BAA 5k - 4/14/13 - 27:35 (8:54 min/mile)

Yes I ran a 5k the day before The Boston Marathon. But, here's why.

1) I love the race. I did it last year and was psyched that the race started/finished on The Boston Marathon Finish Line. Plus, last year they had chocolate chip bagels at the end - you had me there. :P (2012 Recap)

2) I needed to do a shakeout run the day before the marathon any way so why not get a medal for it. Right?

3) My BFF's birthday was Marathon Monday and I couldn't celebrate with her on the day of SO we I treated her to the 5k race as a birthday present.

---

After a fun Saturday morning run with Runner's World and a Saturday afternoon with friends and teammates, Sunday started with a 6:15 wakeup call. Sarah was to arrive at my house by 7am - and she is usually pretty prompt. Thankfully the wife was going to give us a ride in town and with road closures for the Marathon, we headed out just after 7am for the 8am start time.

Yeah, it took us about 10 minutes to get there so we were niiiice and early. :P Well, better than getting there late, right?

Being there so early meant we could mull around the Marathon Finish Area and snap some good pics.

Just stepping on that Line gave me goosebumps for the following day.

I wanted to just jump in a time machine and fast forward the 26 hours til start time.

Can you see the excitement in my face? 

I am rocking my orange Pro Compression socks for the event.

We met a nice woman who was more than happy to take our pic. After grabbing this shot, she asked if she could get creative. She asked us to sit on the Finish Line and pose. I was game because I knew I wouldn't be able to do that the following day.

I can't believe now how much this picture now means to me after the explosions that followed the Boston Marathon.

It is a picture and a moment in time I will cherish forever.

Once we snapped some pics, the chill in the air started wearing on us so we had to get moving. There was still a good 30 minutes until the start of the race.

Why oh why do I make us get to races so early? ;)

But this did allow us plenty of time to people watch, hit the port-o-potties and get right where we wanted to in line.

Now, the other reason I needed Sarah there was to keep me on pace.

I have a hard time holding back - especially in a race - and Sarah is my voice of reason. The one that can get me to scale back.

Our goal was to run around 9ish min/mile pace. Much slower than my now normal 5k speed so it was going to be a mental exercise for me as well. Since we know I really needed to keep the energy for the following day - the BIG SHOW.

After a great rendition of the National Anthem it was time for the race to finally start.

I hit Start on the Garmin and it was go time.

And we immediately started out too fast.

We are just too darn speedy ... or so we told ourselves. ;)

But, we tailed it back to about a 9 min/mile pace.

It was comfortable. It was nice.

It was fun to just run with a friend and have a conversation without any sort of shortness of breathe.

Let me tell you when I started running back in 2005 and could barely handle a 12 min/mile pace - I never thought I would call 9 min/mile pace comfortable.

We were really able to enjoy the scenery and the time together.

Sarah is leaving me for Maine at the beginning of June so we are trying to make the most of our time together as we can.

As we ran along the Boston Commons and weaved ourselves through the streets of Boston, we noticed some pairings participating in a "Blindfold Challenge." One person wears a blindfold and their partner acts as their guide - it is an amazing concept.

But, as we took our left turn on to Boylston Street, we noticed a pair in front of us. Sarah and I looked at each other, locked eyes and at the same time made the comment that we couldn't let them beat us.

We had been great all race about keeping the pace down. BUT, we both decided that a little sprint at the end wouldn't hurt anyone. Right?

So we locked in and put in extra effort for the last 0.2 miles.

It was thrilling to run down Boylston Street and know that the following day it would be lined with fans and my family cheering me on. And when I crossed that same Finish Line the next day I would conquer the Boston Marathon - something I never thought possible when I topped the scales at 235 lbs.

We finished with a time of 27:35, which is a 8:54 min/mile pace. Again, a tad faster than we wanted BUT good for us.

My legs felt great afterwards and were ready for the next day.

