dixie cup of water to wash down the food. The woman said to me, "How are you holding up? Are you ok?" and I just, "well, I KNOW I'm going to finish!" At that point I was so close, and so confident, I just knew I was going to do it, and it was exciting. I don't even remember that last, steep, climb of Heartbreak. Usually it's the most challenging part for me, but if I remember correctly I just put my head down, and trudged on, and the pain in my quads just cancelled out everything else that was going on around me, and then... it was over.

Now, that was the farthest I had ever run prior to the Marathon, I had never gone past this point of 21+miles, so I was relying on the crowds to carry me through this area that I was so familiar with--but not so familiar with running on with such aches and pains. Coming down those little hills around Boston College were AWFUL, when previously running on them was no problem. And also, Boston College = LOTS of drunk idiots. At this point, I was exhausted, my legs were spent, my feet were sore, I just wanted to get to the end--yet I had people spilling into the street, screaming for me (in slurred, belligerent words) and I just wanted to get past them. They were annoying the crap out of me! At some points along the course, especially where I knew there would not be any of "my people" it was really helpful having my name on my shirt, but right now, I wish I didn't. Finally I got past them and had another slight, painful downhill to Cleveland Circle, and then made that left onto Beacon Street.

Ahhh...my home turf. Before this point, I had thrown my pace to the side and was just focusing on trying to be as comfortable as possible in my stride, but this was where I slowly started to pick up my pace again to between 9:00-10:00 miles. A little ways down I saw my friend Peter out on the side on the road, we spotted each other, and I just ran and jumped into his arms as if all of a sudden my legs didn't hurt anymore. I was SO happy to see him after that horrible, painful, past five miles, seeing him gave me the energy I needed to make it through. He said, "YOU'RE DOING AMAZING! KAY (his sis) IS UP AHEAD AT TRADER JOES"! From then on, it almost seemed as though every half mile I was seeing someone else that I knew. It was incredible. It's like, when you make that turn onto Beacon, you can start to see the Prudential building, and it looks SO CLOSE, but you still have 3 miles to go! I saw Kevin and Jen from work, then Kay, then Emily Lauren Emma and Kate from work. It hit me that, I AM GOING TO FINISH THIS! You go down under the Mass. Ave. overpass (whoever decided to do that instead of having us continue going straight needs a slap...) and when you come up you're right at Hereford. I could see Anna-Ruth's light purple balloon sticking out around the corner, she looked so exhausted from manning her post for hours that when it finally struck her that I was right in front of her she seemed so shocked! She was the last person I saw that carried me through to that turn on Boylston, and from then on, I just had my eyes set on one thing--that finish line. Apparently my Mom saw me again, but I didn't notice, I scanned the bleachers a little bit for my grandparents, but didn't see them, and just looked at that beautiful banner up ahead. I raised my arms high, clenching my fists--

I DID IT! I RAN THE BOSTON MARATHON!

I was so overwhelmed. I didn't cry like I thought I would, except I almost did when the medical people told me I couldn't look inside the tent to see if Clark was in there. Seriously?! I just ran 26.2 miles people! Don't deny me of anything! I walked, and walked and walked, barely, I got my mylar blanket

(which I could have used like, 10 of) and went to some very nice old woman to receive my medal. I tried eating some of my bagel because I was starting to feel very dizzy, but couldn't stomach it, and my mouth was too parched to swallow it. Then we had to walk what felt like a mile, but I'm sure was not, around the corner to the family meeting area. I was just so tired I could have crumbled to the ground, which I did after I saw my Mom and gave her the biggest hug ever. She wrapped me in her big coat and helped me down to sit on a curb where I just lay while she rubbed my legs. Clark actually found us and gave me the first whole thing I could stomach--an Oreo :) Then we met up with Dad, Granny and Pop-Pop to make our way over to the Westin for the post-party. My friend Jennie and her hubby Mike met us there, which was so nice, and then I was able to claim a nice big couch to relax and have chocolate milk brought to me haha Rick was the first person I saw when I walked in, who gave me a huge hug, and just made me feel so deserving

of this accomplishment. He's absolutely the best. My family were so excited to meet this man that has inspired and motivated me so much, and said he was exactly the type of person they imagined. I was so excited to see Katharine there in one piece, who actually finished ahead of me by 4 minutes--so she must have passed me while I was in my slow slump on Heartbreak Hill. I was so proud of her for pulling through. Seeing all of my teammates there just brought me so much joy. You run and fundraise with these people for months, and we ALL finished! It was amazing to see everyone with their families, proud of themselves and each other.

