Boston Baby!!!!!

Boston Marathon trip 2010

I can't believe that it has already come and gone! Last Monday I ran the Boston marathon :)

We took a redeye to Boston and while Lily did great, we got no sleep! We arrived on Friday morning and my awesome sis-in-law picked us up. It was great to have family there and Nicky was a great hostess! We also lucked out that my older brother Jared was in town on business.

While we wanted to pack Friday full of sightseeing we were running a little low on energy so we kept it pretty low key. My brother was our chauffeur and we were able to visit some Revolutionary War sites and the Boston Temple.

Saturday was a fun filled and busy day! We went to downtown Boston and what an amazing city. I loved all of the old buildings and history, I wish I had taken more pictures! Loved the old gas lanterns which are lit all the time. I really need to go back when there is no added pressure of a marathon. We saw some great statues, like this one of George Washington.

We took a duck tour which gave us the chance to learn a lot of history and see a lot of sights.

We spent 2+ hours at the marathon expo, it was huge!!!! So much fun with lots of photo ops. The finish line was set up so we took full advantage.

This race is so amazing, I loved all of it!

Nothing like a hot pretzel off the street, good carb-loading food!

My nephews, brother, and Mike went to the Celtics playoff game.

On to race day...

The night before a race I always lay out all my gear to relieve all last minute scrambling in the morning. I thought that I had packed a top that I had not so I had some stress but just decided to go with it.

I was amazed that I actually had a pretty good nights sleep when my alarm went off at 5:45am. Honestly I was just happy that it was finally time to run, well almost. My brother was nice enough to come and get Mike, Lily , and I and drive me to the bus that would take me to Athlete's Village.

Mind you I got to the village at about 8am and the race does not start until 10am. It was sunny but not warm and a little windy. I did my best to pass the time and then it was finally time to run!!!! The national anthem was inspiring and the military jet fly over gave me goosebumps! I thought I was prepared for what 26,000 runners would look like, I wasn't, it was crazy! It took me 12 minutes to get to the start line if that gives you any idea of the amount of people! So I know that some of you do not want all the details so I will keep it simple on this blog. If you want a more detailed race report you can go to http://marathonmommies.blogspot.com/2010/04/boston-marathon-2010.html

The crowds were amazing and carried me through the pain in my leg. There were seriously crowds lining the entire 26.2 miles cheering every step of the way! There were probably over 100 of these army men in full gear that ran/walked the whole marathon.

Not the greatest pic of Mike but look at that cute Lily Lou!!!! Mike said she was great the whole time:)

In the middle of 500,000 people downtown at the finish line

It was an amazing race with so much energy from the crowds! Not my best time, but for me this race was very rewarding in so many other ways! I was not sure if I would be able to do it having injured myself 3 weeks before but I learned that willpower can you pull you through almost anything!

Where's Steph? Can you find me in this picture at the finish line? Jared and Mike waited so patiently for me and then I was on the other side of the street and they almost missed me altogether. Next time we will plan a little better! Also a shout out to Nicky and my niece and nephews who were at the half way point. I must have been on the wrong side of the street again. I was so sad to have missed them.

After the race I needed a little fluid, here I am coming out of the medical tent

Mike and I after the race with my number and medal :) I was so cold by this point, I just wanted a hot shower.

It was an awesome trip and the race of a lifetime! It was also so great to come home to this!

Flowers, chocolate, cute sign, cute kiddos, and cute parents!!!

thanks Mom and Dad!!!! I could not have done this with out your support and childcare:)

Boston Marathon 2010

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