I qualified for Boston 2018 back in Indy in 2016, which might as well have been an eternity ago. I had just started tamoxifen a few months before Indy and was feeling fine ... and then a couple of months after Indy the side effects hit. I managed to finish Boston 2017 but was worried about going through another marathon training cycle. I took fall 2017 off from a marathon to see if some rest would help going into training for Boston 2018. It didn't, but I managed to get through the training. I didn't hit the mileage or paces I wanted, but I got through training and made it to the start line in one piece - yah! I knew it'd be ridiculous to have a big time goal like a PR or BQ so I just told myself goals were to finish (which would be a big accomplishment with how I've felt) and then see if I could get a sub 4.
After having fun in Boston with my family, meeting elite runners, and enjoying delicious Italian food in the North End all weekend, it was finally race day. Back in 2016, I was put in touch with someone who lives at the start line in Hopkinton and have gone to his house the past three years instead of Athlete's Village. It's so nice to have a place to hang out and relax in and was a Godsend this year with the weather. We were able to dry out there and then just relaxed until it was go time. Quick walk to the start line and it was time for me to start my 5th Boston Marathon. I was excited but also apprehensive and just praying God would get me through one more marathon.
I hadn't worried much about the weather since I was more worried about whether or not I'd even finish and I was probably one of the few people who didn't mind the weather forecast - cold, rain, wind. I hate hot weather so I was okay with the forecast. Of course, I didn't realize how miserable the weather would actually be, but I'd still choose it over the 90-degree heat of Boston 2012!
I decided after the 1st 5K to just take the race one 5K at a time. I knew I could get through it if I just broke it into 5Ks. My friend, Chris, saw me at mile 10 and we started running together. I was so happy to see him because I was struggling and it helped me immensely to have a friend to run with. Despite the weather, the Wellesley girls were still loud and proud and you could hear them way before you could see them. Once you pass them, you know the Newton Hills are coming up soon. Chris and I got separated around mile 19 and it was time for me to finally make it up Heartbreak Hill without walking. I've walked part of Heartbreak every year I've run Boston and one goal I had this year was to run the entire thing ... and I did! I knew there was a chance it was my last chance to do it so I just put my head down and got to the top.
Once you get through the Newton Hills and Heartbreak Hill, you get into the Boston University part of the course. This area is normally a huge party and packed full of people. The weather scared some of the crowds off as it was tame compared to the past years, but the crowd support was still great. That's the thing about Boston - the weather can flat out suck and people will still be out there cheering on the runners.
After the BU section, I knew I only had a few miles to go and that my mom and sister would be on Boylston cheering me on - I was just hoping I would see them! The crowds and noise picked up as I neared Hereford, which helped me to keep moving. After the right on Hereford, I started scanning the crowds for my mom and sis ... and there they were, bless their hearts, cheering in the downpour. I ran over and gave them a quick hug and then was off to finish the Boston Marathon.
I crossed the finish line in 3:55:04, far from my PR, but under the one time goal I had set for myself. I was hit with emotions as soon as I finished. Boston has held a special place in my heart since I started running marathons and this was my last one. I've been through a lot in the past few years and it just hit me that my Boston chapter was coming to a close.
My Boston Marathon journey ...
I qualified for my first Boston in my 3rd marathon and my first Boston greeted with 90-degree heat that I didn't handle well at all. I wanted so badly to requalify but ran into heart problems in the fall of 2013 and underwent two heart procedures. I worked my butt off and got another BQ ... just to be told my BQ wasn't fast enough and that I'd miss out on Boston 2014. So, I kept working hard and got another BQ (at Erie) that put me into Boston 2015 and Boston 2016.
As most of you know, I found out two months before Boston 2016 that I had breast cancer. It worked out where I was able to run Boston followed by surgery a couple of days later. I ran Boston 2016 with cancer, not knowing what the future held. I requalified there, which led me to Boston 2017. Boston 2017 was a celebration of getting through cancer hell. I had a bad race, but I was cancer free ... as opposed to the previous year where I ran with a tumor. Boston 2018 finished off my handful of Bostons that I've wanted.
A lot of people say I'm inspirational, which I guess I kind of get, but at the same time, I feel like a lot of people would do what I've done with what my life has dealt me. Yes, in less than a three-year time span, I had two heart surgeries, lost my job, lost my dear Bella, and was diagnosed with breast cancer. You can either succumb to the valleys of life and let evil win or you can dig deep and rise up.
There were times during the race where the rain was a downpour and the wind was blowing me sideways and I found myself laughing and just looking up at the sky with smile. I am so blessed and God has been so good to me.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right path for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. - Psalm 23
