Marathons are stories that unfold. Each person has their own reason for running, and I am
no differentI run for Eli, my son, who is gradually losing his eyesight due to an inherited
retinal condition.
no differentI run for Eli, my son, who is gradually losing his eyesight due to an inherited
retinal condition.
My Boston 2019 Race Report:
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| At the expo I pick up my bib and it feels very real. |
weather forecast I have ever seen, it was still different Monday morning than when I
went to bed Sunday night.
-Storms forced those in Hopkinton to shelter in place and they evacuated the bus queue
on Boston Common to the parking garage as it poured buckets and thundered. They
stopped the bus caravan on the highway and had them pull over.
on Boston Common to the parking garage as it poured buckets and thundered. They
stopped the bus caravan on the highway and had them pull over.
-My plan was to leave the hotel at 7:30 but no one was going anywhere at that time, so I
left around 8 am as everyone was leaving the garages. By this point, the buses were
backed up and everyone had a later-than-expected stressful commute to Hopkinton.
left around 8 am as everyone was leaving the garages. By this point, the buses were
backed up and everyone had a later-than-expected stressful commute to Hopkinton.
-I sat with Jenny from TX. Her grandparents emigrated to Boston from Hong Kong and
became US citizens here. She was running on Patriots’ Day to celebrate that. She wanted
to give her Grandma (who still lives in the City) her medal, but she knew she’d never take it.
became US citizens here. She was running on Patriots’ Day to celebrate that. She wanted
to give her Grandma (who still lives in the City) her medal, but she knew she’d never take it.
-Our bus driver, Cecil, lightened the mood with witty banter. At one point, he started
singing: “every little thing, is gonna be alright.” Amazing.
singing: “every little thing, is gonna be alright.” Amazing.
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| Cecil (see reflection in mirror) was a gift. |
-I got to the Team House (waiting area) and everyone was so excited. We took pictures,
stretched, and hugged. There was WAY less time than planned for, so there wasn’t much
time for anything else. We headed out and made our way up the .75 miles to the start.
-I walked with Ryan from RI. A teammate of mine, Ryan was diagnosed with stage 4
tongue cancer. “6 years ago, I couldn’t walk down the block.” He saw the story of another
teammate, Bill, who is now a masters Ironman and has run more marathons than I can
count. Bill’s story encouraged Ryan. Today, Ryan is running his first marathon on his first
day of officially being cancer free. “With my diagnosis, you are considered in remission for
5 years. You are cancer free after that. Yesterday was my 5 year anniversary of
my last treatment.”
tongue cancer. “6 years ago, I couldn’t walk down the block.” He saw the story of another
teammate, Bill, who is now a masters Ironman and has run more marathons than I can
count. Bill’s story encouraged Ryan. Today, Ryan is running his first marathon on his first
day of officially being cancer free. “With my diagnosis, you are considered in remission for
5 years. You are cancer free after that. Yesterday was my 5 year anniversary of
my last treatment.”
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| Ryan celebrated being cured from cancer by running Boston. |
-We got to the area of the start and they were pulling down corral signs. I looked at Ryan
and asked, “where do we go?” A seasoned voice to my right said “yeah, when we crest the
hill, you will see two pillars past the gazebo. That’s the start line and that will read your chip.
Rolling start means we just roll onto the course: no corrals.” The voice belonged to a deeply
tan man with a thick Boston accent. “This is my 6th Boston. I will BQ today for #7.” I
thanked him and lost him in the sea of people.
and asked, “where do we go?” A seasoned voice to my right said “yeah, when we crest the
hill, you will see two pillars past the gazebo. That’s the start line and that will read your chip.
Rolling start means we just roll onto the course: no corrals.” The voice belonged to a deeply
tan man with a thick Boston accent. “This is my 6th Boston. I will BQ today for #7.” I
thanked him and lost him in the sea of people.
