We Take Back OUR Race
We came out in large numbers. Over a millions spectators
along the route swelled the crowds like never before. Boston Strong signs and
sentiment were everywhere. Legions of enthusiastic volunteers provided aid in
everything from boarding buses, to collecting discarded clothing, to manning
the fluid stations and then caring for race finishers. Local, State and
Military Police provided protection in, around and along the entire route. Even
Mother Nature offered her support with a gorgeous day. All combined in unison
with the 36K runners descending upon Boston, to celebrate the city, rejoice in the
pinnacle of our sport, to reclaim OUR Finish Line and help Boston heal.
Deciding to requal for Boston 2014 (
To BQ?) and being
fortunate gain entry, was one of my best running decisions. Every aspect
of the this year’s race was spectacular, heightened by the shared sense of
wanting to do something for Boston. It was outstanding to just be a part of it.
Prerace
 |
| Going to Hopkinton?? |
 |
| Welcome to your BM 2014 Experience |
 |
| Prerace social network |
The positive energy could be felt in the Athletes Village as
we waited to start our journey. Much less of runners angst and much more of a
collective calm seemed to permeate the ethos. We did our best to soak in and
conserve that energy while waiting to charge. Soon it was time to fill the
corrals.
 |
| Frank charging the batteries |
 |
| Chillin' in the Village |
 |
| To the corrals we go |
Away We Go
The starting guns of the multiple waves went off right on time
and we moved en mass down the large decent of the first mile. It was difficult
to hold back on the first few miles, with the downhills and enthusiasm to give ourselves
to the course.
 |
| The start of something wonderful |
 |
| Down we go |
 |
| WooHooo! |
The early miles rolled off, almost too quickly, wishing
things would slow down to extend the experience. Tried to absorb the sites and
crowds
 |
| Prerace goodies, frat style |
 |
| Thank yo', Thank yo very much for running |
 |
| Nicholas finished, Boston Strong, in under 7hrs |
 |
| A better view of the running masses |
Many interesting people along the way.
 |
| Able to run long distances... Its Marathon Man |
 |
| Local celebs Rick and Dick of Team Hoyt |
Cruising
 |
| Nice views in Natick |
 |
| Early miles, big smiles |
 |
| Updating status: got t' run |
Scream Tunnel
The girls of Wellesley were out in force, not
will willing to relinquish their 'Sirens of Scream' title.
 |
| The girls of Wellesley |
Newton Hills
Making the turn at the fire house in mi 17 brought on the
start of the 4 Newton hills. The cheering crowds provided the additional boost
to power up them.
 |
| Glad to see the hills |
 |
| Fuel up and take the rise |
 |
| Working hard on Heartbreak |
 |
| The top's in site. |
The BU students always make for a good show coming down the
back side of Heart Break.
Home Stretch.
In the last few miles our bodies start to
rebel and the mental training needs to take over:
“Feeling Energized, Running Boston Strong”
 |
| Crowds really swelling |
 |
| Downhills are welcome |
 |
| A reminder to finish Strong |
 |
| We can taste it now! |
Boylston St
Words cannot express the emotions that flowed with us down
to the finish line.
 |
| Congrats! You Earned It! |
 |
| Boston Hoodies to keep warm |
 |
| Exhilarated to be part of Boston 2014 |
Post Race Party
This year I decided to stay around and attend the post-race
festivities and get a glimpse of the winners. Sam Adam’s hosted the party with
their 26.2 brew made once a year for the Boston Marathon.
 |
| My sister Pat & I outside Fenway Pk, wait'g for the party. |
The hard pace brought by hometown girl Shalane Flanagan in the 1st
half, set the stage for Rita Jeptoo to clock a new women’s course record of
2:18:57
 |
| Rita Jeptoo, Women's Winner |
The Boston Strong energy and crowd support helped carry Meb Keflezighi to the top spot in 2:08:37, becoming the first American to win Boston
since 1983. What a phenomenal ending to an unforgettable 2014 Boston Marathon!
 |
| Meb won it for Boston |