I was able to take a shower there and then we headed off to the Laurel Grill for dinner where I had my celebratory glass of champagne, lobster bisque, a huge tasty burger, and a brownie sundae. Overall, it was just an incredible, surreal, amazing day. I can, and can't, believe that I did it. I never imagined myself being able to excel at something like running--something I used to HATE doing when I was younger. It has made me believe in myself, have something to be passionate about, has made me healthier (mind, soul, and body), has given me better self-esteem, has made me part of a community and friendships, and has just made me a better person and enriched my life. In the past year I went from being in a very unhealthy state, to running a 5K, two 5-mile races, a 7-mile race, two half-marathons, raised $3,560+ for an amazing charity, and ran THE Boston Marathon. I am very proud of myself :)

Now, I just have to keep dreaming new dreams...

Day 154 - Rest

"Toooomorrow, tomorrow! I love ya! Tomorrow, you're only a day away." - Annie

Miles Ran: 491.78 Dollars Raised: $3,562.60 (THANK YOU JOY FLANAGAN!!!!!)

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's finally here, and I sincerely can't believe it. Today was just a bunch of emotions rolled into a big ball of Marathon excitement.

I awoke at 6AM from my first Marathon nightmare. I dreamt that first, Katharine and I both forgot to give all of our bags to someone and were stuck carrying them through the beginning of the race. Then, at one point the course was so crowded with people everyone was tripping over each other so we decided to go around them--which entailed running through restaurants, a castle?, apartments, woods, etc. only to become completely lost and decide to--GIVE UP. It was the worst feeling ever!!

I made myself nap for another hour before I got ready to go meet Anna-Ruth at the Blessing of the Athletes at Old South Church. When I walked out of Copley station the 5K was wrapping up (what I had done last year), so I had to walk down a little ways to reach the other side of the street. The sermon was great--kind of folky, cheesy, but just what I needed. It was fun, and I was reminded of some of things that got me to where I am today. One of the songs went like this, from what I can remember "We are going.. Heaven knows where we are going, but we'll get there. It will be hard, and the road will be muddy and rough." I was very glad I went, but not so glad about the deep fried french toast I ate for brunch...

When I got home Clark told me he "had something for me" so I drove over to his apartment where he presented me with a different kind of marathon jacket that he received that morning that was too small for him. It's great! I think I'll wear it over to Athlete's Village in the morning.

I went home and had a little while to kill before Mom and Dad were arriving at their hotel, so I wrapped up getting everything together for my post-run attire that they will bring, and anything else they would need during the Marathon. I also had a really hard time writing my thank you note to Rick... he has made SUCH an impact on my life over these past few months, and taught me to truly believe in myself like I never have. It's like I've had an inner makeover. How can you possibly give enough thanks to that special person who stepped into your life out of the blue and became one of your heroes? Someone who changed your life? Someone who makes you feel like they believe in you and will do everything in their power to help you accomplish something great--just after you first meet them? Needless to say, tears were shed writing this letter.

Afterward I drove out to Natick where my parents are staying, relaxed for awhile, and picked out a spot around mile 9 in front of the Hyundai lot for them to see me. They have SIX Belle helium balloons, obviously, so I don't think there's a chance I will miss them. Then we went and picked up my Granny and Pop-Pop, and on the way, saw a rainbow. A rainbow is a sign for us that my Aunt Ginny and my Grandma's fiance Roy are with us. After BOTH of their funerals gorgeous rainbows appeared, so whenever I see one, I know they're looking down on me. It was just perfect. After we welcomed my grandparents we picked up Clark and had a "MARATHONERS CARBO LOAD BUFFET" at the hotel, which was also just what I needed, and then Clark and I headed home.

I got back, put on Sam and Katharine's Marathon Mix, and danced around while I figured out what to put on the back of my singlet. It finally came to me: NO REGRETS! That's something I've felt myself saying often over the past few weeks. I have no regrets. I feel completely prepared, and I wouldn't have done anything differently with my training. I hope it will inspire someone running behind me to give it their all and leave no questions behind.

