Boston Revisited

As if running the Boston Marathon is not thrilling enough, I got to meet Ryan and Sara Hall. That’s me pictured at left, with my husband, Ryan (left) and Sara (right).

Ryan placed fourth overall in the marathon on Monday by running a screaming 2:08:41, setting the record for an American on the Boston course. Sara ran the Boston Athletic Association Invitational Mile in 4:40.7, taking second place by a mere 7/10s of a second. We were in the stands cheering her on – it was a thrill to watch!

It’s inspiring to be surrounded by people committed to health, fitness, and personal goals. As a competitor and spectator at athletic events, I love cheering people on and being surrounded by their energy. In addition to training and competing full-time, the Halls have launched the Hall Steps Foundation dedicated to using the energy that fuel runners’ athletic achievements to support social justice initiatives. Check it out – and be inspired.

As for me, I am happy to report that after eight marathons, I’ve learned how to run my race.  I started this race rather conservatively, knowing that the downhills at first would invite me to go out too fast, knowing that Heartbreak Hill was waiting for me at mile 20, and knowing that the pounding downhills of miles 21 – 26 were between me and the finish line. I was feeling good and totally stoked after seeing my friends at mile 14, so having saved my reserves for the second half, I cruised into the hills and down the home stretch. 

After the race, I enjoyed a celebratory dinner with the Halls which included Belgian beer, salad, bread, and hangar steak. Not my average meal, but one I enjoyed immensely.