My Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is my favorite marathon. 

To qualify for Boston is a badge of honor. It is the "Grand Daddy" of them all. When you say you have run the Boston Marathon you can feel the deserved respect. It isn't an easy marathon to train for, even though the marathon distance is still just 26.2 miles. :)  Living in the Northeast, in the snow and the cold just gives it an extra challenge. I am an avid skier and  every weekend is coaching, teaching and skiing with my family. Running takes a back seat and I "give myself a rest" and slide down the mountain on skis instead. :) Ski training isn't a cross training choice for running and really doesn't compliment the regime, but skiing is my other sport and a family activity that we love so much!


 
The other reason I love the Boston marathon is the rich history. It resonates with me, being a history buff from New England. This year more than ever as I followed The Boston Marathon on Facebook.  The page shared photos of Johnny Kelley (who I met in 1993 in Athlete's Village - when he was in his 90's) & Clarence De Mar (we have a marathon named after him here in New Hampshire) & Joan Benoit Samuelson (I met her at the Tufts 10K for Women and taught her niece skiing at Mt Sunapee) and Bill Rodgers (I met him in Boston and at the Woodstock 1/2 marathon) and finally I got to meet & talk to Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run Boston this year at the Expo. How cool is that?! :) These names are famous in the running world and their stories are tightly woven in the history of the Boston Marathon. So cool to meet them in person!

Kathrine Switzer & I at the Boston Marathon Expo 2012

I would like to share with you a brief personal history of running the Boston Marathon:


1990
The Rookie
Each year since I started running marathons in 1989 - my running goal has been to qualify for Boston. There were were some years that even though I qualified I didn't run because it was so hard to train in the winter - but I am proud to say I have now run the Boston Marathon 8 times! I qualified with my very first marathon - running the 1989 Montreal marathon in 3:35. It was so awesome that I qualified -- I just had to do Boston that first year! Sad to say the only thing I remember about that race was the blisters on my feet, and how I couldn't fit in my long runs in and just ran it to finish.:) I don't have any photos of me running, or the trip.  And I can't find the medal - I have moved so many times.... I hope it shows up somewhere. :(
  Finish time: 3 hours 51 minutes


1993
The Basketball Player
I remember 1993 because I was coaching Varsity girls basketball at Woodstock High School in Vermont, and working at the recreation center as the Aquatics Director. My friend Christina Paugh and I had a great time on this road trip to Boston, stayed at a cheap hotel and bargain shopping in the city. I may have a few photos of this trip, but will have to look harder in my boxes that I seem to drag everywhere I go. :) Again, most of my training was sprinting with the girls at practice, no long runs, but I qualified, so darn it, I was going to do it! But sprinting with the girls just wasn't enough -- this one was tough! 
Finish time: 4 hours & 16 minutes 


2002
The Marathon Mom

Baby Schuyler in his jogging stroller :)

This Boston marathon I ran 6 months postpartum.I qualified for Boston 2000 and was able to get a deferral because I was pregnant with my son Schuyler. Schuyler was born on 10/10/01 with a C section, where my lower stomach was cut so he could arrive to the world safely. I trained diligently through my pregnancy. I remember wearing a skin suit and riding my bike at 8 months pregnant with my friend Petra - she will tell you the story of how strong I was all the way through those 9 months. I would walk at a fast pace in hopes that my baby would come, but he was 5 days late! My training for Boston was hampered because of the C section being pretty painful recovery, but I did it! I was breast feeding Schuyler just prior to going to the start line -- it was one of the toughest marathons that I had ever run (at that time) & I boast my "Post Partum Marathon" quite often. :) I have a photo of Schuyler with Frank Shorter from the Expo -- but I just can't seem to fine it (Probably with all those other missing medals!) :)
Finish time: 4 hours 10 minutes

2007
The Runaway
PR - 7th Master - The Noreaster

Boston 2007 

It was quite a few years before I ran Boston again. But this time I was back with a vengeance. I was going through a divorce & running was my getaway. I ran before ski teaching & went to spin classes at 6 am. I was thin & feeling strong. I had just met the man of my dreams & Steve was waiting for me at the finish line. I could feel his energy. This was the year of the pending Noreaster that threatened cancellation of the marathon. It was raining at the start, cold, wet & everyone was piled on top of each other in the tent at Athlete's village. I remember the crowds were very small that year because of the cold weather and the finish line was very quiet. Steve found some "friends" and cheered me across the line. So in love. I placed 7th master, but didn't realize it until I got home just how well I did that year. It was so amazing and I have this beautiful crystal trophy engraved on my shelf to show my achievement.  This race is not only my PR in the marathon, but my PR in the half marathon with a 1:25.
Finish time: 3 hours 05 minutes 59 seconds