Thank you to everyone for your outstanding support. Every hug I received today from great friends and family felt more special to me than I ever remember. Everyone lingered just a little longer, and squeezed a little harder, as if their wishes for me would transfer through.

I'm so excited. I can't wait to do this.

Day 153 - 2 miles

"Nothing says better, better than Boston." - Adidas poster

Miles Ran: 491.78 Dollars Raised: $3,512.60

Today was pretty relaxing.. I forced myself to sleep until 8 AM, and am planning to get some more good, solid, rest tonight.

I went over to Trader Joe's to stock up on some good food and carbs, and besides my 2-mile run, I basically spent most of the day keeping my feet propped up on a pillow and relaxing.

On my run, with the drizzly weather outside, I just wanted to go...run. No ipod, no watch, just me and the pavement. It felt like such a short run...but I hadn't realized before how quiet my stride actually is. I thought that since I had changed my stride it was heavier and louder than before. I just enjoyed it as I noticed the streets filling up with more and more cars. The city is definitely bustling.

Tonight I went downtown to do a focus group for New Balance with six other girls. They were going to pay us $100 for one hour of answering questions about apparel, footwear, and the Expo--so I figured, why not! That's enough for a Marathon jacket anyway! It was actually kind of fun. When you get a bunch of women talking about running clothes the time just flew by!

Something that I love about the marathon, that I also noticed at the Princess run, is that people are just so friendly. Everyone wants to talk to you about it, and just have a positive energy and encouragement to share :)

Day 152 - Acupuncture

"Marathoners are redefining what it means to be an athlete." - Bill Rodgers

Miles Ran: 489.78 Dollars Raised: $3,512.60

And so...Marathon weekend begins.

Katharine and I met at the Fenway T stop, official pick-up card in hand, and made our way down to the Expo (aka a Runner's Dream, we were like kids in a candy store). As we made our way in it all started to hit us. Here were runners from all over the country flooding our city to participate in the event we've all been training for for months. We picked up our numbers, and it was official!

The expo was awesome/overwhelming--for which we were both SO happy to have gone when we did instead of trying to brave the masses over the weekend. I was surprised at how it compared to Disney's Princess Expo, granted that one was geared entirely towards women. This was just HUGE, but primarily made up of running apparel and things to sample. We did walk away with some great goodies though: 5 pairs of really good running socks for $10, a green New Balance shirt with the 8 cities on it (and a free New Balance hat!), some stickers, posters, shoelaces, and a Nalgene with a design of the major landmarks along the route! I even actually ran into the guy who works at Revolution Fitness, George, that we see every time we come in for our training runs.

This display was of past jackets from the past 20 years or so!

After the Expo I had some time to kill before I had acupuncture over at OMBE. So I took my time strolling down Boylston, taking in the calm before the storm. The bleachers were empty, the skeletons of the medical tents were up, but one of my favorite pieces of art was freshly painted :)

I had forgotten to bring a pair of shorts with me to acupuncture, so I made a quick stop in Filene's Basement and got some pink linen Vineyard Vines shorts, and when I was waiting in line the girl in front of me gave me a coupon for 20% off! Then I went a block down for my best, and more interesting acupuncture session yet. We did our normal routine, where I tell Jessica whats been going on with aches and pains, then she sticks all the needles in me, and then does a little stim treatment on my ankle/foot. I listened to Yo-Yo Ma for two sessions of 15 minutes, and was SO happy when Jessica said she had more in store. She massaged my VERYYY tight calf muscles to the point that now I feel like I have new legs haha I was so glad she was able to do it just when I needed it. Then, she told me she was going to work on some acupressure points with me. I had no idea of what she was doing until after, and when I finally got to look in a mirror. She used these veryyyy tiny little balls, that I assume have little pricks at the end of them, and inserted them INTO my ear at 3 different pressure points. One is for pain, one is for my foot/ankle, and the last is for sleep/anxiety. Basically when I feel like I need to I just apply pressure to these balls and it should help. I can keep them in until Monday she said!! They're covered by a little piece of sticky clear tape. I kind of feel like an alien... check em out!

Weird huh?