I also got to FINALLY show off my Got Chocolate Milk Team Refuel singlet in an actual race. Doesn't it look good with my orange Pro Compression socks. :)

We grabbed our post-race goody bags (as you can see in the picture above), but where was my chocolate chip bagel?

NO WHERE!!

There weren't any bagels post-race. You've gotta be kidding me. I had my little heart set on a post-run chocolate chip bagel. Ouch! Boo! Wahhh!

I picked up the pieces of my little broken heart and Sarah and I headed to the T stop to head home.

We met Tori and headed to Dunkin Donuts so I could at least have my Iced Coffee. I mean I do Run On Dunkin.

After Sarah headed home, it was time for a RELAXING afternoon.

Putting the legs up was my Number One Priority for the afternoon.

But, eating was also important ... so the wife and I headed out for a quick lunch before it was back to the couch.

Yup nerves were starting to kick in!

I wanted a good night of sleep so I laid out my outfit for the following day, took a couple Tylenol PM and was asleep by 7pm.

Ready to ROCK the Boston Marathon...

A Pretty Sweet Saturday Afternoon...

After kicking off Saturday, April 13 with a great shakeout run with Runner's World that morning, I had a big afternoon planned. The wife and I headed back into town to enjoy lunch with a couple of my favorite bloggers: Colleen from TheFitBee.com and Samantha from RunningAndCupcakes.com. We had planned on MJ O'Connor's Pub, but it was so much easier to just head to Whiskey's across from the Boston Marathon Expo - since everyone wanted to head there afterwards.

Yes, I was planning a second trip to the Expo. :P

I owe Twitter for bringing me together with these two lovely, amazing, inspiring and just overall kick ass people. They push me to be a better runner, person and blogger every day. It is so fun when online relationships turn into real life friendships. :)

Samantha lives in Rhode Island, but was volunteering at a water stop along the Marathon course on the Monday. While Colleen was going to rock a 50k the following day then run - sorry own - the Boston Marathon the next day.

Rock Stars!!

After a great lunch and some yummy beer, we headed back over to the Expo. We were walking around as a happy little group until I saw something shiny and of course got separated from everyone else. Oops!

The wife and I did another loop around the Expo before having to head home to get ready for our evening plans.

We had just enough time to get home and change before heading back into town for the Tedy's Team Pasta Dinner, which was being held at the Lenox Hotel.

The Lenox Hotel would be our post-race reunion location as well. Such a great feature offered by Tedy's Team. Plus it was RIGHT by the Finish Line, which meant we wouldn't have to walk too far following the race.

(Note: We obviously didn't get to enjoy The Lenox Hotel as a post-race location because of the bombings that took place, but I thank the Hotel for all the help they offered for my teammates and their families on that day!)

It was great to be surrounded by the whole team.

Photo Courtesy Of Tedy's Team

Aren't we one good-looking group? :)

We had a delicious pasta dinner in the Dome Room, which sported a beautiful blue ceiling.

The centerpieces were plants cradled in the official Boston Marathon Sneakers from New Balance.

After dinner, Zack (our fearless leader), Tedy's wife and son, and two of my teammates (Christine and Nate) all gave moving, motivational and inspiring speeches to get us pumped up for Monday's run. With tears in my eyes and pride in my heart, I was ready to face that Boston Marathon.

I was ready to make myself, my family, my Stroke Heroes and my team proud.

The team dinner wrapped up about 9pm and the wife and I headed over to the Runner's World party, which was being held just a few streets away.

Do you think my KT Tape went with my black dress? ;)

We walked the 0.4 miles to Lucca Back Bay to attend the Runner's World party.

I loved seeing large blowups of the magazine around the restaurant then seeing the people from the cover there in person. Surreal.

Since I had an early morning the next day - running BAA 5k - we hung around for about 30 minutes or so then headed home. It was cool to see so many running celebrities in one room.

It was a great day being surrounded by motivating friends and fellow runners!! A great pump up for the BAA 5k on the Sunday and the Marathon on the Monday!