2008
Fast Master!

Boston 2008

This was the year of the LOW number. Your qualification time determines your bib number and my time was SO darn fast I was crazy excited about my low number. 3800 -- how cool is that? I felt so out of place with all those fast girls in the front corral, but I was smiling ear to ear! :) It was great to experience the Expo with my true love, we had just married in October & crazy in love! As a top ranked master runner in the mountain running and marathon arena - I really had my hopes up for a fast finish. This early spring marathon is always I challenge as I have mentioned before, but this course really feels like home to me now

Finish time: 3 hours 19 minutes 35 seconds

With my true love - Boston Expo 2008

2010 
The DetermiNator
I ran my first American Cancer Society DetermiNation marathon in Burlington, VT that past year after missing Boston 2009 due to a family commitment to ski in Snowbird. :) This Boston was eventful as I met some of the most amazing runners through the American Cancer Society DetermiNation team. Charlie, Cara, & David will be friends of mine for life! It was so fun to be a part of this group & Boston was even MORE meaningful - dedicating my run to a friend & cancer survivor Mary Beth - who since has passed away. I had a fan following with the outreach I was making for the fundraising & it was a nationwide support of friends and colleagues that pushed me forward to the finish! Fighting cancer & raising money to create a world with more birthdays -- I was feeling the passion for running and for fighting cancer through my running! I remember dedicating each mile to someone who had been affected by the disease and carrying those names with me along the route for strength. 

The Dream Team 2010

Finish time : 3 hours, 23 minutes, 17 seconds

The gear

2011 
Spleen Free!
Many said I was crazy, pushing myself to run after my spleen being removed 6 weeks before this Boston, because they thought they found more cancer. It was the focus and drive of running that kept me healthy & sane during my lymphoma diagnosis & treatment. I was determined to run & again raising money for ACS and running for DetermiNation. It was tough missing 3 weeks of training, so I "banked" my miles early running 50 plus mile weeks.. It was mentally tough not knowing what I could do and if and when I would feel crappy. But the weather was ideal and I was very fit, feeling healthy once again after my 6 months of chemotherapy behind me. Charlie, David & Cara - The "Dream Team" was there to support me, and Matt & Jill joined the team and gave even more support. I was so proud to be a strong athlete cancer survivor and an inspiration to others. Can you see it in my smile?  I finished strong and happy!
Finish time: 3 hours, 30 minutes, 53 seconds

Boston 2011 "Spleen Free"

2012 
The Survivor 
Not only am I now a cancer survivor of not quite 2 years since my diagnosis, but I survived this crazy Boston Marathon 2012 - in the "Extreme Heat Year" where the temps were pushing mid 80s and everyone was searching for shade   . Pushing for a post cancer PR, my miles and training prior were in tune with a goal of 3:19. I really had the training behind me running all through the winter with a crazy 109 run streak and getting in 3 long runs too. It was tough out there. I had my Wonder Woman costume made by my sister, and the skirt was DRENCHED! The water tunnels, the water hoses from all the houses on the route, plus dumping the water from the aid stations on my body helped me to keep cool, and try to keep my pace. It was exhausting and I was bummed every time I looked at my Garmin to see the slower pace. My goal was adjusted many times, and I was happy to finish as well as I did. It has been a real tough one to recover from too -- my legs still hurt after 3 days now. But proud to have finished my 8th Boston Marathon with a "BQ" for my age group and impressive time  with the consideration of the crazy heat! 
Finish time: 3 hours, 47 minutes, 10 seconds

Boston 2012 - still strong at mile 8

DetermiNation Boston Team 2012

I love the Boston Marathon, not only because it is "home", not only because of the crowds, or because of my own history with the race -- but because it is a statement about running. It is a statement that I am a strong runner - I can face the odds - I have the strength, not just to finish 26.2 miles - but to qualify - and then dedicate myself to finishing The Boston Marathon, the grand daddy of them all. Looking forward to next year -- Marathon Monday - Patriots Day - with the Dream Team - to run another marathon - another Boston Marathon.

Boston Marathon Results!