When I arrived home, to my surprise and delight, there was a BEAUTIFUL flower arrangement waiting for me outside my apartment door. I had no idea who it was from until I opened the card to find a very thoughtful, supportive note from all of my best friends from college. I melted. It meant so much to me and was such an overly nice and remarkable gesture. It also resulted in some much needed chat time on the phone with some of them and really was the perfect way to end the day. I'm looking forward to what the rest of the weekend will bring!

Day 151 - 5.53 miles (47:55)

"Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed." - Jonathan Swift

Miles Ran: 489.78 Dollars Raised: $3,512.60 (THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED TONIGHT'S FUND RAISER AT LIR!!!)

Ahh.. I'm exhausted. What a long day...

I woke up early to get to work early so I could leave work early. I had to get in this last 5 mile run in between work and the Lir event, so I needed all the extra time I could get.

I feel like I've been on a roller coaster all day. I've been so stressed with lots of stuff happening at work, and having a HUGE distraction on my mind, that when people started telling me they wouldn't be able to make it tonight I was getting really bummed out. Then I went for a run in the glorious sunshine and was on a high, and then had a great turnout at Lir and it continued. Now, between being very tired and seeing that not only weather.com but also Channel 7 are NOW predicting light showers on Monday, I'm back in a funk. I've been praying for this day to be perfect for months, and what are the odds that a storm decides to roll in for FOUR DAYS. It really bums me out.

But anyway, the run was good despite starting up that climb of Comm. Ave., and then when I got to the halfway point the wind picked up like crazy and I had to keep holding on to my hat! I was trying to go at a comfortable, rather than particularly fast, pace and not look at my watch too often. But when I did I was surprised to see that I was going at a really great pace.

Lir was awesome--I had a ton of great (and sometimes unexpected!) people show up, the food was good, raffle prizes were a draw, and we each made $200+.

Now I'm going to get to bed so I can wake up and get to work early...again...

Day 150 - Cross

"If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes." - Lewis Grizzard

Miles Ran: 484.25 Dollars Raised: $3,295.60

By the time I got home last night I just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep, thus, here I am writing my entry a few hours late.

There was no way that I could go sweat in a gym yesterday when it was SO gorgeous outside--especially with the forecast predicting a wet weekend ahead. I emailed my friend Amy, who was easily convinced to go walk around the Charles with me. It was absolutely perfect outside, a great combination of sun's warmth and cool breeze by the water. There were TONS of runners out getting one of their last training runs in, though I was disappointed to have not seen any Kenyans that Katharine had spotted earlier in the morning.

We did a decent loop from the Hatch Shell up to the Mass. Ave. bridge, down to the Science Museum and back. Then I walked from there up Beacon Street, with all of the aromatic blossoms in bloom, and met up with Clark, where he so generously dispensed a guest meal on me at the BU Dining Hall. I need to do some major, healthy grocery shopping for this weekend. I've kind of used up ohhh...almost everything in my fridge. And heating up frozen things, whether they be frozen dinners or frozen pieces of meat or veggies, can get old after awhile. Then I walked home from there! A total of about 8.5 miles!

I'm getting really excited as I find out more and more people who are going to be along the course. Even though I know I can't get dead set on expecting to see someone at a certain mile, the more familiar faces, the better. Maybe I'll write everyone and their mile markers on my hand in permanent marker haha

I've also decided that after the Marathon, and now that the weather is amazing, I'm going to try and branch my running routes out more. During these past cold months it's been so easy to just do routes around my apartment, but now that it's so nice out I want to get down to the Charles, to the Seaport, to Charlestown, to Castle Island, etc more often. Maybe it's a matter of just hopping on the T, but it really gives you more visually stimulating things to look at, than knowing exactly what building or sign is coming up ahead.

Tonight is the Lir fund raiser! I'm hoping to get at least 20 of my own people there, and really add a few extra hundred dollars to my count. It should be fun! Before that, I have to figure out a 5 mile route...

Day 149 - 3.93 miles (33:21)

"Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon." - Doug Larson

Miles Ran: 484.25 Dollars Raised: $3,295.60

Like my training schedule, it's a lot easier for me to pay attention to my diet when someone gives me a guideline or certain things to focus on. That, in addition to me being very serious about what I put in my body this close to the race, has made me a lot more conscious of the types of foods I'm eating.

