"Reports of my death have been grossly exaggerated" - Mark Twain

I am writing this from my hospital bed (NOT TRUE)

Froggy did not croak at the 15K -I finished the Boston Marathon! YIPPEE

Crossing the Boston Marathon Finish Line has been on my Dream Board for years!  I was thinking more along the way of getting a wheelbarrow and having someone wheel me over the line.  Just be careful what you WISH for --because it just could come true.  Last August, I decided to go on a “health kick” since I was totally out of shape and l was heading for a health disaster. The first two months of training didn’t go too well.  As I was watching The Biggest Loser I was so inspired by the progress the contestants were making and how people were reaching their dreams.  In November, an email invitation came out at my workplace to run the Boston Marathon (qualifying time waived) for charity. 

OPPORTUNITY! I COULD REACH my dream and contribute to a great cause.  I signed up without hesitation.  I didn’t realize what would be involved to accomplish this feat.  It has taken a great deal of goal setting, planning, time commitment and perseverance.  I could not have gotten to this point without a fabulous team of trainers, professionals, colleagues and friends who have supported me every step of the way. My dream is about ready to come true on April 21st. 

The designated charity that my employer has chosen is The Boston Fund for Neighborhoods.  Since I live and work in this great city of Boston, I was so happy to see them focus the resources on addressing the critical issues impacting Boston teens in the marathon home city of Boston and having the money go back into our neighborhoods.

I think I did it in approximately 6 hrs 30 min. The 10K reading was 1:18:45.  We figured my start time was approximately 10:37AM and I  finished at 5:32 PM  so I figured my time was about 6 hrs 30 minutes for the 26.2.  I had to start off running - no other choice at that point so my first 2 miles were pretty good. I amazed myself!

I took a little planned break in Natick with my "pit crew" for BR - blister repair and lunch & hydration.   Oh Yea, some photo opps along the way with my fan club so  that killed about 25 minutes which made me lag JUST BEHIND the pace car.... so at 15K everything everyone thought I  croaked.... NOT SO. They just didn't waste any time rolling up the markers.  The BAA Crew was way too efficient.  So my timing stopped (bummer)after the 15K. 

I had a blast!  Froggy on my hat signed by the 3rd graders at the Lucy Stone and Samuel Mason schools was a huge hit  and the kids (and adults) along the way loved it!  One  woman followed me all the way from Natick to Boston.  I got 3-5 seconds of fame on WBZ news last night - Froggy kissing the finish line.  In case you missed missed it, here are some pics.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR warm wishes, thoughts, support and contributions.  It was an AMAZING experience which I will never forget and all the support I received from everyone throughout the winter.