Mary Kate: I Decided I Wanted to Run the Boston Marathon
I decided that I wanted to run the Boston Marathon around the end of November last year. I said to myself that if I could get a bib number I was meant to do it and if I didn’t, this year wasn’t the year for me. I did get a number….30805!!
It was a very tough winter. Some mornings it was below freezing and the sidewalks were covered in ice and snow, snow storm after snow storm. I kept the victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon in the back of my head during every run. These thoughts kept me going when I wanted to stop.
This marathon has a special significance for me for so many reasons. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a supportive and loyal community. I am also running with my good friend Jana. Her friendship and positive attitude continues to help me through this process. I never thought that I would be capable of the training.
Three years ago I was 87 pounds struggling to get sober. At that point in my life I could have never pictured myself training for the Boston Marathon!! Well here I am, four days away! I am so excited but also filled with so much anxiety and fear.
I am so lucky though to have all the support I do. The people in my life keep me going. I cannot wait until Monday so we can show again how strong Boston is!
Mary Kate