2014 Boston Marathon

By now you may have seen pictures and heard stories of The Boston Marathon, so this may not be much different than those.  Yes, it was very cool.  Yes, there were so many runners and screaming supporters out there on Monday.  Yes, it was a great day to be a alive, in Boston, a runner, and an American.

A Boston journey often begins well before Patriots' Day of that year and my story does.  Thank you 2013 Cowtown Marathon for helping me Boston Qualify and set a Personal Record.

My journey also brought along the usual ups and downs of a weekend warrior. Ups, like the wedding of Jessica and Thomas.

And downs like 2013 Dallas Marathon cancellation, missing 2014 Cowtown, and yep, losing my job at Sprouts.

This is what makes the 2014 Boston Marathon a Journey!!!

On board JetBlue 714 to Boston

It was fun gearing up and making all those blog posts and counting down.  Many friends and even my runner friends may have been getting just a bit worn out by all the hype....but man it is exciting.  

We arrived late Saturday, so Sunday would be out Expo day.  I also planned to get up early and take a short spin with Bart Yasso and Koach along The Charles River. 

Bart leading the group towards The Charles River.

We also made a pass by where Koach and his buddies were stopped last year and ran the final leg with them to FINISH their 2013!!

Koach and his buddies on Commonwealth Avenue right before going under Mass Ave.

A moment at the finish.

Kathy and I went to the Expo after my run.  As we walked west on Boylston, we passed the finish line and we neared the spot of the first blast.  We continued on to the spot of the second bomb and Kathy showed me where she was standing last year.  It was near the second blast.  We took a few breaths and thanked God again for his Divine Providence in our lives.

The expo was a buzz.  Lots of people.  Lots to buy. I grabbed my packet and we looked around.  Kathy needed a nap and I went to hear The Legends Seminar.

Greg Meyer, Jack Fultz, Amby Burfoot, Billy Rodgers, and Katherine Switzer speak!

Dinner that evening was at Maggiano's and it was just right.  Salad, Pasta, Salmon, Bread, and some Apple Pie.  

Marathon morning came quick after an OK night of rest.  Golden Adventures had buses for us and we would connect with an Official Boston Marathon Bus just South of Hopkinton.  The ride was relaxing and longer than I remembered.  Our connection was smooth for as many runners there were and all of us got wanded.

Athlete's Village was packed.  This is the only place where the sheer HUGE amount of runners was evident.

You can see authorities securing the area on the roof.  We are in a new time people.

I met Nelly and we adjusted out gear.  It was already warm enough to remove our donation clothes and we tried to get some food down.  The village had bananas and bagels.  There was no need to worry about bringing much more than what you would need for the run.  We headed for the start line and just basically followed the crowd to the corrals.

Wonder why that guy behind us has his bib upside down?

Nelly and I started our run soon after we got to the corral.  We walked to the start line and then began the nearly 4 mile downhill plunge.  I felt great.  We really wanted to stay together and gain strength from each other.  It helps to have a familiar face and smile with you for what was going to be more than a three hour run.

The crowds were thin early on but very vocal.  Many looked for a high five.  Others, after several miles, handed out water, oranges, or even beer.  Nelly and I talked and made sure we got water when we needed. It was going to be a hot one.

I think around mile 8 or so, I felt some discomfort in my right quad.  It may have started in the hip.  It was slowing me down.  

I felt a surge at Wellesley, about the halfway point, and did record an awesome video to try and show some of the energy.

As we neared The Newton Hills, we stopped to see if I could stretch out my right leg and feel better.  It worked some, but the downhill pounding had taken its toll.  Nelly was a trooper and slowed her pace.  I tried so hard to keep up with her and just run an easy 9:00 minute/ mile pace.  I just could not move my legs. They were done.  

Nelly tried to urge me on saying we only have 3 miles till the hills are done.  We had talked about how that final 5-6 miles after the hills was a place where anything can happen.  Just make it through the hills with something left and go for it.  I soon lost Nelly around mile 18-19.  I was in so much pain, especially in the downhill portions.  I had forgotten about the nearly 1 mile extreme downhill dive that occurred right before The Newton Hills.  It was brutal.  I was having a bad running day.

I looked around at those I was with and caught the eye of a guy who was walking, just like me.  I was about to start crying from all the emotions, and he kind of smiled at me.  I smiled back and shrugged my shoulders and said "Man, I don't know what to do.  My legs are trashed."  I looked at the crowd and they urged me on.  This would become a cycle for the final miles of this great race.

I looked at their faces.  I listened for their cheers.  I high-fived when I could.  I spoke with them.  I thanked them.  AND WOW, they thanked me.  The kids waved flags.  The students held signs.  The girls screamed. The old-timers gave the knowing nod.  So many just wanted to connect and that is what I needed to make it. Thank you people for your energy and power.  You gave me what I needed to make it.  I hobbled and ran and winced in pain as my right calf cramped when I went to fast.  I smiled and they smiled back.  They pushed me. 