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| The crowd in front of and behind us. |
-We crest the hill and set off downhill. It’s fast and tight and the emotions are real
and strong. A mile in and guys are headed into the woods...oddly, but everyone told
me it happens every year. Things feel good and I know I need to hold back, but it’s hard.
and strong. A mile in and guys are headed into the woods...oddly, but everyone told
me it happens every year. Things feel good and I know I need to hold back, but it’s hard.
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| Almost to the start. |
- 5K in and I find a teammate. Kostas is a physician from Greece who is doing research
at MEE. The marathon is important culturally to him and he has been asked to be the
physician for a Greek Special Forces unit. “They will only respect me if I can do a
marathon like they do.” We run for miles. He playsthe saxophone like my husband.
He is also a veterinarian.
- The crowds are rowdy and supportive and oh so Boston. “Come on Kris!” isn’t said
in a sappy, cheerleader way...it’s like taunting a referee. Like “you got this, get with it!”
It’s the voice of all my MA cousins and family rolled into one. It’s familiar and wonderful
and I am carried along by high-fiving little kids and “woo hoo”ing people who call my name.
in a sappy, cheerleader way...it’s like taunting a referee. Like “you got this, get with it!”
It’s the voice of all my MA cousins and family rolled into one. It’s familiar and wonderful
and I am carried along by high-fiving little kids and “woo hoo”ing people who call my name.
-Mile 5 and Kostas spots an elderly woman sitting alone in her garage on her rolling walker.
Her house isn’t that close to the road, but we can see her. Kostas straightens and waves
beyond the people pressed at the road: just for her. She brightens and waves and blows kisses
with two hands. I get teary.
Her house isn’t that close to the road, but we can see her. Kostas straightens and waves
beyond the people pressed at the road: just for her. She brightens and waves and blows kisses
with two hands. I get teary.
-Kostas eventually pulls away for a while. My family was waiting at 6.8 and I was so excited to
see them. By this point, the sun had emerged and the temp had shot up. I left them my jacket,
gave hugs to all and kept going. I would see them again at mile 16. I felt great and seeing them
gave me a huge boost!
see them. By this point, the sun had emerged and the temp had shot up. I left them my jacket,
gave hugs to all and kept going. I would see them again at mile 16. I felt great and seeing them
gave me a huge boost!
- I pass Natick, where we have spectated for years. I realize that my job there was important.
The crowds thin between Framingham and Natick as the course doesn’t have great access
until Natick Center. It’s also mile 9 or so, and it’s starting to feel real and the work ahead
looms large.
The crowds thin between Framingham and Natick as the course doesn’t have great access
until Natick Center. It’s also mile 9 or so, and it’s starting to feel real and the work ahead
looms large.
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| Feeling all the love |
- I come upon a woman who is clearly struggling and in pain. She’s wearing a charity bib
for a charity that supports narcolepsy. I ask her if she needs help. She said “no. I’ve been
struggling with an issue in training and I was just hoping it wouldn’t be awful today.” I
completely empathize with her and tell her I hope it improves. She assures me it won’t...
that she’s sure she has a torn meniscus, again. But she looks at my singlet and says
“but this is bigger than a race for both of us. Have a great run.” And I’m on my way again.
for a charity that supports narcolepsy. I ask her if she needs help. She said “no. I’ve been
struggling with an issue in training and I was just hoping it wouldn’t be awful today.” I
completely empathize with her and tell her I hope it improves. She assures me it won’t...
that she’s sure she has a torn meniscus, again. But she looks at my singlet and says
“but this is bigger than a race for both of us. Have a great run.” And I’m on my way again.
-Somewhere between miles 10 and 11, I encounter Kostas again and we shoulder up
together. I’m more than happy to find him as I can tell I’m having an ocular migraine. I
only get aura, and they only ever last 15 minutes. What starts as a tiny, grey, pixeled area
in the center of my vision gradually swirls to the shape of a flashing worm and shifts to the
right. I pray that I won’t have the headache that usually follows and am distinctly
reminded that people who suffer from retinal issues often suffer from visual
disturbances like this 100% of the time. I keep running and watching mile markers and
checking my watch. 15 minutes and the worm fades away leaving no residual headache:
praise God. I only get these a few times a year, and I've never had one while running before.
together. I’m more than happy to find him as I can tell I’m having an ocular migraine. I
only get aura, and they only ever last 15 minutes. What starts as a tiny, grey, pixeled area
in the center of my vision gradually swirls to the shape of a flashing worm and shifts to the
right. I pray that I won’t have the headache that usually follows and am distinctly
reminded that people who suffer from retinal issues often suffer from visual
disturbances like this 100% of the time. I keep running and watching mile markers and
checking my watch. 15 minutes and the worm fades away leaving no residual headache:
praise God. I only get these a few times a year, and I've never had one while running before.
