Wow!

Running Boston was one of the most incredible experiences I can think of. Even though I heard stories about the crowd, nothing could prepare me for Monday. Since I put my name on my shirt, I got a lot of "Run Megs" and "Keep it up Meg." Among the cheers, a few favorites stuck out though...one of the best was "Hey, Meg! Where've you been!" This cute, old man shouted that at me when I passed him at a water stop. That really got me going. The most amazing feeling was when I heard someone shout out a "Thank you" to me for running for Dana-Farber. Each time someone said that, it reminded of why I chose to run this race.

I certainly will hold the memories of Boston very close to my heart for a long time. In the past when I have had too much on my mind to possibly write on this blog, I have resorted to lists. I think this is one of those moments when I need a list. Here are my top memories of the B.M...

10. Standing in the corrals with thousands of other runners waiting for the gun to go off, thinking to myself "what am I doing?!"

9. The sight of David only a half mile into the run, ready to jump in with me to run the entire 26 miles at my pace out of support for me

8. Hearing the Wellesley girls cheering and screaming a full three minutes before we even ran by them

7. Seeing my "Fan club" at the bottom of Heartbreak--Thanks Mom, Dad, Suzanne, Ryan, Steph, Jess and my beautiful nieces Meredith and Hillary!

6. The surprise at seeing our second fan club on Beacon just as I was about to walk...Thanks Kevin, Christine, Phil and Amy!!

5. Running through Kenmore...I can't even explain the amount of noise that followed us for the entire last mile. I suddenly felt a surge of energy

4. Picking up the pace as I approached the finish line, telling myself I had to finish strong

3. Hugging Utta Pippig at the finish line!!!!

2. Holding David's hand as I crossed the finish line and thinking "we did it!"

1. The feeling of awe as I crossed the finish line

I finished!!