Weekly Workout Wind Up (4/18-24/13)

This will be one BORING wind up as I took it easy the week after the marathon. :P  

Thursday, April 18: Rest Day

Friday, April 19: Rest Day (trapped inside due to lockdown)

Saturday, April 20: 26:20 min run in honor of Marathon Victims

Sunday, April 21: 60 min Spinning

Monday, April 22: 2.62 mile Run with the pup

Tuesday, April 23: Rest Day

Wednesday, April 24: 4 Mile Run

Runner's World Shakeout Run

I love meeting other bloggers. I love running. I love reading Runner's World. So an invite to a couple of the Runner's World events during Boston Marathon weekend was an honor.

I thank my friend Robin for suggesting my little blog be able to attend. :)

The run was later opened up to all runners as it was posted on Runner's World's Facebook page the day before.

The more the merrier right.

The event kicked off at the New Balance Store on Boylston St at 7:30 Saturday (April 13)morning.

My dad was dropping me off (again I am a cool 30 year old) and we of course got there early so when I walked in only the New Balance employees were at the store.

Oops!

Originally Bart Yasso was said to be attending the event, but after tweeting with him he said he wouldn't arrive in Boston until Saturday afternoon. Darn, I wanted to meet him.

As the store started slowly filling up with Runner's World staff, I met a couple bloggers that I hadn't known before. I met Brittany from Btypes.com, who qualified for Boston while running her first marathon (Wow!) and Katherine from NeonBlondeRunner.com, who I actually already followed on Twitter and Instagram.

I love finding new blogs to follow and new runners to use as inspirations.

Very quickly I realized I was the only person in the store who was running The Boston Marathon as a charity runner. IE, I was the slow poke in the store. The only person in the room/run that didn't qualify for the Marathon.

Ouch! Nothing quickly cuts down your confidence than the question: "So where did you qualify for Boston?"

Yeah, nope I didn't qualify. I am a charity runner. In the moment it hurt, but as I thought more about it that night I was/am honored to run for a cause. I raised over $5k for the American Stroke Association. I was running in honor of my grandparents.

Not qualifying for Boston is not something I should've been ashamed of.

But when you get asked that question rapid fire in a morning, it cuts you down just a little.

How can it not?

After mulling around, it was time to actually get out and run. I had no idea how long the run would be or where it was going. It was kind of nice to just follow the crowd. :)

We kicked off the run so quickly that my Garmin didn't have time to locate satellites (shocking) so I used Runkeeper to track our run.

We headed out down Boylston St towards Boston Common. We did a big lap around the Commons before heading to the oldest street in Boston. Even I - someone that grew up in Boston - had no idea where they were taking us.

Everyone was extra cautious on this part of the run since no one wanted to get injured two days before the big race. It was cool to run up and down the old cobblestones - slippery, but cool.

We ran back through the Commons before hooking a right onto Boylston St to the New Balance Store.

We ended up doing a 2.5 mile loop, which was relaxing and good for the legs as I was running the BAA 5k the next morning.

Runner's World had a nice little breakfast spread after the run, where I chatted with some of the Runner's World folks I actually followed on Twitter. It's always nice meeting social media contacts/friends in real life.

Mmmm snacks!

The New Balance store is pretty sweet if you haven't checked it out before...

And it looks like they like to #Sweatpink like my FitApproach ladies and I do!

I especially had a great time chatting with Caitlin, one of Runner's World web producers. Thanks for hanging out with me as I stood around not really knowing anyone!! Much appreciated...

Once the event was over, I wondered around Boylston St near what would be the Starta Area for Sunday's 5k and the Finish Area on Marathon Monday as I waited for my dad to get me.

(Looking back it is crazy to see how much this would change on Monday afternoon)

I want to thank Laura from Runner's World for extending a Shakeout Run invite to me. It was a great experience and a nice casual run to help simmer my nerves for Monday...