Here it is...  the final results and to share with you the thank you note I sent to my donors... what a great marathon, a great focus for me during this crazy time in my life.  

Note:  On that Tuesday following the marathon on 4/19 there was an All Staff Briefing where they shared my "update" with the ACS staff nationwide.  I was honored as they share my story as inspiration and to show my Wonder Woman photo on screen and on the webcast.  I was in the air traveling to Salt Lake City for our annual family vacation at Snowbird and not able to see it live, but my friends shared the moment and the virtual cheers from across the country -- how cool is that!

My thank you note:

Thank you to all the ACS DetermiNation volunteers and staff too!  
This truly was my best experience for DNation!  I consider myself an "expert"!  :) 
The Dream Team was truly amazing with their participation and results!  

THANK YOU!
I had to share my results and experience in photos as it is truly a celebration of life for me to have these results after only 6 weeks after having my spleen removed and 5 months since my last chemo treatment.  :)  

"Focus on what makes you happy and strong, no matter what, live it, breathe on and you too will go beyond being a survivor!"
- Nancy E Cook


My Boston Marathon Results! 
(I looked these up for my thank you notes and had to share with all of you!) THANK YOU for your support of me during these past months of trials and tribulations! :)

9162 Cook, Nancy E 46 F Belchertown MA USA 
SPLITS: 
5k = 0:21:17
10k = 0:43:18
Half = 1:35:00
Overall pace = 0:08:02
Finish Time Official. = 3:30:27

98% finished that started the race - below is based on finishers 
Time Overall = 7797 out of 24338 = Top 32% of all finishers
Gender - 1447 = 10281 = Top 14% of all women
Division = 101 = 1611 = Top 6% in age 45-49
Top woman finisher in my age group was 2:51:02 and number 10 was 3:12:40
Definitely do-able times in my book for the future! :)

ACS DetermiNation
Boston is my #5 DetermiNation effort in less than 3 years !!
I raised $1933.80 for the American Cancer Society through the Boston Marathon effort and the amazing support of all my donors !!
The Dream Team (6 truly incredible athletes) raised $18,893.80 !!
19 marathon runners supported ACS DetermiNation at the Boston Marathon and raised $47,614.50 !!
Time for a new goals! :)
So incredibly happy with my results and the truly amazing efforts in the fight against cancer !!

What's next? Vermont 50 miler in October and NYC Marathon in November and what ever else comes before that! 

Life is good. :)

7 days till the Boston Marathon ..... "My Story"

My Story

I was recently asked to share my story - 

My story is one of will, dedication, committment, years of training and racing.    Accumulating what seems like millions of hours of time that I have put in preparation.... and now another marathon - another day at the start line of a race, this time the Boston Marathon - the grand daddy of them all! 13 days from today  - bib 9162, wave 2, corral 1 - standing, stretching, anticipating that start gun, with more than 20,000 runners headed from Hopkinton to Boston!  This will be my 6th Boston and my 27th marathon.  

It doesn't always come easy, getting out of bed each morning, but I am motivated by my loving husband, Steve who encourages me to get myself going and catch those ponytails! That plus my rambunctious "full of energy" son cheer me on at each race and give "me" the training time to put myself to work - to increase my mileage, speed or endurance as a whole.  I am so proud that I can perform at the higher levels like I have proven in the recent past - with a seventh place master finish in 2007 with a 3:05 at Boston and then 7th master again in San Fransisco at the 2007 Nike Woman's marathon  and then winning my age group at the Marine Corps Marathon in 2009. I qualified in 2008, at age 43 for the World Championship 1/2 ironman and the US National Championships for the Olympic distance - - on my own raw talent, because anyone that really knows me, knows I am of the "less is more theory" with all I have to juggle in life. I am self coached by "Greta Gamin" , my Ipod nano, and my training buddy, yellow lab Oakley. I research training plans online, communicate online with other runners and just get up and put my feet on the pavement each and every morning.  

It hit me like a ton of bricks last July when I was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell lymphoma that running was my focus to keep my sights forward and always moving ahead.  I had signed up for the Chicago Marathon, and with God's will I would have the strength to endure chemo, endure training and complete the marathon.  It was a challenge I put before me and as a goal oriented person I knew I would do it.  Many may have doubted that I could do it, but when I was finally out there with tingly feet & hands, as hydrated as possible, with the goal to finish ---- it happened.  I crossed the line with all that support behind me from friends, family, colleagues.  My husband was there for me every step of the way, and my friend Cara dressed as BatGirl to support me in the marathon each mile while I wore my Wonder Woman outfit.   Feeling like Wonder Woman we crossed the line with a 3:57.  