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| chatting with Kostas...and getting sunburned |
- The girls at Wellesley are loud. Kostas, never having run the course before, has no idea
what I meant when I told him to “get kisses.” I said “you are a young doctor- they would
love to kiss you!” He stays in the middle of the road while I get all the high-fives, the girls
call me “Mama” and I realize I am the age of their mothers.
what I meant when I told him to “get kisses.” I said “you are a young doctor- they would
love to kiss you!” He stays in the middle of the road while I get all the high-fives, the girls
call me “Mama” and I realize I am the age of their mothers.
- I lose Kostas at a water stop and soon am on my way again. I find a woman named
Michele who is clearly upset. I tell her she’s got this. She says it’s her 4th marathon, but
she was undertrained and had no business being here. I assure her that she is wrong and
she’s got this. I tell her I have an interval timer and if she wants to stick with me, it can boss
us all the way to Boston. We stick together until we hit mile 15 when I have to make a
pit stop. “I’m sure you’ll find me again! Thanks!”
Michele who is clearly upset. I tell her she’s got this. She says it’s her 4th marathon, but
she was undertrained and had no business being here. I assure her that she is wrong and
she’s got this. I tell her I have an interval timer and if she wants to stick with me, it can boss
us all the way to Boston. We stick together until we hit mile 15 when I have to make a
pit stop. “I’m sure you’ll find me again! Thanks!”
-Back on the road and the rain has started again. First little electric drops that sting and
make you wonder if it was really water at all. As I enter the fringes of Newton, the wind
gusts start and blow debris all around my legs. Paper cups, soda cans, napkins all run
across the pavement and swirl around the fencing and curbs.
make you wonder if it was really water at all. As I enter the fringes of Newton, the wind
gusts start and blow debris all around my legs. Paper cups, soda cans, napkins all run
across the pavement and swirl around the fencing and curbs.
- My family is at Newton-Wellesley Hospital at mile 16ish and I’m feeling like 10 more
miles in the wind and rain might be too much. They hug me, give me back my jacket that I
had left with them in Framingham, swap out my Airpod (I run with only one at a time) and
trade out Gu (which I try never to take).
miles in the wind and rain might be too much. They hug me, give me back my jacket that I
had left with them in Framingham, swap out my Airpod (I run with only one at a time) and
trade out Gu (which I try never to take).
- It’s 5K until the MEE tent in the midst of the Newton hills. I decide to use the time to
fuel-up and ensure I am ready to go. These hills aren’t evil, but their placement is. Many of
the charities have their support tents in Newton, and they are filled with encouraging folks
who are out here for all the right reasons. A sweet woman gives me a banana and tells me I
need the Vitamin K. I probably do.
fuel-up and ensure I am ready to go. These hills aren’t evil, but their placement is. Many of
the charities have their support tents in Newton, and they are filled with encouraging folks
who are out here for all the right reasons. A sweet woman gives me a banana and tells me I
need the Vitamin K. I probably do.
- I stop at the MEE tent briefly and grab a hug and adjust my socks. I have a blister brewing,
but there is no taking off compression socks in the wind and rain and I know if I stop
any longer, I won’t get moving again.
but there is no taking off compression socks in the wind and rain and I know if I stop
any longer, I won’t get moving again.
- My Runkeeper app has stopped reporting my pace and my Apple watch has died. I’m
running without a real sense of pace, but at least I have run this part of the course before.