Rick had suggested that 3-6 days out from the race we deprive ourselves of carbs and load up on proteins. So my breakfast this morning was three scrambled eggs with cheese--which will also probably be my breakfast tomorrow. I had a cashew bar for a snack, and then for lunch we had lettuce wraps with chicken, noodles, veggies, and I had some bean/balsamic/tomato thing on the side. For dinner I had a turkey sandwich (there's protein in that....right?) and now for dessert I'm having some of my "black and white" trail mix that I got from Target the other day--peanuts, raisins, and both covered in chocolate and yogurt, delish! I don't think I'll have a problem carbo-loading on Friday....

My run tonight was ok...even though I did do it in a decent time. When I got home from work I ended up crashing on my bed for about an hour and waking up all discombobulated thinking it was 6:20 AM instead of PM! I've run after taking naps before, but I always feel in a little bit of a funk when I start out, and of course have a lot more energy after I finish it. I started off at a pretty fast pace, felt like I slowed down in the middle, and then picked it up again at the end. My stomach was feeling kind of weird, so I just let myself go at whatever pace felt good.

I think I should start keeping a tally of how many people ask me "are you ready?"... I've gotta be up to at least 10 by now.

Day 148 - 3.23 miles (24:25)

"I'm shipping off to Boston! Ohhhhhh!" - Dropkick Murphys

Miles Ran: 480.32 Dollars Raised: $3,295.60

Sometimes I run so fast I feel like I'm flying. My feet are barely touching the ground, I feel really light, my arm swing is low. I'm weaving in and out of pedestrians. I'm on a mission. I just usually can't do that for 3+ miles.

A run like today reminds you how every time you run a certain distance and challenge yourself, you're accomplishing something. I have those runs where I feel like I'm dragging, or I'm distracted, or my stride is feeling really heavy...but you stick through it. And for runs like today's, it's worth it.

I had uploaded Katharine's "Marathon Mix" to my ipod, along with a few others, and it's interesting to see how different songs effect you. Listening to Dropkick Murphy's made me really kick it into high gear.

One of the traps I tend to fall into (maybe good, maybe bad) is if I'm feeling comfortable at a certain pace I'll try to maintain it for the rest of my run. Today my average pace was 7:30. I think that's the fastest I've ever run 3 miles in my life. It makes me wonder how I would do in another 5K. I've been able to compare myself in 5 milers and half marathons, but now that my endurance and speed has increased so much I'd love to look into a 5K in the area that I can whip my old time with. Of course there's the one the day before the marathon that I did last year, but I don't think that's the best idea.

With the marathon only a WEEK away, I'm starting the get the questions that pretty much all sound like "are you ready?!" and YES, I'm totally ready. I'm SO excited that I can hardly contain myself, but at the same time feel like my body has gone into hibernation mode or something. Maybe that's why I was able to run so fast today--because I've been pulling back that coil of energy since Saturday afternoon and just had to release and let it spring forward.

Day 147 - Rest

"If you don't think you were born to run, you're not only denying history. You're denying who you are." - Dr. Bramble, Born to Run

Miles Ran: 477.09 Dollars Raised: $3,295.60 (THANK YOU DOT COREY!!! WE'VE PASSED THE MINIMUM!!!)

My goal for this week is to just be as calm, as not-stressed, as relaxed as possible. I'm trying to conserve any last bit of energy I can possibly muster. Today's rest day was definitely just that. I slept in later than usual, and was just feeling really tired (though productive) throughout the entire day.

I did a few loads of laundry and started putting aside potential things to wear on Marathon Monday. You can't start planning too early right!? I just want to have my most favorite, comfortable pieces of clothing aside so I don't use it in the meantime.

As I was doing laundry I FINALLY finished Born to Run. It's a really interesting book that I'd highly recommend to any runner. You don't realize how much science goes into what comes so naturally to us, and reading about this amazing race that takes place in a remote desert is really inspiring.

I also finally made reservations today for dinner after the Marathon, since it's such a madhouse in the city.

Lastly, weather.com has been messing with my head all day. Yesterday morning when we all checked the 10-day forecast it said it would be high 50's and mostly sunny, then it was at "few showers" all day today, and now again it's back to looking clear and sunny all week! Weather.com you can't do this to me!