My last chemotherapy treatment was in November.  Now I had my sights on Boston, recruiting the Dream Team to join me on the line again and adding a couple more to the team we were perched for success!  But they found something in my spleen and weren't sure that maybe the cancer was still growing inside of me.  On February 28 they removed my spleen to biopsy it and determine if more chemo was needed.  I waited a week and 3 days for the results, but got the call that there was no cancer in the spleen and I was "good to go"!  It was another challenge coming back from major surgery in such a short time frame before Boston.  The pain was tough to bear, even riding in a car at first, but I slowly moved beyond the pain and recovered enough to run and get some additional training in before the big day.   

Now, with only 7 days till the Dream Team meets me in Boston to rally that route from Hopkinton to Boston chills go up my spine thinking about what a year it has been for me.  The challenges before me have made me focus even more on that end result.  I hope to inspire others to focus on the goals, all the good feelings, the ups and not the downs.  I hope to share with others that you need to be as strong as you can be to get through the tough times and grow closer to that "pie in the sky" goal that you may set for yourself.  Live each day!  I have to end with my favorite quote from my "journey'

"Just remember that no one can hold you back from doing all the things you want to do.  Keep you goals in sight, take one day at a time, some days will be better than others, but every day is a blessing -so make each day the best it can be." 

  - Nancy E Cook, marathoner, cancer survivor, mother, wife & more!

If you want to donate to my DetermiNation efforts in the fight against cancer through the mission of the American Cancer Society please link HERE

The Dream Team is now less than $300 from our $15,000 goal!  Thank you to Cara, Charlie, DPittman, Matt and Jill all your amazing work!  


Photo:  My new "ride" for Boston --- a little Relay Purple in these Nike Lunar Glides -- LOVE em! :)

The Monster Mash 5K

It was great to be home during Halloween weekend -- and fun to be a part of all of that is happening in this great community that we live in.  I love to run a race on the holidays as the tshirts and festivity of it all just makes me so happy.  SO - in support of the Clapp Memorial Library we headed up to the Common and I put on my Wonder Woman costume, knowing it would fit right in with all the costumes around!   :)

We were so happy to see Trish & Jacob Sorber, friends of ours that we have known since Marin & Eliza were in Schuyler's kindergarten class.  The twins are always so amazing --- I remember the comment Jacob made to me when Schuyler went to the girls birthday party -- "We think Schuyler has replaced Diego!" -- the girls just love Schuyler.  :)  He is such a shy kid and not mixing with all the girls right now - so he kept his distance and refused a photo op.  Oh well.  I got some great photos of all the kids!  Jacob is a cancer survivor and it was great to share my experiences and some how when you talk to others that have experienced what you have gone through in cancer treatment - it truly creates a special bond, one I never would have known before.  For that I am thankful.  I love the velour hippie outfit full of color and Jacob's dyed bluish purple hair.  :)

The kids got their dash in first and the day was so clear and crisp.  Schuyler actually put some speed on his run and it was good to see!  :)  He loves soccer, skiing and all sports --- so great to have an active boy!   I think he is actually looking forward to skiing, and is going up to Vermont with his good friend Aidan next weekend to get that winter excitement brewing!  ;)

Then we lined up for the Monster Mash 5K - a 3.1 mile run around some side streets starting and ending at the Library.  I meet this girl Jill, a triathlete - who everyone was eyeing as she is the fast girl in town.  :)  She was so sweet and it was great to connect once I chatted with her about different athletic events we had done at the same time.  She was in Clearwater at the World's 1/2 Ironman Championship after qualifying at Timberman.  Both races I had done at the same time.  She said she was so happy to finally meet me -- such a great energy to connect with - hopefully we will connect to train when I am feeling better down the road.

Schuyler - not one for impromptu photos :) 

I love the start of races, so exhilarating and full of energy -- everyone sprinting their way and working to get their pace.  I am never very good about hanging in the back, so I push to the front as we round the common, soon to be passed by Jill and one other young girl.  It is such a beautiful area with all the colors still on the leaves it made for such a beautiful run around town. 

