Wednesday, April 20, 2016

The Boston Marathon 2016: A Mother Runner's Perspective

There is so much to write about all things Boston Marathon 2016. I can hardly believe that I am sitting here back at home and it is all over. I have dreamed of this weekend for so long and there is so much to say.
I am working through all my thoughts and emotions about the actual race and I will have my race recap posted soon. Let me say, that the Boston Marathon really is all that it is hyped up to be and SO much more. The city is on fire, the people are so kind and gracious and the runners are incredible. I felt really blessed to be there and I totally look forward to going back.
My kids fell in love with Boston, my Mom can't wait to go back and do more sightseeing and Jerold was able to meet up with an old friend. 

It was a pretty perfect weekend.




For today, I'd like to share with you my experience of traveling to a major marathon on the other side of the country with my kids.
My kids, Jerold and my family are my world and it was AWESOME to have them take this journey with me. They have been there with me through all of this - this time last April I wasn't even walking on both feet and our lives were topsy turvy to say the least. I couldn't even imagine not having them complete the journey and come to Boston with me. My son Josh is lover of all things travel, and he has been counting down the days to board the plane :)





Hello, Boston!



Jerold's face after a 6 hour flight with 3 kids! #priceless


So, roughly six thousand miles round trip and 12 total hours of flight time, a hotel, and a whole lot of fun later - here is what it is like to travel with three kiddos to a major marathon. You all know this, how much this marathon meant to me and I was going into very seriously. I put a lot of sweat, miles and thought into my training and I knew I was going to lay it all out there on Marathon Monday. As I reflected on the whole marathon journey, I realized that this is me - this is Nat. Every marathon I have run (all 7 of them), I go into it with zeal and complete focus. Sure, I live my life and have a lot fun, but there is something about marathon training that makes me dive in head first and I know that is just my personality. I love it. I love the way it makes me feel.





Boston Marathon #1 - completed!




I will say that I couldn't have this made trip with 3 kids without a lot of help from my family. I knew that my focus wasn't to walk all over Boston in the days before the marathon and tire my legs out. My Mom and Jerold really took the reigns and kept the kids busy while I rested. I did join them for the Duck Tour which was so fun and you are sitting the whole time! We also went to our first ever Red Sox game, which was such a special treat.






We aren't on the Pacific Ocean anymore! #cold




At the Curious George store in Harvard Square



Time to go home. Thank you Boston!


Earned it.



If I start talking about the race right now, I won't stop. So, I'll put all my thoughts, emotions and the raw facts in my race recap.  There are also so many more pics to share - I met so many amazing friends this weekend!!

For my runner friends who ran on Monday, a HUGE congrats to you - we did it!! 

To all the friends and family spectating and cheering, every comment and sweet word was appreciated. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.


Happiness Is Running Life.

xo,
Natalie



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