The 117th Boston Marathon

Hey friends!  Long time, eh?  Well, it was just a little over a month ago that I was in Boston running the marathon and I am finally getting some time to share my experiences.  A month sounds like a lot of time to process and plenty of time to write something but let me explain that month to you.  It sort of went like this...

I went from...LA to Milwaukee

Milwaukee to LA

LA to Boston

Boston to St. Louis

St. Louis to Chicago

Chicago to Home

Oh...did I mention I'm on a plane back to Milwaukee right now? 

Needless to say life has been a little crazy and I have remained VERY busy.  

I was gone practically the entire month of April with only two days after the marathon to sort of "lock it up" as I like to call it.  I had to refocus and put my professional face on as I was jumping right back into work.

Boston was my first marathon…EVER.  There was excitement there was nerves and there was the overwhelming need in the pit of my stomach to just get it started.  After training for seven months I was eager to get it over with.  To just hit the pavement and go.  It was time and I was ready. 

I made it past the Wellesley College with the swarms of screaming girls vying for kisses (I gave high fives), past Newton and Heartbreak hill, past tons of drunken buffoons (my favorite) right near Fenway and the CITGO sign was welcoming me in.  I was almost there and could practically visualize the finish line. 

I was coming down Comm Ave about to reach Mass Ave when we came to a screeching halt.  Everyone around me looked confused and a little lost.  No one had a clue what was going on.  All I could think about was how I was making such good time!  How dare they stop me now!   

It wasn’t until I heard a fellow runner on his phone say “there were explosions at the finish line” that I had any clue that there was the slightest hint of danger.  Of all the places and events…here?  How bad was it?  Where was it?  Has anyone been hurt?  And most importantly...where is mom?  She was going to meet me at the finish line and I was close.  I immediately hopped on my phone again and tried to reach her.  Nothing.  I tried to call my brother in California to inform him I was okay. Nothing.  By this time people around me had started crying and the sounds of sirens began to fill the air.  I finally attempted to text my mom and it went through.  When I saw the “entering text” bubble pop up on my iphone the tears started to roll down my face.  My mom was responding.  She was okay.  I was okay.  

I automatically went into action.  Where was I?  I was swimming in a sea of runners, how would she find me?  390 Commonwealth Avenue – dropped a pin and sent it her way.  As I waited that is when the texts from friends and loved ones started coming in, too many to even try and respond.  This is why I am so grateful for social media.  I quickly went onto facebook and gave my status. “I’m okay. Mom is okay. I will update later”.  Mom eventually arrived and we began to make our trek out of the city.   

Now, after running for so long my body temp started to drop and I was FREEZING!  It was in the 50’s and I was in a tank, spandex pants and standing in the shade of the buildings on Comm Ave.  My body was tightening up, I was dehydrated and I just wanted to go home.  Cabs were scarce, the T was shut down and so we hopped on the closest bus.  In spurts the tears streamed down my face.  I think at this point it was just tears of pure exhaustion.  I had been training for this for so long and I was so tired and to be stopped so close to the finish was just not fair.  That coupled with the fact that something so special had been taken away from not only me but from the thousands of individuals that were standing around me.  It wasn’t until I got back to our hotel in Newton that I really understood what had happened.  3 were dead and many more were injured.  I hugged my mom in the hotel room and just cried.  I couldn’t help but think “What if”?  What if I hadn’t gotten the cramps in my left calf that caused me to pull off and stretch after the Newton hills?  What if I had been about ten minutes earlier?  What if? What if? What if?   

But thinking like that can drive someone crazy and it did that first day.

Now, as I think about it all a month later, I am now able to look at this experience as a whole and be thankful for some of the smaller moments.  Focusing on the light amidst a dark tragedy.  As I sit here (on this plane to Milwaukee) I am thankful for a lot.  

I'm thankful for….

• -       The people of Boston who lined the streets cheering me on.  Those individuals that shouted “Go Kerry, you got this!” and the Bostonians who screamed at the top of their lungs “Go Liv-ah!” in support of the foundation I was running for.
• -       I’m thankful for Tim.  My Run for Research buddy who I met the morning of and got to hang out with in Athletes Village.  It was my first year on a team full of Boston natives so thank you Tim for making me feel welcome.  And  good call on the port-o-potties!
• -       I’m thankful for my mom.  My angel.  I kept telling her how grateful I was that she was not only safe but there with me.  I'm thankful we were both safe.
• -      I’m thankful I ran with my phone!  Had I not…well that day would have been completely different I am sure. 
• -       I’m thankful for the older woman on the bus to Newton who handed me tissue when she saw me crying and said “I’m glad your okay”. 
• -       I’m thankful for all the officials from the city of Boston, the thousands of volunteers and those that lent a helping hand to those injured on Monday.
• -       And finally, I’m thankful for those hundreds of people who from the very start of this journey have been supportive and caring in numerous ways.  Those individuals that donated time, money and energy into this cause and my journey to Boston.  You guys are a blessing and I don’t know how I could ever repay you.  

