Marathon Monday
Every year I cancel all walks on Marathon Monday. I tell my clients that it's because it's just too difficult to get around Framingham, Natick, Wellesley and Newton with the marathon going on. And in large part, that's very true. But really, it's because I love the Boston Marathon. I've been a runner since middle school. I love running. You don't need expensive equipment. Or impressive hand-eye coordination (there's a reason I didn't play basketball despite my height). Running does something for me as well that I don't find in other athletics. Maybe I'm weird but yoga stresses me out. I am a more calm and even keeled person when I run.
I love Marathon Monday. Back when we were dating, Alex ran twice before I decided it was something I had to do too. It had always been in the back of my mind but seemed like such a far off, unachievable goal. But for me, there was only one marathon I'd even consider running - Boston. I'd always watched in awe as the runners ran by. I remember when a girl one year ahead of me ran it in high school and just thinking she was amazing. I saw my high school cross country coach when I was training and was so proud to be able to tell him what I was planning. Alex was my real inspiration. After my friend and running partner was injured, he did the majority of my training runs with me ... including one in a blizzard. At our wedding, my dad said he knew it was serious between us when I told him I was running Boston.
Last year on the Sunday before the race, I was reminiscing about my run. Alex drove me out to Hopkinton. I remember getting to Natick and thinking "I'm going to run to Boston?! What was I thinking?" But I did. And friends and family and my students and total strangers cheered me on and it was amazing. I was on Heartbreak Hill when the winners crossed the finish line and someone joked that we were the real endurance athletes - taking 4+ hours to complete the marathon.
Since running in 2005, I've watched Alex run it two more times with one of our best friends. And I've stood with my family at the half way point to cheer on my sister-in-law. It's become a tradition for us. We meet at a friend's house for BBQ and track our friends online so we know when to expect them. We've mapped out the best route from Wellesley to the finish line so that we can cheer for each other at halfway and at the finish. And every year we talk about our races - the heat, the cold, the best places to have someone jump in and pace you, our favorite year - and if we'll do it again.
I love Marathon Monday. I love watching the wheelchair athletes and the elite runners. But my most favorite part of watching the marathon are the people like me. The regular runners. The soldiers in full uniform and packs. The people who run in costumes. The charity teams. People old and young. The Hoyts. There is so much about the Boston Marathon that moves me and inspires me.
I actually started writing this post last year. But I had a hard time finding the words I wanted and given that I (thankfully) wasn't directly effected, it didn't seem like the right time for it. In the weeks following the Marathon last year, I would be out for a run and see other runners. We smile and nod at each other. For me running has never been a solitary sport. I've always had running partners and friends. I sign up for races with friends and family. Having someone there, trucking along by your side, as you finish one mile, two, three .... It's how I've bonded with my husband and some of my closest friends. And in the weeks following last years marathon, I could feel that camaraderie with every other runner I passed.
Chronic injuries have kept my distances to 10k and less for the last couple of years. But whether I'm running or not, I'll be there. Every year. Just past the halfway point. Cheering like a lunatic for friends, family and total strangers. I won't be able to work. Because you know ... the roads are all closed. ;)