I’ll be back, crossing this epic @BostonMarathon finish line with a strong healthy body with this beautiful soul, my dear friend, @margaretfloydbarry! No deferment for injuries unfortunately (only pregnancy, a great policy but impossible for me at 61!). I’ll need to requalify. September ‘24 is the cutoff for Boston 2025 so it will likely be 2026 or later.
The heartbreak of getting a stress fracture right before I was to run my first Boston marathon after qualifying last April was admittedly painful. However, I learned a lot throughout the journey and have tried my best to shift my perspective- uncovering the gems and finding the silver linings in the experience.
A significant blessing is the remarkable time I had while visiting Boston with Margaret, her husband, @chefjamesbarry, Sia, Sasha (their daughters), and their extended family and friends. I made a side trip to NY to see cousins I haven’t seen since I was in my teens/early 20’s and met up with a high school friend I hadn’t seen since the late 70’s, @maureen_the_marine, - I felt as if I was reconnecting with a soul sister!
Being a spectator at the legendary Boston marathon with 30,000 runners right at the base of and later in the middle of Heartbreak Hill was something quite spectacular. Margaret, Sia, and I cheered our hearts out while ringing cowbells and calling out everyone’s name that was visible in their race attire. We had a list of special people we tracked and saw, high fived and even hugged one of them along the way, which was super fun and special.
I’ve never been to one of the majors and this did not disappoint. We were giddy and holding back tears as we saw the first racers on wheelchairs go by, incredible! Then the elite men followed by the elite women, including our favorites @emmajanelbates, @sarahall3, and @des_linden! Seeing them and all those runners with all sorts of challenges and impairments persevere was awe inspiring.
Congratulations to every one of the participants! You are incredible!
Thank you to all those who raised money for amazing causes.
Boston, you have my heart and many precious ones that I love in your embrace. I’ll be back!
#bostonmarathon
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