Boston Marathon Expo

The Boston Marathon festivities kicked off with the Boston Marathon Expo.

I looove expos ... but my credit card doesn't! ;)

On Friday, April 12, my car was in the shop so my mom was my driver that day. ;) She picked me up from my final Weight Watchers meeting of the week at 12:20pm, we headed to grab a quick sandwich for lunch then she dropped me off at the Hynes Convention Center just before 2.

I figured the expo would be pretty empty at 2 since that is when it started.

BOY was I wrong.

I walked in the front door to meet my friend Sarah and her daughter Joanna - we were running the 5k together so she had to pick up her number too - and the line to enter the Expo wrapped down and around the corridor.

I was shocked. But, thankfully I had to get my 5k number first so the line to pick up my Marathon number was gone by the time I was done. :)

My 5k bib:

I had forgotten my BAA card with my Bib # on it to pick up my 5k bib so I had to wait in line to speak with Runner Services. I was so focused on remembering the necessary paperwork to pick up my Marathon Bib that I got lazy with the 5k info. Oops!

Thankfully the line was pretty short and the whole process was pretty painless.

Once, I had my bib I headed back out to meet Sarah so we could enter the Expo.

I had to keep this photo because I love the photo bum ... I mean photo bomb ... by the random gentleman.

There was a separate entrance for number pick-up so I headed to the right, while Sarah and the stroller headed into the Expo.

With over 27,000 runners participating in the 117th Boston Marathon, I should've expected long lines at the onset. I also should've known that it would be mainly people like me - local charity runners - getting the number pick-up out of the way early.

But once I walked down to my end of the pick-up area (22,000+ numbers), I saw that the longest line of them all had to be mine. The line for people with bibs 22,000-22,600 ... I was bib 22010. Yay - NOT! :P

I finally made it to the front, handed over my signed bib card and was handed my Boston Marathon bib.

Ahhh... it was such a surreal moment.

I was really going to be running in the Boston Marathon.

Still smile looking at this picture.

After securing the bib, it was time to pick up my official race shirt and head into the Expo. :)

It was awesome to walk into the Expo and see this right away:

I sure was All In For Boston.

The first place I had to stop was the New Balance booth. I was going to get a pair of the official Boston Marathon New Balance sneakers.

I mean hello, they glow in the dark! SOLD!

MINE! I got 'em. :)

Aren't they sweet?

Finally, Sarah and I connected at the New Balance booth and were able to walk around the Expo a little together before she had to get back to her car - damn running out of quarters.

Once Sarah left, I got myself to the front of the Expo and started with row 1 and did a run through the entire place. :)

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series booth was right at the front of the Expo. I showed them the Rock 'n' Roll bag I was wearing and they gave me a free water bottle! Score!

There were guys jumping on a trampoline in skis to demonstrated that their brand of headphones really didn't fall out of your ears. I mean that was some marketing genius there. Granted I cannot remember the name of the headphones so maybe it wasn't that good. Haha.

I turned my head to the right and there was the Brooks booth. These mannequins at the top of the booth actually moved their arms/legs to make it look like they were all running. Pretty cool.

After spotting markers and the large Boston Marathon banner, I knew I had to sign it.

I wrote: "Dani Holmes-Kirk in honor of my grandparents! Go Tedy's Team!!"

I made my way into the Addidas official merchandise section of the Expo. Ooohhh everything was blue and yellow and shiny!

It was just before walking in there with help from a season pro like Robin that I found out you didn't automatically get the Boston Marathon jacket, but rather you had to buy it.

I tried one on. I walked around holding it. I kept texting my wife and parents about it. Should I spend the $100 on it? Was it worth it? Could we swing it? I mean I had just bought the New Balance shoes.

But they all said to go for it. This could be the ONE time I run the Boston Marathon so I should have the jacket as a reminder.

(Who would've known how important it would be for me to have that jacket in the next week?)

I almost bought this little guy for my friend Ellie, who loves unicorns - but once I looked at the price tag I just sent her a pic instead. ;)

How cute?