Day 146 - 9.48 miles (1:23:55)

"In 6 miles, I'll blow by ya like a Kenyan." - Coach Rick, talking about the people jumping around, hootin and hollerin while in the corral before the race

Miles Ran: 477.09 (I'm going to break 500 after the marathon!) Dollars Raised: $3,245.60

Wow, what an amazing day. Let me start from the beginning.

For some reason I didn't set my alarm correctly last night and luckily woke up only 20 minutes later than planned (of course I always over-estimate the time it will take me to get ready). I was running around gathering everything I could possibly need for out LAST (tear) long, group run. The conditions outside seemed pretty good from inside my apartment, and luckily I wasn't surprised when I stepped outside: fairly sunny, mid-40's, no crazy wind.

When I arrived early at Revolution Fitness I was chatting with some other runners in the locker room before we made our way to the studio. Seriously, it's like we're all going to church to listen to our preacher (Rick) give us an inspiring, motivational and informative sermon. First we started out by recognizing top fundraisers--and although I haven't raised the most money for my team, I have hosted lots of events and have had a very large number of donors (every little bit counts!) and was awarded with TWO VIP TICKETS TO THE FINISH LINE!!! I'm so excited because this will enable my family to be a little less stressed in such a crazy area downtown, nevermind that hopefully it will give them a better chance to see me!

Speaking of family members, one of the things Rick had to say to us today, that is very true, is NOT to let yourself get disappointed if you miss seeing someone. If you're SOOO looking forward to seeing that one person at mile "x" and you don't, it can be devastating and really ruin your mental focus. I was also very happy that he talked about nutrition. He suggested to deprive yourself of carbs for days 6-4 away from the Marathon, and then when you're 3 days out, CARBO LOAD. He also recommended when you're eating pasta the night before, NOT to butter your bread or put dressing on your salad. You don't want to take any chances with oils or fats your body may not be used to. He also talked about how to break up the race...don't use up all of your energy trying to get pumped up beforehand, or getting swept up with the group. Be very conservative for the first 6 miles, then make up for lost time and pound pavement where it's flat until about mile 16, then climb Heartbreak Hill, and then you're almost home-free :) I thought it was also interesting that he said your most important night of sleep is Saturday night, because Sunday, we probably won't get much sleep at all. I'm trying to be really calm lately, brush off stress, and haven't been feeling the anxiety that I was before. I'm hoping that will help me get at least a few uninterrupted hours in Sunday night.

I started to get teary-eyed when he was saying how proud he is of us, and that he hopes we learned something about running from him, as well as life, which I have. He will not be running this year, but I'm happy that he will be with us in Athlete's Village, hopefully seeing us along the route, and plans to be at the Big Turn (right on Hereford, left on Boylston!) to hopefully run us in to the finish. I can't imagine what I will be like if I see him there. As if my emotions won't be exploding already--god, I'm tearing up thinking about it--seeing him would just make everything seem perfect and complete. And then, it will all be over. Just like that.

So Katharine, myself, and the rest of the group took the T out to Woodland and hopped right on the course, just before Heartbreak Hill. It's definitely easier to attack when it's only miles 1-4, but I also just feel so prepared having run that hill 4 times in 4 weeks, and once before that. It's definitely a home-team advantage being able to train on it. I feel like for a lot of the run Katharine and I didn't talk that much, and when we did we were just in awe of how close the Marathon is, wondering what the streets will be like, wondering how our pace will be, how the spectators will act... We, or at least I, were so caught up in our heads about what we could possibly experiencing in one week.

We were running at a great pace, the weather felt perfect, and according to the 10-day forecast (which EVERYONE at the run had checked this morning) April 19th looks like it has the potential to be perfect. I'll be checking it every day from now until then, obviously.

One of my favorite parts of the run today had to be the end. As we made our way down Beacon Street to Mass. Ave., we were on the finally leg. We MADE that right onto Hereford, and decided to run in the street as we MADE that left onto Boylston. There were a few close calls with buses being about 3 feet from us, so we went up on the sidewalk. I said to Katharine, "Wanna sprint?" And we took off. We were zipping through people left and right going about a 7:00 pace, just flying, and then!...had to stop. Stupid traffic. We were only half a block away from the finish line, so when the coast was clear we went into the street and sprinted our hearts out to the finish line, and to the cheering of some of our teammates who were already there. It felt amazing.

Then we came back to my apartment and did some arts and crafts!