Final Thoughts Before Boston

That’s it folks. My bus ticket is printed. My bags are packed. I’m leaving New York for Boston first thing in the morning. As I’m trying to anticipate what I’ll forget to bring once I leave (and I will forget), it’s beginning to dawn on me that this Boston Marathon thing is really going to happen. I’ve been fielding good wish calls from friends all week. I’ve been reading forums and books and articles on the marathon all month. I even did a podcast with a few friends from the Runners’ Lounge on the race a few days ago. Yet it was the simple act of packing and the prospect of leaving home that finally made me realize that this race is no longer a pipe dream and is really going down in three days…

"Are you ready to run this race?" Everyone around me has been asking for the past few days. "I don’t know…I think so." has been my patented answer. In a way, I do know since I’ve trained hard and feel pretty confident that this will be the race for me. In another way, I truly don’t because so many extrinsic factors beyond my control can ruin the day. All I can promise is that I’m preparing to give my all to run a smart, fast, and tactical race. So if the running powers that be are on my side on race day, I’ll bring home the sub-3 with plenty to spare.

To all you ladies and gents who’ve virtually come with me all this way, thanks for all the celebratory congrats on all the good runs and the kind encouragement on all the bad ones. Words really cannot express how appreciative I feel for all of your support. You people are simply amazing! I really would have never been so inspired to train for this race if it were simply me. But since I felt such a collective virtual presence on all the training run and races, I simply felt obligated to always put forth a good effort. And now that that effort has carried me all the way to the Boston Marathon I sincerely feel very blessed and grateful. Even though all of you won’t be around in person on race day, you all will virtually be with me as I run this race.

So look for me on Patriot’s Day in the third corral of Wave 1. My race bib number is #3135 and I’ll be rocking Boston with a bandana on my head and a whole blogosphere out cheering for my success. It’s going to be a great race, and I officially cannot wait. Alright Boston. Bring. It. On.

So check me out on race day (you can use Athlete Tracker on the B.A.A. website), and I’ll follow up with all of you on the other end of Bolyston! Enjoy the race everyone!