I loved the Marathon Sports signs all over the Expo.

So motivating!

I saw it and just kept telling myself that I would RUN every step of Heartbreak Hill on Marathon Monday! No matter what...

Once I had done a good once over of the Expo, I headed to the main booth I had to get to ... Sparkly Soul!

I have the honor of being a Sparkly Soul Ambassador, but since the company is based out of New York I have never met the two women behind the company ... until the Expo.

I knew Pamela would be there and we had tweeted/emailed so often it was like we already knew each other.

Sparkly Soul is a wonderful company created by Pamela's sister Dari (a marathon runner) and I am honored to be a small part of it.

Once I met Pamela, I had just one final thing on the Expo to-do list ... visit the KT Tape booth!

I had been experiencing some slight knee pain in the weeks leading up to the Marathon and didn't want to take any chances. KT Tape can be worn for up to a week and go through a shower without coming off. So I knew I could get it done Friday and it would still be in place for Sunday's 5k and Monday's Marathon.

The tape even matched my Saucony sneakers. :0)

It was about 4:30pm by the time I left the Expo and my mom was picking me up at 5pm (as a 30 year old rolls) so I had a beer at The Pour House across the street while I waited.

It was an amazing feeling being surrounded by so many talented runners both in the Expo and the bar after. I was getting super pumped for the rest of the weekend's festivities.

***

What is your favorite part of a race Expo? 

#30DaysToBoston #PhotoChallenge Recap

A couple months before the marathon, I saw a blogger on Twitter asking people to get involved in a 30 day photo challenge leading up to the Boston Marathon. I couldn't pass it up. My joy of running The Boston Marathon was boiling over and I wanted to be a part of anything that had to do with the race. So with Seeking Boston Marathon and a couple other bloggers, the #30DaysToBoston #photochallenge was born...

With the events of the past week ... I write this while in lockdown mode here in Boston ... I thought it would be great to look back and see what the 30 days before the biggest race of my life really looked like.

Enjoy! :)

Day #1 - these ASICS #Shoes will be giving me support from Mile 0 to 26.2 on April 15!

Day #2 - Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee is a must have every morning with #Breakfast!! :)

Day #3 - #Speedwork I have on tap for tomorrow - 8x800s!!

Day #4 - My grandparents (aka my Stroke Heroes) #Inspire me to join Tedy's Team & run The Boston Marathon in the first place!!

I hope to #Inspire other people that anything is possible in running!! Here are the times for my first 2 marathons - left September 2006 and right November 2012!

Day #5 - Thanks to Tedy's Team I now #Snack on Swedish Fish during a long run!!

Day #6 - Of course NKOTB is on my running #Playlist for tomorrow's 21-miler!! :)

Day #7 - Post 21-miler - the final #Longrun before The Boston Marathon!! :)

Day #8 - My biggest supporters are my #LovedOnes, who show up to races no matter the weather or travel!! :)

Day #9 - My total #Distance since starting The Boston Marathon training with Tedy's Team on Dec 1!

Day #10 - no #Sweat today, but I'll make up for it with hills tomorrow!!

Day #11 - Through stretching, foam rolling & The Stick - I keep myself #Pain-free while training!!

Day #12 - One benefit of #Early morning training runs are gorgeous sunrises like this (from a run last summer in Chicago)!

Day #13 - Race bling can always #Motivate me through any race!! :)

Day #14 - I will be taking the day after The Boston Marathon off as a #Reward & taking part in these relaxing/celebratory activities!

Day #15 - What did I #EatToday for dinner? Big 'ol salad - no Easter plans this year.

Day #16 - I think it's obvious that my FAV way to #CrossTrain is Spinning!!

Day #17 - You know it's #Taper time when your next 2 Saturdays look like this!

Day #18 - My choice for in-run #Fuel!

Day #19 - I #LoveThis new Tedy's Team jacket & long-sleeve T we got last night!!

