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Here goes nothing… wish me luck!

Everything’s done. I’m all checked in, have my clothing and gear for tomorrow laid out. I’ve done my shopping at the expo (I just had to buy the jacket!). I’ve eaten all I can eat and drank enough fluids to float the ark. I’ve done the training and worked out a race plan. Of course, my knee and back are a little achy and my stomach is upset, but none of that is going to really bother me at this point.

I arrived in Boston yesterday afternoon. My Uncle Jim and Cousin Phoebe picked me up at the airport and drove me straight to the Hynes Center so I could check in for the race and pick up my number. The expo was pretty fun and I bought a few goodies. After that was done, we drove to their house in Brookline and I went for a short run to stretch out the legs before dinner. After a huge plate (or two) of pasta and turkey meatballs, I hung out with Jim and was in bed nice and early.

Today was absolutely beautiful here in Boston. Sunny and 50’s, with just a little wind. And tomorrow is supposed to be perfect race weather – high 40’s, sun and clouds and dry. It will be a little cold in the morning, while we’re waiting around in Hopkinton, but I’ve got plenty of layers to keep me warm.

Today was a great day. I had a good breakfast with my Uncle Jim and then he took me downtown to meet up with a tour group for a bus tour of the course. Jim knows one of the tour guides, former marathoner, triathlete and all-around stud, Hal Gabriel. Hal’s done 100 marathon, including a streak of 24 Bostons, from the early 1960’s until the mid-1980’s. He also raced twice at Kona and has done numerous other races. He no longer runs, but now every year he organizes a cycling event on marathon morning where he and a group ride from Boston to Hopkinton and back along the course before the marathon begins. This year though, he’s staying in Hopkinton and riding back with the elite women as one of their escorts along the course. Very cool stuff. Anyway…

The tour started in Boston and we took the highway out to Hopkinton. In Hopkinton, we got out of the bus and got to walk around the start for 15 minutes. In addition the tourists/runners there was a lot going on at the start – set-up crew, vendors, cops. It was exciting to see it all getting in motion.

Then the tour took us back along the course. It was nice to have Hal point out mile markers and landmarks. He also threw in some good Boston marathon trivia along the way. After the tour, I went back to the race expo to pick up another thing or two and then walked over to Fenway to meet up with Jeff and Brian for the Red Sox-Orioles game.

Sitting at Fenway, watching the Red Sox (win) was a nice way to spend the day. Jeff, a Boston veteran, had some pointers for the race. I’ll hopefully see both of them on the course tomorrow.

Now, I’m going to try to go to sleep. Of course, I’m all jacked up with nervous, anxious energy. I’ve been trying to be nonchalant about the whole thing, but I am excited! It’s going to be a beautiful day, I’m feeling pretty healthy and I’m ready to do this. Here I go!!

Run – April 18
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Average heart rate: 142
Course: Brookline, MA
Conditions: Overcast, 50’s