Trisha ran with me for a little while and then I had to stop and tie my shoe.  My stomach wasn't feeling so hot and probably from the crash earlier my breathing just wasn't on --- and I really didn't feel like pushing much -- so I eyed the corners of each turn and looked at my Garmin for the mileage and eventual finish.  Steve could tell I wasn't pushing and got some great photos of me floating to the finish.  :) I kept my Chicago Marathon track jacket on the whole way as the weather was definitely a bit chilly for a tank top.   The last part of the race was uphill on Route 181 and the wind was at our face as we ran up the last hill.  Not actually a PR flat course for some you could hear grumbling about the "hill" at the finish.  :)  But me, I love hills - it is definitely an advantage to love hills and love challenges.  Makes you stronger in the end.  :)

It was great to see Steve and get my big hug at the finish -- :)  23 minutes for a 5K - just about a 7 min/mile - not to bad for a jog around town.  Can't wait to feel better so I can push harder.  I have a feeling when I come back from this I will be stronger than ever.  I just feel it.

The Marathon Experience - Marathon DAY! (Stage 2)

Here goes - time to finally chronicle the "DAY"....  I had a tough time with recovery from treatment this round and have been so tired and overwhelmed, my updates to you all haven't been there.  There is so much to share and I really wanted to do it right, so I needed to wait until I was feeling better.  Treatment started late because of our travel and therefore recovery was late too.  SO here I am FINALLy ready to report! :)


My Chicago Marathon - 10/10/10


I was happy that we got to bed at a decent time  -- dinner was fabulous and I was like a kid at Christmas, thinking the earlier to bed, the earlier to rise and then I can enjoy my presents!   OK - maybe not the best analogy but definitely anxious for the day to begin.  This marathon created less performance pressure because of my cancer and more focused on the fun and the completion-- so I was smiling and happy - knowing just crossing the finish line for me in Chicago would be an amazing success story in itself.

Palmer House, Chicago, IL (love this artsy shot with the side lighting of the sign) :)

I sent a text to Cara (aka: BatGirl) first thing in the morning to make sure she wasn't going to be late as Charlie had me all worried that she may be, but he kept her right in line with the time frame and they walked from their hotel to ours in the morning.  I couldn't find my glide, but finally did and covered my upper body where I normally get chaffed  - crazy as it sounds, my skin is so sensitive, I really need glide every race. Steve and I hit the lobby Starbucks for some great french roast coffee and I finished a croissant for a little carbo boost for breakfast.  No craziness for food in the morning for me, need to keep it simple so my body doesn't go crazy later!  Plenty of water and then we met Cara & Charlie and family outside the Palmer House.   We were quite the crew.  As I waited for Cara people walked by on the way to the start and commented "nice outfit" -- it was funny because we really look better together as they "Dynamic Duo".  Love the capes!  We decided we could handle the string and wear them the whole way because the look SO good!  My outfit was a little tight, but I really love the look -- so much fun once you get the suit on, I felt like a Super Hero!  Aren't we cute?! The "pirate hat worked (I honestly think having that hat has been a great disguise, so much that people don't even realize I am in chemotherapy.  Or least I don't think they can tell.... :)

We walked to the Elite corrals - Charlie was in Elite A and Cara & I (with David - who we met later) were in Elite B.  We wanted to be sure we were entering right as the time for the start was approaching quickly.   A few more photos as a group and we were on our way.  Steve is just so amazing, he was the tour guide, coordinator for the group to get around on the L and view the course, hoping to catch us with my camera along the course.  His energy and love I count on every minute, every mile.... I love this photo of us together, he is  my incredibly fit, gorgeous husband, and a balanced calming nature -- I love & appreciate him so much.

So we made it to this space and had to wait.  You see the three of us below - well we waited for at least 15 minutes.  I was getting a little nervous, but they finally let us and and it was smooth sailing from there.  People did try to climb the fence and they were immediately booted.  There were 45,000 people on that starting line in the different corrals.... it was pretty crazy!  We headed to the B corral, and said good luck and good bye to Charlie (he was hoping for a sub  3 hour marathon!).  It was truly fun how everyone commented and loved our costumes....  we smiled and waved and posed for photos- even in the start corral, racers pulled out their cameras and asked us if we would flank them for a photo.  SO much fun right from the start.  :)

And here we are after we met up with David PIttman  in Elite Coral B(LINK to his story on Chicago HERE)-- we all ran together in the beginning -- Cara and I chatting along and David just smiling!  

The ACS DetermiNation Dream Team was rocking Chicago!

Now a mile by mile recap!  Here is my post on Daily Mile to see the course and the Garmin entry of pace and more!