I am in the hills and they are fine. I top Heartbreak Hill and remember Coach Fred’s
council that this should be treated as “halfway.” This doesn’t make me feel great. I make a
mental note to never give anyone this advice myself.
running without a real sense of pace, but at least I have run this part of the course before.
I am in the hills and they are fine. I top Heartbreak Hill and remember Coach Fred’s
council that this should be treated as “halfway.” This doesn’t make me feel great. I make a
mental note to never give anyone this advice myself.
-I come upon another teammate, Emory. He’s a handsome graduate student from BU with
an electric smile. He’s downcast and I fall in beside him. He is not feeling like he can finish.
I tell him he hasn’t come this far to only come this far. He’s over the worst part. We run
together for a while. I tell him he looks strong-- because he does. Eventually we part ways
and I am grateful to be 45, for the barriers God has allowed me to overcome and for
the (sometimes brief) ability to trust the process and to just keep moving forward.
20-something year-old me would have cashed it in by now.
an electric smile. He’s downcast and I fall in beside him. He is not feeling like he can finish.
I tell him he hasn’t come this far to only come this far. He’s over the worst part. We run
together for a while. I tell him he looks strong-- because he does. Eventually we part ways
and I am grateful to be 45, for the barriers God has allowed me to overcome and for
the (sometimes brief) ability to trust the process and to just keep moving forward.
20-something year-old me would have cashed it in by now.
-The crowd here is thinning, as I had slowed more than I ever thought (or knew
at the time). The people still out in the windy rain are the heartiest and the best.
They shout my name and tell me “you’ve SO got this.”
I’m starting to believe it...just a bit. There’s 10K left. An older female runner dressed
in many colorful layers comes up on my right. “I love your pace she says.”
I say “I’m just doing my thing,” and I laugh. She replies “It’s a happy pace.” I’m
not sure what that means, but it makes me smile.
at the time). The people still out in the windy rain are the heartiest and the best.
They shout my name and tell me “you’ve SO got this.”
I’m starting to believe it...just a bit. There’s 10K left. An older female runner dressed
in many colorful layers comes up on my right. “I love your pace she says.”
I say “I’m just doing my thing,” and I laugh. She replies “It’s a happy pace.” I’m
not sure what that means, but it makes me smile.
-I take a well-placed orange slice from a tiny girl in a tiara and tutu. I thank her and
she beams. I tell her she really helped me and she said “that’s my job” with such
certainty that I fully believe her.
she beams. I tell her she really helped me and she said “that’s my job” with such
certainty that I fully believe her.
-Many of the BC students have dissipated, but those left behind are cheering like
someone has paid them to do this. I high five them, they reassure me and they tell
me to “go get it” that I look strong. Truly, I know that I do. Runners all around me
are flagging. I summon medical attention (for others) twice and am so grateful to be
listening to my body. The sun meant business and the changing temps and cold, windy
rain have harmed runners. I see some using heat blankets ON COURSE and I am thankful
for my jacket, my family and the fact that I have been hydrating like a boss all day.
someone has paid them to do this. I high five them, they reassure me and they tell
me to “go get it” that I look strong. Truly, I know that I do. Runners all around me
are flagging. I summon medical attention (for others) twice and am so grateful to be
listening to my body. The sun meant business and the changing temps and cold, windy
rain have harmed runners. I see some using heat blankets ON COURSE and I am thankful
for my jacket, my family and the fact that I have been hydrating like a boss all day.
-I find a tall man on course that the crowd is calling “Citgo.” Sure enough, the iconic
sign is printed on his t-shirt. I ask him “so, you are 'Citgo guy' today, huh?” He says
“I guess so. I love it!” People will call you something if you don’t write your name on
your shirt. I’ve heard a lot of weird stuff on the route, but this one persists and is amazing.
We continued to run near each other to the finish. “Citgooooo!!!!”
sign is printed on his t-shirt. I ask him “so, you are 'Citgo guy' today, huh?” He says
“I guess so. I love it!” People will call you something if you don’t write your name on
your shirt. I’ve heard a lot of weird stuff on the route, but this one persists and is amazing.
