Getting Ready for the Boston Marathon
Hey Team! Getting excited as the 119th running of the Boston Marathon is drawing near! I am tapering and will be leaving next Friday. This year, my heart will beat strongly for those suffering from the devastating diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension. No one should have to go through life breathless. I hope to run a strong race for our team and for the entire PH Community.
The Boston Marathon is truly a special event. It is rich in history and is the world’s oldest marathon. It is also the second largest single day sporting event (in terms of on-site media coverage), ranking behind the Super Bowl, as the largest single day event in the world. Close to one million spectators lined the streets last year. The event takes place annually on Patriot’s Day which is a big holiday in the state of Massachusetts. The locals like to call it “Marathon Monday.” The crowd support is unmatched by any other marathon. The entire city is out celebrating and supporting the runners. Samuel Adams Brewery creates a special 26.2 brew, which I am looking forward to indulging in. (Well, probably just one for this lightweight! ) Every year, the Boston Red Sox also play a home game at Fenway Park at 11:05. When the game ends, the crowd spills into Kenmore Square to cheer as the runners enter the final mile. Last year, the cheering was so loud that my ears were literally ringing! Simply incredible.
Qualifying for the Boston Marathon is a pinnacle in running achievements and is an incredible honor in marathon running. I have been blessed with good health for all of these years. I ran my first Boston Marathon 17 years ago. God has kept me free from illness and injury, allowing me to run strong and relive this amazing experience for the fourth time on April 20th.
Look out Boston! Here comes Team Phenomenal Hope!!!