Day #20 - Being #Smelly is proof of a successful run! ;)

Day #21 - In 9 days, these #Feet will help me live out a dream: running The Boston Marathon!! :)

Day #22 - Can wearing these heels all afternoon count as a way to #Crosstrain? ;)

Day #23 - #DontLikeThis = Tapering!

Day #24 - A sample of my Race Day #Gear: Tedy's Teamsinglet, Team Sparkle skirt & Superman socks!

The most prized #Gear I will wear on Monday - aSparkly Soul headband w/ Grampa written on the inside!! I will also have my The Boston MarathonSparkly Soul headband on as well!

Day #25 - I am SO thankful to have SO many #RunFriends and love making new ones every day!!

Day #26 - My Boston Marathon #RaceDayShirt is my Tedy's Team singlet! :)

Day #27 - Yet another reason to #GetToBoston baby! ;)

Day #28 - #BAAExpo

Day #29 - Mmmm #CarbLoad...

Day #30 - #LetsDoThis

Weekly Workout Wind Up (4/11-17/13)

Boston Marathon week ... Ahhh!!!

Thursday, April 11: 2 Mile Run

april 11

Friday, April 12: Rest Day/Walking Around Boston Marathon Expo

Saturday, April 13: 2.5 Mile Shakeout Run with Runner's World

april 13

Sunday, April 14: BAA 5k

april 14

april 14-2

Monday, April 15: Boston Marathon

april 15

april 15-2

Tuesday, April 16: 2.62 Mile Walk in Honor of Marathon Bombing Victims

april 16

Wednesday, April 17: Rest Day

The Aftermath Of Marathon Monday

On what should have been one of the happiest days of my life, my accomplishment of completing the Boston Marathon is marked with a smoky-fiery injury/death-filled asterisk. This isn't a race recap post. I'm not at a place to write that yet.

This will be a space for me to work through the myriad of emotions I felt on Monday.

Joy - however fleeting it was. It was there: as I waved to Tedy Bruschi & the rest of Tedy's Team cheering me on from the windows of The Lenox Hotel after passing Mile 26, as I caught a glimpse on my left of my wife and dad just before I crossed the Finish Line, as I actually stepped over that glorious yellow Finish Line and finally as I found my Mom on the other side of the Line.

Confusion - what was the noise (as my back was to the Line as I caught my breath)? Was it a celebratory cannon? I hadn’t been at the Finish Line since my dad ran 17 years ago.

Fear - as the explosions hit just a minute after I crossed that Finish Line, I immediately thought of my wife and dad ... Were they okay? Were they standing where it went off?

Anger - as people tried to flee the scene, they pushed past and over my Mom who was trying to walk with her cane to safety. I just started yelling at people to stop shoving and to be careful.

Relief - after a text from my wife saying she and my dad were okay and after a phone call to my dad telling him to collect my mom where I safely left her and we would all meet near the Commons.

Despair - as my phone died and I was wandering around Boylston St trying to figure out how I was going to reconnect with my family since we weren't able to find an exact meeting location.

Solace - in the sheer volume of first responders who whizzed past me on Boylston St (fire engines, police, etc) and in the volunteers that hugged me and let me borrow their cell phone to try and call my dad again.

(Also thank goodness I had my GoSportID bracelet on with his phone number on it!!) Panic - as I wandered down Newbury, alone and with no idea what would happen next. I also was starting to feel faint since I had nothing in my system besides Sport Beans and Swedish Fish.

Relief (again) - when I somehow ran into my friend Robin (who had finished the race 20 min before me) with her husband and friend. They were my beacon of hope. We found a set of stairs to sit on and Robin's husband found me snacks to eat (a Clif bar never tasted so good), Robin was able to text my wife our location and they stayed with me as we waited ... for what felt like years until my dad arrived!

Jubilation - at seeing and hugging my dad. As he helped me limp to meet my mom and wife, I just couldn't stop playing it over and over in my head. But then a huge teary-eyed hug from the wife was the best feeling. All 4 of us were safe and sound. Phew!