I decided that there is one thing that cannot be taken away from me after this experience.  I am a marathon runner.  I trained like a marathon runner, I put in the time like a marathon runner and there was no way that I would not have crossed that finish line.  No one can take away the months of training, the 25.5 miles I already ran or the feeling I got when people chanted my name as I ran by…those moments are mine forever.  

The photos above were taken on Sunday at The American Liver Foundation's Run for Research team brunch.  On the left is my amazing mother and on the right is my patient match Jill.   

Thank you for everything friends.  Wishing you all the best today, tomorrow and for days to come.

Cheers,

Kerry

PS - The B.A.A. just announced they are allowing those that were not able to cross the finish line to be automatically accepted back next year.  I have remained in contact with my team and they are aware of my continued interest and desire to return as well.  Boston 2014 IS going to happen.  I can just feel it.

Boston or BUST!

Its finally here kids!  The Boston Marathon is in 3 DAYS!!!!

And just in case you were wondering...

Well....maybe like a week after my marathon. ;)

Let me start by saying thank you for your patience.  For seven months I have been chatting up this marathon, annoying people with my fundraising reminders, training updates and quite possibly giving a few of you too much information about cramps, rashes and digestion problems.  Oh the life of marathon runner in training....so glamorous.  

I can't even begin to put into words the thoughts and emotions that have been going through my head this past week.  (Don't worry....you can expect an extremely lengthy blog post soon enough post marathon.)  All I know is that I can honestly say that I am ready and I am so thankful for all the amazing people that have offered me words of encouragement and support on this journey.  I am humbled and I am truly grateful.  I love you all!

Post marathon I will be sure and let you know all about my finishing time and the final fundraising amount for the American Liver Foundation.  It just keeps growing! 

And finally, in case you missed it....check out the awesome VIDEO my dear friend Mike O'Hara made for me.  He truly is an amazing guy.  AND he is one amazing photographer as well.  If you have time be sure and check out his stuff.   

If you would like to donate to the American Liver Foundation you can do so by clicking on this link

6 Weeks In...

Let me begin this post by stating that I am a very visual person.

Growing up I was always the kid that got BEYOND excited when the class got to make the chain link countdown to Christmas and to this day I still get excited probably more than I should whenever I get to cross things off a list.  So you could imagine my excitement when I came back from my run today and added in my new tally marks (yep I said tally marks) for miles to date that I have ran.  I was shocked when I counted them all up.

Drumroll please......

To date I have ran....

99 MILES!!!!

Its insane to think about.  This isn't even including the many miles I have trekked on weekly hikes or the miles spent on the spin bike recently.

In honor of those 99 miles and the many more to come here are few highlights worth mentioning...

You may remember at the beginning of the year I made a deal with myself that I wouldn't drink unless there was a birthday or a celebration.  I've had a few slip ups but its been working out pretty well.  There have been many nights where I have had just as much fun drinking cranberry juice (pictured above left) along with a few nights where my day turned into quite a doozie (pictured above right) and drinking seemed more like a necessity than anything else!  

Just so you know no guilt is pictured above. ;)

Cross training days have been filled with wonderful friends and gorgeous views.  

You'll also be happy to know that training for a marathon doesn't make me any more serious than I was previously.

I've been able to see some incredibly sweet things like the above...

...and the below.

And then to top it off there are moments after a long run (like today) where I get to just stand in one place and take in the beauty of it all...

Finally, I thought I'd include one more photo that I came across the other day.  I guess its safe to say that the sense of accomplishment and happiness I feel every time I train is exactly how I should feel in daily life. Of course, life can be challenging and difficult, but like a marathon its all going to be worth it.

So, I'll run on!

FUNDRAISING UPDATE:

For those wondering I'm SOOOO close....76% there! 

If you wish to donate below is the link to my fundraising page.

Under my photo click "sponsor me"

[Kerry's Fundraising Page]

Cheers,

Kerry

Lauren Goes 26.2....AND SURVIVES!

Just last weekend us ladies (VVHS ladies to be exact...Go Eagles) went down to San Diego to watch our good friend Lauren run her FIRST marathon.  Originally Lauren was set to do the New York Marathon last year but after the situation with Sandy it was canceled.  Being that she had already done so much training, put in the man hours and was pumped and ready to go she decided to take on the Carlsbad marathon while she waits for the New York Marathon of 2013.  Yes Lauren, this is me calling you out publicly because you WILL be running two marathons in one year! :)

So not only did I get to support one of my oldest and dearest friends, but I got to see her accomplish something that many will never be able/get to do in their lifetime.  I saw her accomplish something that I too am striving for and am hoping to do come April.  Lauren you are indeed inspiring and have given me the boost of confidence that I needed as I continue on my own personal journey towards 26.2 so thank you!