That run from Boston College down Commonwealth Avenue was glorious.  It was slow and it was fun.  I knew I was hurting, but these crazy people of Boston were not going to let me quit.  Those Commonwealth Crazies pushed me to Boylston.  They propelled me to that perfect straightaway with the finish line in sight and my beautiful wife nearby.  They made me feel good about what I was doing.  I sure hope I did the same for them.

Kathy kissed me and told me to finish.  That was all I needed to hear. (3:54:57)  It was not my fastest or slowest marathon.  It was one that I will not forget.  Still feeling the effects of those punishing downhills today, I am thankful for that memory and will use it to make it to Boston for 2015.

On our way to the Expo.

Boston Marathon

Yep, it is finally Marathon Monday.

Like last year, before the race, I felt there is definitely something special about to happen.

People from all around the world are here to say to one another, "You mean enough to me that I came to support you!". Whether you are watching and cheering from your phone in Texas or here along the route fence, or out there running I feel your presence and it counts!

I am ALL IN FOR BOSTON 2014!!!

1 Day Till Boston

Great day in Boston.

So much happening.

All in for Boston 2014!!!!

2 Days Till Boston

It is so close!  Marathon Monday in Boston is near. The world is literally converging on Boston and Kathy and I will be there soon.

Running is a funny sport. We do it together when we "race", but often train alone. We have fun on a social run, but get results from a solo hill run or 7 mile tempo that quite often is at our desired pace and length.

On Marathon Monday we all have a plan. A dream run. A desired or trained for result. For many it will be realized and others will be a tough day. Deep in a runners mind and soul is an attitude of not quitting or surrendering. It will be engaged on Monday in all runners and even those cheering. 

Enjoy your run on Monday. You worked hard to get here, no matter what the path. You deserve to soak it all in. You deserve to SMILE. You deserve to HIGH FIVE some kids. You deserve to get totally JAZZED at Wellesley.  Look around and say " This.  Is. AWESOME!"

ALL IN FOR BOSTON 2014.

3 Days Till Boston

3 Days.  Yep, 3 days till The Boston Marathon.

You know Jesus loves us so much that he was beaten, spit upon, unjustly tried, died a horrible death on the cross, was buried in a tomb for three day, and arose from the dead.  He really loves us.

The love of Jesus allows everyone to be All In For Boston 2014!!

4 Days Till Boston Marathon

Guess what guys!!!  I am pretty stoked about this event coming up here in a few days on Patriots' Day in Boston.

What is Patriots' Day you ask?  I think it should be a National Holiday.  Patriots' Day is celebrated in Massachusetts, Maine, & Wisconsin.  Since 1969, it has been celebrated on the 3rd Monday in April and prior to that it was a steady date of April 19th, which marked the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Lexington Minuteman

The cool thing about Patriots' Day is the awesome 3 day weekend the kids and everyone gets AND the opportunity to see a re-enactment of history in the early morning, a Red Sox game that starts at 11am, and the final miles of the Boston Marathon after the Sox game.  

Patriots' Day is a great reason to be All In For Boston 2014!!!

5 Days Till Boston WAW!!

It is my last Wicked Amazing Wednesday as it is only 5 days till The Marathon.

The WAW today is dedicated to The Boston Marathon and all it has done and continues to do at a very High Level!

First, Charity. For 26 years, The Boston Athletic Association has raised over $140 Million for needs within the Greater Boston Area.  WOW.  Pretty Amazing.

Next, Our Youth Our Future.  The BAA is committed to the future of runners and their development.

How about Volunteers!!  The best way to make an event THIS GREAT is with AMAZING VOLUNTEERS!

Lastly, Safety!  This is HIGH on everyone's list this year and the BAA is committed to a safe race for Runners, Volunteers, and most of all the AMAZING SUPPORT GROUP OF THOSE WHO GATHER TO CHEER AND ENCOURAGE!!!  We can not do it without you!!

2013 on Boylston Street.  Such a RUSH!!

Thank you Boston Marathon for helping me be ALL IN FOR BOSTON 2014!!!

6 Days Till Boston

We are just 6 days away from the Boston Marathon.  It is so close.

What a special day today was in Boston and around our free nation.

#BostonStrong

Thanks to all the first-responders and service men that help us be All In For Boston 2014!!!

7 Days Till Boston

One week till The Boston Marathon.

I think I remember this time last year.  I do know it was a blur, just like my wedding day or a fun cruise.

I really want to soak up the moments this year.  This week is important for that.  The planning and packing all have a purpose.  Building excitement.

Tomorrow will be a HUGE day in the lives of many who are still being affected by the events of April 15, 2013.  Think and pray for them this week.

