The number of days ‘till Boston is dwindling down to nothing and I’m beginning to feel a level of nervousness like none other. If you’ve been around me before a marathon, you know that this is saying a lot. I tend to be an emotional bundle of nervous in need of much reassurance – mostly on my part.
In the days before Portland, I cried hard and often. I found doubt in my ability to push past the pain and go the distance. Fortunate for me, I was surrounded by a few great people who loved me unconditionally but still urged me to believe that I was capable of more than I’d ever been able to deliver. And we all know how well it all turned out.
It feels odd to be entering the biggest race of my life with no time goal what-so-ever. Although at one point, I did entertain “racing” in Boston, I have since decided to adhere to my original plan of just taking it in:
· high-fiving the kids,
· taking in the crowds,
· kissing a girl from Wellesley College just so I can sing the song,
· stopping to give YaYa a sweaty hug of appreciation for years of support,
· experiencing the deafening roar of the crowd in the final stretch towards the finish,
· and finally experience firsthand the glory of the Boston Finish-line.
Oh, did I mention that I want to “enjoy” the race?
For the past many days I have looked on this event as one where essentially all the dreams, or expectations I’d previously created having died. But that’s not quite true. All along, this goal has been about preserving. Although I had no idea to what extent I’d have to do this, I can appreciate how different this achievement is for having had gone through so much to get here.
That said, I would now like to simply bask in this success. Enjoy and celebrate having survived the hard work in getting here — with my #1 crewman and a few cool Bostonians too. The hard work is done. It’s time to relax….PLEASE!
Juls, I am SO EXCITED for you I feel like I am running myself. I’ve followed your blog and your journey from your first email, post my rainy BQ in Napa. My cousin is a Wellesley senior – but what is the song?? Can’t wait to track you on race day! This is your 26.2 mile party for making it to the starting line.
Breathe deeply & enjoy the moments that make up the day. I have been watching you strive for this dream for so long and it is so exciting to see you accomplish it. I wish you supreme joy as you run those well-earned 26.2 miles of victory lap!
Hope you have a great run and that the experience exceeds your expectations.
a little nervous excitement is a good thing, but you are an old pro at this now :-) The destination race of a lifetime is at hand, and I think your “race strategy” is spot on!
i’ll be with you every “stride” of the way… xo
Wonderful advice for everyone “RELAX.”
;)
So glad for you that the day is nearing, as nervous as you might be. So excited. And it sounds like you’re going into it with a great attitude. Thanks for being a constant inspiration.
I am so excited for you! I know without a doubt that you will accomplish all of the ‘goals’ you have set for this race. This is a truly amazing accomplishment for a truly amazing woman! Enjoy your victory, I can’t wait to hear all about it!
And you can get one of those jackets. I covet a Boston Marathon jacket, possibly because I will never own one.