And now for a few highlights...

 {Us ladies at the finish waiting for our marathoner}

 {Papa Brosamer.  Love seeing him.  He reminds me of my Dad :) }

 {Lauren with her wonderful parents}

 {Still managing to smile at mile 21}

 {Lauren just yards away from the finish line}

{Post race, a little wobbly but still all smiles}

Fun fact: The first thing Lauren said to me right after crossing the finish line was "DON'T DO IT"!  Luckily for me I am a master at being able to read between the lines so I know she really meant to say "My legs have never felt this amazing!  I wish I could do it all over again"! ;)

I'm proud of you Lauren for accomplishing something bigger than yourself.  

You are a rockstar!!

IN THE BAG!

"Today in LA"

Today marked the longest run to date in my marathon training...12 miles!  This was huge for me as the first couple of weeks I was still nursing the remnants of a sore back and a bum knee following my trip to Whistler.  Things are looking up though!  I'm attempting to stay on top of my aches and pains (stretching and icing are my new best friends) by listening to my body as much as I can.  Pushing it when I know I can and taking it easy when I feel I may do more damage than anything else.    

This weekend I knew was going to be my first "big one" and I was feeling good.  My mind however....not so much.  So I reached out to my fellow fitness pals via twitter and got some much needed support and a few kicks in the a** to get going.  

I moseyed on over to the Marvin Braude Bike Path that runs along the Pacific and off I went.  I paced myself and walked when I needed to, but I got it done. Plus I was able to do some SERIOUS people watching near the Venice boardwalk.  I'm determined to one day pay the $5 to the man soliciting the "Freak Show" that always catches my eye.  Oh Venice, you never fail to deliver.

This is a great path if you are in need of some mileage.  Lots to see and its a long route.  About 22 miles in length!  Next Saturday I have 9 miles but the mileage jumps back up again to 14 the following weekend.  Send the good vibes friends.  I will need them!

Updates

Miles to date: 46

Alcoholic beverages consumed: 5 

(2 at a wedding and 3 were slip ups....d'oh)

Days until marathon: 92

If you wish to support me on my road to Boston please do so by clicking 

HERE.  

I am raising funds for the American Liver Foundation and every bit helps! 
I have almost reached my phase 2 goal!!

"From the City of Angels to the Angels of Connecticut"

Right on the sand in Venice are several concrete walls that always have amazing graffiti pieces across them from different artists.  This one I saw today was especially moving.

Next to Nil January - April

That's right NIL.  

The BIG challenge is coming up this year.  April 2013 is not that far away and the Boston Marathon will be knocking at my door and I will have no choice but to tie up the ol' sneakers and make it across that finish line.  As of now I am still doing this willingly. ;)

Im lucky enough to run this marathon as part of the American Liver Foundation's Run for Research team. So I decided that it was only fitting that I give my liver a break for the next three and a half months while I'm in full training mode.  First off I'm Irish so lets just make a note on how HUGE a step this is for me.  Lets also realize that I do need to cut myself a little slack. I have never been one for cutting things out cold turkey...sooooooo....if there is a reason to celebrate I am going to.  Us Irish definitely like to celebrate.  However, if there is no need for celebration (i.e. birthday or holiday) then sober Sally I will be. Not only would I save some serious dinero, but worrying about a ride home won't be a concern anymore.  It also won't be a concern for my friends when they willingly label me "DD".

So....au revoir unnecessary alcohol consumption...until we meet again!

Cheers (with a non-alcoholic bevvy),

Kerry

Training update:  Week two is almost done and I have 27 miles logged thus far.  In addition to a few cross training days.  PLENTY more to come!

If you wish to donate you can do so by clicking HERE.  Just click the "Sponsor Me" link under my photo.  Thanks friends!

Day 1

Here we are ladies and gentlemen...the time has come.  Boston Marathon training has commenced and yesterday officially marked Day 1!  I am scared but I also feel relieved.  After over a month of back pain due to a car accident and a recent knee injury from skiing (Poor me right? ;) ) things are looking up.  

Work has ended and I am home for the holidays.  I have nothing BUT time to jumpstart this endeavor and put the game face on which sadly has been hanging up in my closet these last few months collecting dust.  The collection of dust ends HERE!  I am pumped, I am ready and I'm excited for this amazing challenge that awaits me.  

No worries dear friends and family I won't be giving crazy daily updates, but I will definitely keep everyone updated.  I have plans for some fun runs this upcoming year, some personal challenges (both mental and physical ones) and I plan to bring you along.  

Disclaimer:  

No, I do not look like this after a four mile run!

(Although I like to believe I do) ;)

Photos from now on will be more "legit"...promise!

Here is to health and happiness this holiday season!

Cheers,

Kerry