My panic level could finally start to drop!

But now 2 days later, I sit with the biggest emotion of all ...

GUILT!

It's because of me my wife had to write these blog posts (one & two).

It's because of me my family members are scarred by this too close experience of a terror attack.

It's because of me they were where they were.

How could I not feel that burden or carry that feeling?

The Night Before The Boston Marathon...

... is FULL of emotions! I don't even really know how to put them all into words.

***

I am excited.

I am nervous.

I am ready to throw up.

I am pumped.

I am honored.

I am doubtful.

I am questioning.

I am breathing.

***

With less than 17 hours til Tedy's Team crossed the Start Line (10:40am), it is finally sinking in that this whole running The Boston Marathon thing is really happening.

I mean Yes I knew it was coming, but with a full weekend of festivities - I was distracted for a while. Until I crossed the finish line of the BAA 5k this morning and realized ... it's time for THE BIG SHOW now.

I sit here hugging my foam roller and Marathon Stick wondering what I got myself into. But, WHY do I keep questioning myself. I've done this whole running a marathon before. I've done all of the training since Tedy's Team kicked off the season December 1.

Why start doubting myself now?

Well, maybe it's after a weekend of being asked: "oh, where do you qualify?" Nope, nope not a qualifier. As soon as anyone asked if I was running Monday, I would immediately say: "Yes, as a charity runner" to avoid the qualifying question. For some reason it made me feel as if I wasn't worthy to be in the same room with all of the other people doing their shakeout runs or picking up their bibs.

Then last night whipped me back into shape. Last night, we attended the Tedy's Team Pasta Dinner. Sitting in the room with my 45 teammates, hearing people's stories, celebrating that the team has raised over $300,000 for Stroke Awareness - THAT made me remember why I was doing this whole thing and why I DID deserve to be running in the Boston Marathon.

It doesn't matter how fast or slow I run tomorrow, what matters is the singlet I will be wearing ... what matters is the reason WHY I am running.

Tomorrow I run for my grandparents, for Tedy Bruschi, for all Stroke Victims, for my family, for my friends and for all of you - my supporters!

I thank you all for joining me on this journey. The countless training posts, the fundraising posts and offering up encouragement when I doubted myself.

The girl that weighed 235 lbs at one time will be toeing the line tomorrow to finish the most famous marathon in the world. I didn't qualify. But I had the honor to raise awareness and money for Tedy's Team and the American Stroke Association/American Heart Association, which is more important than any qualifying time.

This one time obese girl will be putting on that Tedy's Team singlet and representing her grandparents to the best of her abilities. I will give it my all tomorrow. No matter the outcome I know they are proud of me.

OKAY NOW I'M PUMPED!!!

---

But since I'm me and need a goal.

What do I hope to accomplish tomorrow?

1) Finish. Seems like a simple request, but you really never know what can happen during a given race so I want to remain healthy enough to complete the 26.2 mile crusade.

2) Post a time sub 4 hours. This was my goal for the Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon in November 2012 (my 2nd marathon) and I accomplished it then (3:58:49) so I would like to do that again if I can.

3) PR - 3:55. This is a dream, but keeping it as a possibility based on my previous training runs. If I could keep a steady 9:00 min/mile pace, I would post a 3:55:48, which would be a 3 minute PR. I would take that for sure!!

4) PR - 3:51. I could attain this if I kept an average pace of 8:50. Definitely a possibility if I find people with a similar pace to mine. I always run better when I have a partner who is faster they I am. Why? Well I always doubt my speed and having someone with me pushes me.

5) PR - 3:50 or less. A girl can Wish Upon A Star, ya know?

---

Now that I have released the thoughts swimming around my head, I can get back to relaxing, having a yummy dinner (mmm carbs!) and head to bed early. How can I sleep on a night like this? My sweet little friend Tylenol PM. I need a full night sleep so I will be trying to dose off by 8/9.

