Bands and Boston

Boston bound in 16 days!!!  Today I decided to make running headbands and one especially for Boston.  I could just go out and buy headbands, but I figured that I could make them for a lot less!  Chad always laughs when he pulls down my sewing machine from the top shelf for a project I decide to do.  He knows my limited patience and ability when it comes to sewing.  I like to think that I can sew, but in reality Chad is right, I am far from a seamstress.  I don't care for sewing, but if I can make something cheaper than what I can buy it for and if it seems easy then I am up for the task.  Thank goodness headbands are super easy to make!!  They aren't perfect, but I am using them for running so it really doesn't matter. :)  My mom has an embroidery machine and added the "Boston Strong" - pretty sweet!

This will be my 3rd time going to Boston.  All my Boston's have been unforgettable.  My first Boston was in 2012.  Chad and my two oldest girls, Lexi and Elise, came to support.  This year it was hot!  I threw out the time goal that I had set for myself and just wanted to stay hydrated and make it to the finish.  At every aid station I dumped water over my head and drank water.  Lots and lots of water!!  I dumped so much water that I soaked my shoes and by mile 13 blisters were forming on the bottoms of my feet and in between my toes.  I tried to be careful from that point on to lean over when I dumped water, and not soak my shoes, but the damage to my feet was already done.  I kept on going.  The last 10k, my legs started cramping.  Ouch!  I was so close to finishing, so I ran through it.  The cramps would come and go.  I cautiously took each step expecting at any moment for the muscle to pull like a tight rubber band.  As I neared the finish, the crowds got bigger and the cheers were louder.  That's one thing I absolutely LOVE about Boston - the fans!!!  They are lined up throughout the entire course cheering you on.  That is part of what makes Boston so special.  The last stretch, where you can see the finish line, is AWESOME!  And then to finally cross is exhilarating!  Even though I was exhausted and dehydrated - I remember thinking, "I just finished THE Boston Marathon!!"  3:49:47.  It was worth the pain!

2012 Boston video - Chad put this video together for me to remember my first Boston.

Last year, 2013, was my 2nd Boston.  Just Chad and I went this time around.  My goal was to set a PR.  (My PR at the time was from Big Cottonwood marathon 3:29:45)  Boston is a harder course than Big Cottonwood, so I needed to have a GREAT race.  The night before the race (as is tradition for all my races), Chad gave me a priesthood blessing of health, strength, and safety.  I was all set!  Race day weather was perfect!!  I started at 10:20 - Wave 2, corral 5.  My race plan was to

maintain around 8 minute miles for as long as I could and not to go out too fast on the downhills at the beginning miles of the course.  This strategy worked well.   I made up a race shirt with a saying that said, “Look, Up!  Therein lies the greatest strength.”  People usually put their names on their shirt or write it with a sharpie on their arms or legs.  Spectators will cheer you on by name all along the course if you have it written on you somewhere.  Throughout the course, I could hear . . . .”Hey, Look Up!”  “Go, Look Up!”  “Look Up!”  This reminded me that as I “look up” to the Lord he gives me the strength I need to do hard things.  My race went really well!  I made it up all the Newton hills with no problem – passing lots of people (probably the ones who went out too fast in the beginning).  I ended up with a PR 3:29:09 / 7:59 per mile (negative split)! 

 After I finished, I hurried through the finish line area, got my medal, food, and bag and found Chad.  We had to hurry and catch the T to the airport because we had an afternoon flight.  At the airport, we started receiving calls and texts from people.  "Are you guys OK?"  "Where are you guys at?"  We were confused a first and then found out that 2 bombs went off near the finish line area by the spectators.   The volunteers and spectators at the Boston marathon are beyond amazing.  What a horrible tragedy!  My heart sank.  As we were glued to the television at the airport, I kept thinking is this really happening?  We were just there.    I was still trying to wrap my mind around it all.   We boarded our flight and once in the air, I was flooded with emotions.  I felt sorrow for the victims and their families.  At the same time, I also felt gratitude that Chad and I were protected and kept safe and extremely thankful for my Heavenly Father’s watchful care.  I felt blessed to have an outpouring of love and concern from family and friends. 

I am excited to run Boston this year. I love being a part of the running community.  Runners are strong!  I have a deep appreciation to those who come out and cheer, support, volunteer, and motivate - they inspire me and push me to the finish line.  I don't know what my thoughts and feelings will be on that final stretch on Boylston Street.  I am sure it will be a mix of emotions.  But I do know that there is strength in unity and on Monday, April 21st - "We Run Together!"