Boston Marathon 2014

It's hard to believe Boston has come and gone!  20 Team Athena friends ran Boston this year and we had such an amazing weekend… hard to put into words the experience we shared. 

The energy was in Boston was incredible and the people so welcoming and happy to have us there.  The crowds were 10-12 people deep cheering and waving signs... handing out water, ice, gatorade, oranges, popsicles, baby wipes… and encouragement to every runner out there. It was truly unbelievable.

Nicole and her stick, lacrosse ball, KT tape, stim machine… everything a marathoner needs to keep it together until race day! :)

 Waiting for Kim to start the BAA 5k

 Picking up bibs at the Expo!

 Buddies!

 The whole city was covered with Boston Strong and other signs supporting the race...

 Part of the finish line...

 After dinner Saturday night...

 Race morning -- Athlete's Village

 Warm day, challenging course… done! 3:25:36! Happy!

 Watched the last finishers cross the finish line… so inspiring!

Some of the strongest and toughest women I know… so much love and respect for each of them!

 Couple of race pix… This was around mile 25...

Just out of the hills… maybe mile 21?

Amazing weekend… amazing experience I will always cherish. Such an honor to be in Boston and part of something so special - especially after last year's events. Feeling a little of the post marathon blues… but know my body needs a break. Looking forward to some fun, easy running for a while!

Hood to Coast 2013

 JD starting us off with a shot of rum!

 And Van 1 is off!  

 Beach party!

 Gut bomb!

Great year for the Tiki Rum Runners... we took an hour off of our time from last year and had great weather and company.  Hoping we get in again next year!

First marathon!

On the 4th of July I ran my first EVER marathon... the Foot Traffic Flat on Sauvie's Island. What a magical day!  I had friends cheering, biking and running with me along the course and the support was amazing. 

Stephanie, Nicole and I before the start.  These two are amazing runners and friends.  They have both helped me so much along this journey!  Steph ran the first 4 miles with me and then got on her bike to support some of our friends running the half, and then met me at mile 20 to run the last 6.

Mile 2...

About mile 13-14 

 Mile 18

Mile 25... this was my favorite part of the race.  As much as I wanted to be done, it was amazing being surrounded by my friends and team mates... carrying me when I thought I couldn't go on any further.  These women are so tough and knew exactly how to push me to meet my goal and keep me moving.  So, so grateful and love this photo!  Looks like I have my own entourage!

 

Done!  3:27:49 and qualified for Boston!  So happy!

Eugene 2013

About 25 women from my running team ran the Eugene Half and Full Marathon last weekend.  So inspiring and fun being with such great runners and friends.  I ran the half and had a PR of 1:35:40.  Up next - Hood to Coast and Portland Marathon! :)