Lesson #7: Thoughts from Boston

The Boston marathon is rich in history, known for its hills, requires a qualifying time, and is sought after by thousands of runners. There is much I could write about the marathon, but what stands out the most is the enjoyable people I met and/or observed. I've heard it said that people in the northeast are unfriendly, but I learned that is not the case during marathon Monday! Let me introduce some of these people to you:

-The numerous people on my flight from O'Hare to Boston who were wearing the Boston marathon jackets and the one guy reading the book How to Run Your Best Boston as he waited to board the plane!

-The Wampanoag Running Club from MA that welcomed me into their group for a pasta dinner and gave me a seat on their marathon bus because after all, I was Jack Bailey's sister.

-The guy who has done over 100 marathons.

-My old-man bus buddy with great stories who was running Boston after a 15 year break from marathons.

-My teammate who met up with me around mile 6, gave me a high five, and was on her way.

-The guy who started talking to me during the race b/c he saw my jersey that listed the Chicago-area towns of my running club. We shared our race goals, chatted, and finally split ways at a water station.

-The Wellesley girls at mile 13 who lined the street cheering, shouting, and holding up signs that said, "Kiss me, I'm Jewish" and "I want fast babies."

-The 3 very old men I found myself running next to for a mile. I was thinking, Surely I can beat them?

-The little kids lining the course who wanted high fives from the runners.

-The big kids who wanted high fives from the runners.

-The spectator Dad who cheered me on up the second big hill by saying "you look strong!"

-The college boys who only watch the race to see girls in spandex and make vulgar comments about their body parts. If I had more energy at mile 24, I would have slugged the jerk who spewed something inappropriate.

-The new friend I made at the finish as we congratulated each other and found out this was the first Boston and fourth marathon for both of us. We kept talking as we made our way through the heat blankets and snack bags and both had to turn around because we missed the medals!

-The friendly volunteers along the whole course. Thank you!

-The ladies with thick Boston accents who let me borrow their phone to find my brother.

-The nice man who helped me walk through the hotel after my shower because I was looking pretty pale and ready to pass out at any moment.

-The very helpful people from my brother's running club that took care of me when I was sick from dehydration. I had hands getting me a drink, a puke bucket, salt-tablets, and pretzels all at the same time.

-The lady in front of me at the restaurant who congratulated me on the race and asked if I was from the area. When I said I was from Chicago, she said, "I can tell."

-The other lady who said "great job on finishing the race. You deserve to eat whatever you want!"

-The very friendly airport security man who talked to me about the race.

-The fellow-runners I saw at the airport on the return trip home who were walking and limping slowly down the airport terminal. We shared the smile of mutual understanding. :-)

-And last but definitely not least...my brother Jack and sister Alicia who took very good care of me before, during, and after the race!!

Overall, the Boston marathon was a successful and fun trip. I've quickly forgotten the pain I was experiencing the last miles of the race and now can't wait to get back for a chance to run a better Boston! I do love that city.