One week to go...

Only 1 week to go now and it feels odd to have only run 10mi this past weekend.  That said, it was nice to be home and have my last training run be with my sister.  Luckily, the nagging injuries from the last month or so have been healing up and during the run I felt nearly 100%.  Hopefully come Marathon Monday, the weather is closer to Accuweather's forecast (61, partly cloudy) than Weather.com's forecast (80, sunny).  Of course, this is New England and the forecast is likely changing as I type this.

RJ & Me, DFMC Poster Party

With the marathon approaching, I reminisce of the journey to get to this point.  From applying to the DFMC team the day after I finished the NYC marathon, to accepting a team slot and knowing that I'd need to fund raise, to becoming part of the Patient Partner Program and being paired with RJ.  The entire DFMC experience has been incredible and will be culminating this weekend with several more activities.  As I prepare to add the names of those that I'm running "In Honor Of" and "In Memory Of" to my race shirt, I am reminded of how important this program is - from providing kids at the Jimmy Fund Clinic with an activity to look forward to while undergoing their own treatment, to aiding DFCI researches as they continue research to better the lives of patients.  I'm very thankful to have had this opportunity and owe all of the 100+ people that helped support the cause a huge amount of gratitude.  Thank you for supporting me and sharing your inspirations and stories throughout my training!!


Mile-By-Mile Guide To The Boston Marathon « CBS Boston

Mile 8 to Mile 9

This mile starts with a slight climb past some office buildings, a very large Planet Fitness gym and a car dealership. There’s another incline past Speen Street, but we’re talking minor uphills here. Overall it’s a pretty flat mile.

You’ll see a sign for the Natick VFW on your left, right around the 9-mile marker.

Mile 9 to Mile 10

This mile starts quietly. You’ve got train tracks on your left and Lake Cochichuate on your right, so not a whole lot of space for spectators.

It’s flat.

You’ll hit the 15k mark as you come to the end of the lake, and you’ll enter a historic district, which is a nice switch from the commercial and industrial landscapes of previous miles.

Think pretty, quaint Victorians as you climb at the half-mile mark toward the town center.

Mile 10 to Mile 11

Time for some big crowds. This mile takes you through Natick Center, past the fire department and municipal buildings. You’ll pass the First Congregational Church with its tall steeple on your left.

There’s a big green with a gazebo on your right – lots of room for adoring fans and kids with outstretched hands for a high five.

You should feel fresh here. If you don’t, dial down the pace a notch.

Mile 11 to Mile 12

This mile starts uphill, and after the first quarter-mile, rolls downhill until almost the 12-mile mark.

In the last half, it’s pretty quiet, with thick woods on your right side. For a quick spell, you’re left to your thoughts. But soon, you won’t be able to hear yourself think.

Mile 12 to Mile 13

As you come upon the main gate of Wellesley College, get ready for a sharp gain in decibels. You’ll hear it as you approach, and before you know it, you’re running through a screaming gauntlet of college co-eds.

The women of Wellesley are loud and proud… but here, they are mostly loud. Impossible to ignore. I remember American elite Ryan Hall playing to this crowd, putting a hand to his ear as he charged past. I actually think some men who are not trying to win the race slow down here. It’s a nice boost.

You’ll pass the 20k mark with a little drop, and then you’ll climb to Wellesley Center.