So thank you again for being a part of my journey. I cannot believe it all culminates tomorrow. But, I know you will all be with me every step of the way!!

I leave you with Flat Dani, who is ready to Sparkle her way through The Boston Marathon!

Boston Marathon Weekend Festivities

Just thinking about the next five days is making me tired. But for ALL good reasons.

I mean yes there is the little thing of The actual Boston Marathon taking place on Monday, but there is SOOOO much more happening before then.

***

Let's see what's on the 'ol docket:

Friday

After finishing the work week at 12:15, I will be heading home, getting a good reliable backpack and heading to the Boston Marathon Expo at the Hynes Convention Center. The expo kicks off at 2pm and I think my friend Sarah and I will be there pretty much at the start. ;)

Why you may ask?

Well, I am REALLY hoping I can snag a pair of the exclusive New Balance Boston Marathon sneakers, which are only sold at the Expo. So trying to get there as early as possible will help my chances. *Fingers Crossed*

Aren't they amazing???

(I missed out on the exclusive Run Disney sneakers because we got there too late)

Additionally, I am picking up my bib for the BAA 5k AND the Boston Marathon so lots to get done.

Plus, I have a ton of booths I want to hit up ... the high priority? Meeting the ladies behind the amazing Sparkly Soul headbands. :)

***

Saturday

I had the honor of being invited to a special Runner's World Shakeout Run with Bart Yasso, which takes place Saturday morning at 7:30am. I am wicked excited to be meeting up with so many of my fellow bloggers and some of my running idols.

Around lunchtime, I will me joining some of my local Twitter/Facebook friends for lunch before they head into the Expo (and maybe I go back ;)). I will definitely be seeing Sam from Running and Cupcakes and Colleen from The Fit Bee and hopefully some others!!

As if that wasn't an exciting day already, the wife & I have the Tedy's Team Pasta Dinner that night 6-9 at the Lenox Hotel. If we are still functioning, we will end the night with the Runner's World party, which is located close by. I want to take advantage of as many chances as possible to meet some of my running and blogging idols.

***

Sunday

And on the day before the Marathon, I decided to sign up for the BAA 5k (8am) with my best friend Sarah. Sarah is turning the Big 3-0 on Monday and since I will be busy running ;) I told her we could run the 5k together the day before as a shakeout run for me.

The biggest hurdle? Holding myself back from race pace.

Thankfully I will have Sarah there to reel me in and keep me in check. Since the BIG SHOW is on Monday!

The rest of the day will be spent relaxing at home and making sure everything I need for Monday is laid out in advance.

***

Monday

The Big Show! :)

Nerves will be setting in. Nervousness will be in full effect. Excitement will be seeping from all parts of my body.

I need to be at the Boston Commons by 7am to take the bus to the Start Line.

Once there, we have a place where all Tedy's Team members can hang out - out of the elements - before the Start.

My wave is set to start around 10:40am.

Then it's GAME TIME baby!

After finishing (assuming I do :P), I will meet my family and the rest of the team at the after spot at a nearby hotel.

I can't wait to see everyone after they Finish, especially my family.

***

Tuesday

My treat day!

Hey, I deserve a day off from work after the Marathon so I took one. :)

I am meeting my friend Abby for mani-pedis around 11am then followed by lunch/drinks in Davis Square.

I will then putter around until a 90-minute (yup I went there!) massage at Massage Therapy Works.

Once the wife gets out of work, I hope to meet up with her for dinner and possibly getting my 6th tattoo.

I am looking to get the phrase "One Step At A Time" with "13.1" and "26.2" on either side. I need to check with Painted Bird Tattoo parlor to see if they have time.

***

Now doesn't that sound like one exhausting, amazing and life-changing weekend???

I am smiling, crying and feeling tired all at the same time. :)

But, I feel blessed and can't wait to share all the memories with you all.

Will I see any of you over the next 5 days? Maybe grabbing a beer to celebrate?