Boston Common 4-16-13

Old tree and a look across the pond at Old Glory at half staff on 4-16-13

Park Plaza 4-16-13

Remember, love, move ahead, and be All In For Boston 2014!!!

8 Days Till Boston

8 more days till #WeRunTogether in Boston on Marathon Monday.

The day after Easter.

Today is Palm Sunday.

Pretty amazing.  Thank you God for being GREAT and helping me be ALL IN FOR BOSTON 2014!

10 Days Till Boston

10 Days.  A week and a half.  It is almost here.  marathon Monday in Boston.

Hard to believe that in a run this BIG, there will be time when a runner might feel alone.  The crowds will be massive in each town.  There will probably always be a runner right next to me for 26.2 miles.  BUT, it might creep into my head or maybe your head.  LONELY feelings do happen.

Kind of lonely here during part of Sioux Falls Marathon

But, God tells us through his Word to trust in Him!

Thank you Lord for giving me the love, desire, strength, and support to be ALL IN FOR BOSTON 2014!!

11 Days Till Boston

It is really getting close.  Only 11 days till Patriot's Day in Boston.  You know what that means!

Thanks to +Boston.com for this awesome illustration!

It feels like the whole nation is beginning to focus on what it takes to be....

ALL IN FOR BOSTON 2014!!!

12 Days Till Boston! WAW!

It is Wicked Amazing Wednesday as we are only 12 days from Marathon Monday in Boston.

One Wicked Amazing friend I have from Social Media is Kenneth Williams.  Marathon Koach has helped me with running tips for several years.  His thought provoking ways of informing runners of things that WILL HAPPEN during your training are spot on and at times humerous.  His race day preparation tips can help a newbie or a veteran stay on track.

Koach is really involved with The Boston Marathon and the many stories that need to be told and heard from the vast history of this Marathon Major.  His passion eventually showed up in the form of BostonLog : The Place To Share Your Boston Memories!  Check it out!  If you love reading inspiring stories or if you need to be inspired, swing by and have a look.  If you have a Boston Marathon Story of your own, share it with other runners, those that have run, or those who dream!!

In just 12 days, Kenneth will run his 13th Boston Marathon.  He will inspire me and others to just do it, trust their training, believe, run strong, get after it, and enjoy life.

Koach, on the left with Bart Yasso (in blue) and a few excited Boston Marathon runners.

Thank you Koach for helping me be All In For Boston 2014!!

13 Days Till Boston

We are under two weeks till Marathon Monday in Boston.

Time to get what little hair is left on my head, cut.

A fresh hair cut gets me ready to be All In For Boston 2014!!

14 Days Till Boston

Two weeks till The Boston Marathon.

In less than 2 weeks it will be Jet Blue to Logan.  Fun Boston Taxi ride to the back Bay Area. AND.....

Check in at the Park Plaza!!!

Thank you Park Plaza for helping me be All In For Boston 2014!!!

15 Days Till Boston.

Only a few weeks till Marathon Monday. It will be a wonderful day in Boston and all the towns passed through. A celebration of runners and those who love people and the Spirit of Courage.

Everybody get ready to be All In For Boston 2014.

16 Days Till Boston

Two weeks from today is when we plan to #GetToBoston.

So much to see and do.

Can not wait for that special day!

All In For Boston 2014!!!

17 Days Till Boston

There are just 17 days till #WeAllRunTogether.

Thank you Lord for the chance to be All In For Boston 2014.

18 Days Till Boston

Just 18 more days till The Boston Marathon.

There is so much going through my mind.  The two weeks leading up to a marathon are important.

Runners must step up the water intake and stay hydrated.  Here in Texas, this can be tough.

It is important to get good rest and sleep in the days leading up to the run.  No late-nighters.

Diet Diet Diet.  Fruit and Veggies are important.  Good solid protein and healthy carbs.

The training does a Taper and this part may be the most difficult.  Just ask any runner.

All this will add up to being All In For Boston 2014!!!

19 Days Till Boston

Today is Wicked Amazing Wednesday and the WAW is our dog Lily.

Lily is one of our three dogs. She is s rescue dog and is very active. Lily is our only dog that is able to run with me. She is a great running partner for anything up to about 5 miles.

Lily helps me be All in For Boston 2014!

20 Days Till Boston

Less than 3 weeks till Marathon Monday on Patriot's Day in New England.

What will the weather do?

AccuWeather.Com forecast for Boston shows a Low of 38 and High of 53.  6% Chance of Rain and Winds at 6 MPH from NW.

AccuWeather.Com forecast for Hopkinton (start line) shows low of 33 and High of 53.  5% Precipitation Chance and Winds 7 MPH from NW.

Whether it will be......

OR

I will be ready and All in for Boston 2014!!!