April 13, 2012 Bean Town Baby --- Boston 2012

Bean Town Baby!!!

Early morning start for the journey of a lifetime.  The day started off with a bang when I opened my door at o'dark thirty and saw what "The Wolf Pack" did last night.  My front porch and door were decorated with balloons and signs wishing me good luck on my run in Boston.  Thanks Becky, Anne and Susan for a wonderful surprise and a great send off.  I love the sigs.  very clever.

Made it safe to Boston.  Picture perfect but warm.  Way too warm for my liking.  The expected high for Marathon Monday is 84 degrees. YIKES!!! That s way too warm for my blood.  Looks like I will have to run a really smart race.  The big question now is, what do I do with my winter hat, gloves and hoodie that I brought for Athlete's Village.  Hopefully Mother Nature will change her mind and bring a cool breeze to the start or at least make it an overcast sky for 26.2 miles.  

After we checked in, the first thing we did was head to Quincy Market and get a big bread bowl filled with CHOWDER!  Mmmmmm.  That was so good. Then, we watched some street performer juggle knives and a chain saw while standing on a 12 foot pole.  Tough way to make a living.  Walked around a bit and then headed to the Expo.  Wanted to pick up my bib, marathon jacket, and other running essentials before the big day.  Lots and lots of people were there buying everything under the sun.  Me, not so much.  I was just taking it all in and having a great time.

Met a couple of famous people at the Expo.  Had an opportunity to meet the original "Marathon Woman", Katherine Switzer.  She was the first official woman to run the Boston Marathon.  Because of her, I am able to compete in this historic race.  Thanks Katherine.  She is a very nice person.  Then, I headed over to the other side of the center and met Meb Keflezighi, silver medalist at the Olympic Marathon. Yep, thats right, got a "high five" and good wishes for a great race from the man himself.  Nice guy.  Pretty cool to met him.  

Came back to the hotel, John and Ian went swimming and I read for awhile.  Then, crashed back in the room.  Felt so gooooood to lay down and relax.  Off to dinner and then Mike's Bakery for a Red Velvet cupcake.  Oh, sooooo good.

Tomorrow, I'm sleeping in til my body says its time to get up.  I can't wait for my head to hit the pillow.  Its been a great start to a fun journey.  I can't believe the big race is almost here.  Lots to see and do tomorrow.

Good night all!