"Ten years after it was established, the B.A.A. held the 24.5-mile B.A.A. Road Race to conclude the B.A.A. Games, a springtime athletic competition. The Boston Marathon, as the race would later become known, was held on April 19, 1897 with a starting field of 15 runners. Ten participants finished the inaugural run, which began in Ashland, Mass., and the race to Boston has been held in every subsequent year. In addition to its indisputable position as the world’s oldest annual marathon, “Boston” is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious road races. The Boston Marathon is held on Patriots’ Day (third Monday in April)." -Boston Athletic Association website (www.baa.org)
Kelli Runs All Over Boston
Devin and I left New York and arrived in Boston the Sunday night before race day. That night we stayed in Medford with our friend Karen, who awesomely picked us up at the train station, fed and watered us, and dropped us at the train in the morning! Thanks Karen! (Now it's your turn to come West!)
We met the rest of the family on the commuter rail and headed out to mile 13. Devin, Nancy and I were also able to see Kelli at mile 25. (As a group of 10, Kelli had support at various miles throughout the race.) As a spectator, it was a glorious day! Sunny and warm! However, for a runner, the weather was less than optimal - with temperatures in the 80s it was one of the hottest days in the race's history.
That said, Kelli ran a spectacular race! (Don't shake your head Kel, you were running at 25 when most people were walking.) We're so proud of you! You ran Boston!!!! Plus, you inspired Devin and I! We'll be seeing you in October at TCM!
Devin and I have found that the best way to feel connected to a city/country is to know it's public transportation system. Just thought I'd throw that out there. ;)
Mile 13 - Wellesley
The 1st of the wheelers - sorry for the blurry picture!
Elite Women - 13.1 miles
Elite Men - 13.1 miles
No one wanted my Jolly Ranchers - dork.
There she is!! (Can you find Kelli?)
Support
Bye Kel! See you in 12 miles!
While Devin, Nance, Christian, and I were waiting at 13, a runner stopped next to us and asked if we could open his water bottle for him. I tried first, to no avail. Then Christian, who is by far the stronger of the two of us, gave it a shot. He basically twisted the little bottle in half but it would not open. Keep in mind that we have an intense feeling of urgency as we're sure this guy wants to get going. After what felt like 15 minutes (but was probably 15 seconds), we gave him our water bottle. His first response was that he didn't want to take it because he was sick. What?!? We told it was his to keep and good work on making it this far, and now get going! In retrospect it was a hilarious encounter.
Christian would not let that water bottle best him.
Yep - walked by Fenway.
Ugh!
There she is! Notice she's running!
"Dig deep runners!"
(That was one I pulled out from time to time. Have I mentioned that I'm awesome?)
"Good work runners!"
(Another super-motivating cheer from Emily.)
The streets were packed with people cheering the runners forward.
The finish line was filled with people, so we weren't able to see Kelli again until after she was through the runners corral and out at the "T is for Thompson" family meeting area.
These are fast feet.
On the T after the race.
Showing off her blisters - Calvin was so happy to be sitting next to Kelli.
Kelli, with the Kellis.
Last year, when Devin and I were in Boston, Karen took us to Sunset Grill & Tap and we suggested it for dinner after the marathon. This place has great food and an amazing beer list! No, not amazing, it's an incredible beer list! Go there if you're in Boston. (Karen met us there, as well as Devin's buddy Chris and his girlfriend Maya who live in Boston.)
Me, my 120 minute, Karen, and her yummy stout.
There were 14 of us - I thought it would have been twice that!
Please take a moment to look at the last two drinks.
I don't know who ordered them. Do you, Nance or Bonnie?
Ron (Kelli's dad) Calvin, Leanne, Jesse, Becky, Kelli, Nancy, Christian, Bonnie (Dev and Kel's aunt), Me, Devin
Me, Devin, Chris, Maya
Karen, Me, Devin
After dinner 11 of us headed to the rented house in Hull to relax, have a celebratory drink, and talk, talk, talk...
Sun coming up around 5AM
Bonnie, Devin, and Nan on the deck
On the deck looking to Boston
Nancy, Bonnie, Devin, and I went for a walk around the neighborhood and this is what we saw:
This is just a beautiful house we passed... I'd live there.
The guys being totally rad.
Calvin is so happy!
Boston from the air.
New York, Boston, family, friends, celebrations - it was a fantastic weekend! Congratulations Kelli on such an amazing and inspiring accomplishment! Are we going back again next year???
