What It Felt Like To Run The Marathon

The flowers are blooming, the snow has finally disappeared and Massachusetts and specifically Boston is gearing up for one of the best and world renowned Marathons in the world.  The Runners have trained hard in all types of treacherous weather throughout the year.  They all deserve this adulation and light to shine on them this one and special day on April 21, 2014.

Many of these Runners come from all around the world.  Some of them cannot speak English, and most of the Boston hotels fill up quickly so many Runners have to live with total strangers for that weekend.  The Runners also need to acclimate their bodies to the New England climate which can be so different from other parts of the world.

Some Runners come to Boston to win the big money, some to run for a specific charity, some run for a special loved one that is either deceased or sickly and some are members of a Running club.  There are also Runners who just do it for the love of running.

I ran the Boston Marathon twice.  In 1989, I ran it for Muscular Dystrophy, and the weather was cold and rainy.  However, the second time I did the Marathon in 1991, it was cool and sunny.  So, as you can see, every year at Marathon time you never know what to expect.  The Meteorologists try very hard in determining what we will receive, but Mother Nature puts her own spin on things to make the running more interesting or in some years, frustrating.

The second Marathon, my friend from Colorado wanted a fitness partner who had experience completing this long and arduous race.  I can attest that it was one of the hardest, but most rewarding races I have ever done.

It took me many hours to complete it and yes I did FINISH the Marathon both times, but I will not deny that it was tough towards the last six miles.  Some of my training days in the snow and ice were very challenging, but once I set a goal, I always complete it.

When I completed my first Marathon, my foot was aching and I had lost a toe nail, and had to take several days off due to uncomfortable training.  My toe nail did grow back strong, just like all the other Runners who persevered through some obstacles.

When I finished the Boston Marathon, I got a medallion and this silver foil material that the race officials offer to put over your shoulders when you cross the finish line.  The foil is to keep you warm since your body cools down after you stop running.  I remember my first emotional response when crossing the finish line was to cry incessantly since I couldn’t believe I actually finished it.  It was one of those incredible and special moments in your life that you just cannot believe you finished 26.2 miles.  It almost felt surreal if you really think about it and how your body can serve you if you train it well.  I walked around numb for several minutes with my friend just trying to enjoy all of the hoopla surrounding this momentous event.

We know and the world knows what we saw and went through in experiencing last year’s Marathon. You can be so sure that this year’s Marathon will be so much bigger and better in terms of people strength.  We Bostonians will not let anyone from any country try to destroy our love for Marathons and fitness in general.  We may have to be more vigilant, hire more Policemen and security, but do not under estimate us.  We will continue with our Boston tradition no matter what hurdles we have to face.

We have become so much stronger in showing that no Terrorist can ever take away our strength and pride in our beloved city of Boston, Massachusetts.   We lost loved ones, cried for many months, had some fear, created The One Fund for the sick and maimed and we will persevere.

Please remember one thing, April 21, 2014 is for everyone that was killed and injured from last year’s Marathon.  We will move forward and show our resilience in numbers and will always have you in our hearts.

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