Miles 1-6:  Feeling fast, energized, excited and pumped by the crowd cheers!  We were "flying" with our capes on and honestly had a hard time running slow.  Truly feeling like a SUPER Hero in cape and costume! (This is usually a problem for me - so honestly I was taking advantage of it - knowing I would pay for it later).  We stopped at every water stop because of the hot weather and looming dehydration and warnings out there because of the heat.  But the water in our system also made it so we had to stop early for that bathroom! :)  

Lucky for us - no line!  In and out quick, but it did slow our pace to stop.

Miles 7-14:  Chatting away, flying high, waving at the crowd and raising our arms to make them cheer louder was so much fun.  My face hurt from smiling so much!  The kids were the best, to see the look in their eyes when they saw the Super Heros running by.  It was so heartwarming to see all the families out there cheering on their runners.  We looked for the ACS DetermiNation folks along the way - found a couple of girls and got my photo taken, but thought I lost Cara!  :)  She of course was waiting patiently for me in a slow jog.  She PROMISED never to leave me -- so cute.  :)  I am glad she didn't.

Photos by Steve Cook --  we didn't see him here - but you can see we were working the crowd. :) 

 This is the award winning photo that I autographed for Doc Mullally

 (Thanks sweetie!)

Miles 16-20:  This was the tough section where it began - we stopped again at the Port a Pottie and my legs were starting to cramp up - either from Prednisone or dehydration or acccumulation of drugs, not sure.... :)  But it wasn't much fun.  It was much easier to keep running.  My fingers and toes were tingly, but didn't feel blistery yet.  It was awesome while in the race when other racers would comment that they loved running near us because we were getting so many cheers and encouragement.  They called me Wonder Woman - and Cara quickly told them my story, how I was a true Wonder Woman STILL in treatment.  Impressed the heck out of them all!  :)  I was starting to lose it with my stamina, so all this talk of strength and admiration of what I was doing kept me going!  

We truly were having so much fun with the spectators and all the suburbs of Chicago -- there was this one section where the band was giving FREE HUGS and we ran right for them!  :)  Then right after that the whole area including a block of water and Gatorade volunteers had a Wonder Woman theme - they were ALL dressed as WW!  This was my section and it was just so cool to be there smiling and psyched to have them there as my WW team!  :)  There was this one transvestite that was dressed in a Wonder Woman outfit down to the boots --- I stopped and said "I love your outfit!" and he said --"I love yours too!"  SO fun!  :)  This one runner actually kept running as he tried numerous times to take our photo - we were the stars of the day!  And anyone who would listen got a quick recap of my story and you could see the amazement  almost look of disbelief on their faces.  Once or twice I took my "pirate cap" off just to prove I was bald.  :)

Cara's BatGirl outfit was a hit!  She was in black so sometimes people didn't notice her beside my red and blue bright outfit.... they called her "Batman, Bat Woman, BatGirl an my all time favorite Bat Chica!" She looked so awesome in the black cape and always had such a huge smile on - people gravitated toward her positiveness.   She checked in with me constantly (or as much as I would let her) to see if I was ok and if I needed anything.   We said a few "Our Fathers" and felt truly blessed and watched over the WHOLE way.  Yes- I thank God for Cara.  We got to know eachother that day - talking the whole way (or at least until I needed more oxygen) - telling eachother our life stories and became the BEST of friends.  :)  The Dream Team for me turned into this dream come true of truly dedicated cancer fighters that have supported me through my diagnosis, treatment and supporting me in my love for running and marathons.  I truly have become to cherish my long distance friendship with each one of them - all of us in our own corner of the country! :)

Here we are at mile 21 (I was "DONE" but couldn't wait to finish)

Cara is in midst of telling a story!  :)  Looking pumped up and ready to finish!  Love her expression in this photo --- she talked the whole way!  Sang a little too!

 At mile 21 we stopped to say hi to Charlie's mom  & sis, get a "WOOT WOOT!" from Mama T - and a HUGE hug from my sweet husband Steve to feel the energy and love our our families !   Steve was so great to snap all these super photos of our adventure!


Off we go!  The Dynamic Duo - making the city safe one mile at a time.  It was pretty funny as this is what we commented to any of the police officers on the side of the course.  It brought a smile to their face as they applauded our efforts.  Cara continued to let them know that I was the real super hero - still in treatment and running strong.....  Her admiration, and confidence in me gave me strength!

