A Meaningful Run

I finished! I never had a doubt, but to say that I ran the Boston Marathon is something I will never forget and will take me many days to reflect on. Here is what I remember so far:

Seeing the thousands of runners at the Athletic Village milling around trying to stay warm, mentally preparing for their run, reviewing their time splits written on their wrists in permanent marker, taking team pictures in matching outfits, rubbing Vaseline on critical friction areas, getting temporary tattoos on legs and cheeks and the ever so slow progression at the portable out-houses before the race.

I knew that many of the runners for the marathon are primarily representing some charity or cause near and dear to their hearts and so I felt “among them” though I was a solo runner for Hospitality Homes. As the starting gun went off and we, corralled like cattle, began the slow progression up to the start line, I started to look around at the people I would be spending the next 4 hours with. Two women in front of me, the “Pink Posse” ladies, had matching pink shirts and black shorts on but one of them had a message written down the back of her legs, “I’m living my dream.” I got choked up and still am remembering it. I thought to myself, “me too and we are running so that others can hopefully live their dreams.” As I continued on all I began to see was a sea of back sides of shirts with the story of each individual’s reason for running. A man with a picture of what looked to be his young son and it said “I am running for Max” and then another runner with the shirt listing more than 10 names with the beginning stating, “in memory of…”

Once I understood that, I began to look around at the crowds lining up every inch of the way, yelling out words of encouragement, cheering for the causes they saw on our shirts, never wavering in their support at any point. I can’t explain the feeling of having total strangers look you in the eye and tell you, you are looking great, keep it up, you’re going to make it for 4 hours straight! On top of that, I was wearing a shirt with my name on it so I had everyone calling to me personally and sticking out their hands for a high five or a personal touch from someone who understood the challenge ahead. I was lucky to have supporters from Hospitality Homes wearing red “Go Kristina” shirts cheering me on and meeting me along the way with some cold Propel. Stopped and got my picture taken with Loring at mile 13 and then Cheryl and her entire family around mile 22 who flagged me down, not easy in a sea of red shirts in Boston!

Again, I can’t say enough how much your donations and support have helped to make this day possible and many more days for those people Hospitality Homes supports on a daily basis. I was reminded that it was a luxury to even be able to make the choice to run a marathon or to even run at all. I have my health and the support from family, friends, and those I haven’t even met but who have chosen to support this organization and the service they provide. I am humbled and proud. Thank you.

Counting Down the Days

Well the marathon is Monday and I can finally relax and say that I have done all the running I can do at this point to prepare. Though I am still struggling with a pulled muscle, I have gotten some good long runs in, some much needed hill work on my best friend the treadmill and have also supplemented my running with some weight training and yoga. I feel at this point that I am ready enough for the run and focusing now on the positive mental attitude that will be necessary to pull me through come mile 20+!

I can’t say thank you enough to all the people at Hospitality Homes and the many supporters who have made such generous donations. I also appreciate all the people who wrote to me on my blog with words of encouragement and helpful advice and the wonderful letters and pictures from Driscoll Elementary School Second Grade class. You will never know how helpful your support has been.

I am looking forward to a beautiful day and seeing all of you out there in your Team Kristina shirts:

Until then…

Interactive Boston Marathon Map

View the Boston Marathon Course from a new perspective on this interactive map

"Go Kristina!" From the Second Grade Students at the Driscoll School in Brookline

Fans Make all the Difference

I heard that Tuesday was opening day at Fenway Park for the Red Sox and many fans came out to see the home opener and to show their support. Living in Yankee territory I understand how important this day was. I know there are many Red Sox fans out there reading this, so I wanted to let you know about a great opportunity to watch the Red Sox on April 21, Marathon Monday. Hospitality Homes was given 2 tickets to the Red Sox vs. Rangers game (see below for details) and they have set up an online auction. Follow this link, http://hospitalityhomes.cmarket.com, to bid on the tickets. All proceeds from the auction will count as Marathon sponsorship and will help us get even closer to our $10,000 goal and give you the opportunity to enjoy Spring Fever!

Just as the Red Sox have such great fan support, I am excited to hear that so many of you will be at the marathon. Having you all to support me in any way that you can will make ALL the difference in the world. I will have my radar on at all times looking for those who made the effort to come out and give me the boost I will need until I see the next red shirt! Your support and cheers mean so much to me and though I may pass by in the crowd of runners, I will hear you and it will give me the inspiration to keep running. Thank you in advance for your support.

Bid on Red Sox Tickets for Marathon Monday!

Would you like to see the Red Sox play the Texas Rangers and help support Hospitality Homes at the same time?

Go to http://hospitalityhomes.cmarket.com to bid on 2 Red Sox tickets for Monday, April 21, when the Sox play the Texas Rangers.

All proceeds will go towards helping Kristina reach her goal of raising $10,000 for Hospitality Homes.