Miles 20-26.2: 
Off we go to finish the race.  It has been said that the race begins at mile 20-22.  So as you can imagine with all the adrenaline gone and the body using up its energy that this is a point where you just need to dig deep.  We walked for quite a while it seemed right around mile 22 and drank a TON of water.  Each water stop I poured water over my head and in my face to cool off and add hydration to my body.  Walking was ok, but my legs were cramping up.
Crazy - but we stopped at medical to use a Biofreeze (Bengay type product) to soothe the muscles.  The next stop I went to use another and Cara grabbed an extra.  The medical folks warned us that there was only enough for one per runner.... Cara wasn't too happy with that and let them know I was in chemotherapy and that they really should make an exception.   :)  She ended up using one for herself and gave it to me.  :)  I showed them my bald head - first time exposing it!  They were impressed.   :)


When I stopped for the Port-a-pottie again, my calves cramped big time, so much I needed to stop and stretch.  I grabbed bananas and had paced out my 3 GU along the course for energy and ate oranges that were offered as well, hoping to help the cramping.  Once we got to 24 - I said to Cara... "let's just finish this thing!"  She replied "I can do that- let's go!"  I asked her if we could make the 4 hour goal and she said we could.... so then I just began to dig deep -- it was easier to run than walk, the cramping started to subside at least for the time being.  This is when all the interesting food comes out and there were people with signs that read "Dig Deep - You're Almost There",  "Smile if your Horny" and "They ran out of Beer at the finish" - we smiled as people cheered us on and we saw the same groups more than once (I remember specifically the Frog Umbrella people" and the girls with all their costumes and make up!  ;)  We had fans following us EVERYWHERE on the course.  :)


We ran those last 2 miles without walking - a 10 1/2 and a 9 min/mile --- it felt a lot faster than that.  Best part we crossed the line with a minute or 2 to spare in making that 4 hour goal.  I was elated.  It was overwhelming and tears came to my eyes.  I did it.  I just ran 26.2 miles - in under 4 hours, which is a BQ (Boston qualifier) and I am in the middle of chemotherapy!  Any doubters out there are now hushed.  It was an amazing accomplishment for me - one I will never ever forget.  Spiritually I felt connected and empowered by strength from above.   The skies were shining on me!


We got our medal, got a mylar blanket, and headed to the food / water/ gatorade and finisher photos.  Charlie found us and walked with us through the volunteers and got our free beer (which I of course couldn't drink because it just doesn't taste that great with the drugs in my body).  It was a little tough stepping up on the curbs and walking, but we headed   to see our families at the meeting area.  Once I saw Steve I was relieved and overjoyed.   He hugged me and held me and was so proud.  SO was I.  I was pretty tired, not real talkative, a bit worn out - my feet hurt (maybe a bit blistered) and I was definitely a little fuzzy!  But I was still smiling, so much that my mouth hurt!


The toughest marathon ever?
Yes indeed it was in so many ways both physical and mental.  - and now I can write about it and share my strength and joy with all of you!


Next:  Post Race - "The DetermiNation Experience"

Here is the mileage data is from my Garmin Forerunner 405 

Here is the full detail on this run from the connect.garmin site

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	03:58:03	26.57	08:57
1	00:07:49	1.00	07:49
2	00:07:33	1.00	07:33
3	00:07:45	1.00	07:45
4	00:07:39	1.00	07:39
5	00:07:46	1.00	07:46
6	00:09:01	1.00	09:01
7	00:07:41	1.00	07:41
8	00:08:11	1.00	08:11
9	00:08:31	1.00	08:31
10	00:08:21	1.00	08:21
11	00:08:19	1.00	08:19
12	00:08:21	1.00	08:21
13	00:08:12	1.00	08:12
14	00:08:04	1.00	08:04
15	00:09:18	1.00	09:18
16	00:08:44	1.00	08:44
17	00:09:11	1.00	09:11
18	00:10:44	1.00	10:44
19	00:08:56	1.00	08:56
20	00:09:34	1.00	09:34
21	00:09:32	1.00	09:32
22	00:10:30	1.00	10:30
23	00:11:48	1.00	11:48
24	00:11:39	1.00	11:39
25	00:10:39	1.00	10:39
26	00:09:06	1.00	09:06
27	00:04:56	0.57	0

This truly was an amazing experience - it is hard to really share in words, but I really appreciate all the comments here, the notes, the cards, the letters, and the comments on Facebook.

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