We continued to run near each other to the finish. “Citgooooo!!!!”
-I pull my Untapped coffee-infused maple syrup pouch out of my belt. I rip the top off
with my teeth and enjoy ever blessed bit. At one point, I look down and make sure I
have it oriented correctly in my hand. A wise guy in the crowd says “what are ya doin’?
Reading the ingredient list?” I shout back, “no- contemplating how amazing coffee and
maple syrup are together.” He replies “amazing!!! Go get it!” lol. Maple syrup is the nectar
of my people and it makes me feel warm and cozy.
-I’m somewhere near mile 22-3, and without my app, I’m not sure, but I realize that I can
do this for another 40 min (or whatever) and I am actually going to finish. The black sky
has stopped raining and there is a faint rainbow over the course.
with my teeth and enjoy ever blessed bit. At one point, I look down and make sure I
have it oriented correctly in my hand. A wise guy in the crowd says “what are ya doin’?
Reading the ingredient list?” I shout back, “no- contemplating how amazing coffee and
maple syrup are together.” He replies “amazing!!! Go get it!” lol. Maple syrup is the nectar
of my people and it makes me feel warm and cozy.
-I’m somewhere near mile 22-3, and without my app, I’m not sure, but I realize that I can
do this for another 40 min (or whatever) and I am actually going to finish. The black sky
has stopped raining and there is a faint rainbow over the course.
-Citgo is doing his thing and I shoulder up to a man in a Boston Police singlet.
“Are you an officer?” I ask. “No. But a bunch of my buddies are.” People are thanking
him all along the course and he is smiling broadly. It’s One Boston Day and the first
time the Marathon has been run on the actual date of the Boston bombing. People are
acutely aware today and all the runners are thanking the police (and National Guard)
who are thickly stationed along the entire course. Giant dump trucks and bulldozers
laden with sand block access to the course from side roads. A silent, strong reminder that
this Marathon is also hallowed ground.
“Are you an officer?” I ask. “No. But a bunch of my buddies are.” People are thanking
him all along the course and he is smiling broadly. It’s One Boston Day and the first
time the Marathon has been run on the actual date of the Boston bombing. People are
acutely aware today and all the runners are thanking the police (and National Guard)
who are thickly stationed along the entire course. Giant dump trucks and bulldozers
laden with sand block access to the course from side roads. A silent, strong reminder that
this Marathon is also hallowed ground.
-The buildings grow taller and closer together and I am entering the last part of the course.
I am waiting for the 40K mark to see Melissa. We worked together years ago and I love
her dearly. I vividly remember sitting in Albany, NY as the investigation into the Bombings
was ongoing and texting her “we need to run next year.” I was emotional and so was she.
In the fall of 2014, she joined Team Eye and Ear and I developed a stress fracture.
Marathon Monday of 2015, she wrote “for Eli” on her singlet and Eli drew a sign that we
used in VT to cheer her on from afar. She finished and I cried and was so proud of her and
was so honored that she was giving to help my family...and others like us.
I am waiting for the 40K mark to see Melissa. We worked together years ago and I love
her dearly. I vividly remember sitting in Albany, NY as the investigation into the Bombings
was ongoing and texting her “we need to run next year.” I was emotional and so was she.
In the fall of 2014, she joined Team Eye and Ear and I developed a stress fracture.
Marathon Monday of 2015, she wrote “for Eli” on her singlet and Eli drew a sign that we
used in VT to cheer her on from afar. She finished and I cried and was so proud of her and
was so honored that she was giving to help my family...and others like us.
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| Melissa 2015 |
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| Eli age 10 |
-I come to the 40K and it occurs to me that I don’t know which side to look on. The road
here is divided and there is a large metal fence that is armpit high on both sides. In the
median up ahead I see a woman running towards me along the fence. It’s Melissa. I catch
a sob in my throat and we hug. I can’t believe I am here. I can’t believe she waited to see me.
She tells me she is proud of me and I realize it’s come full circle. I’m overwhelmed. I tell
her I love her- because I do and I am so grateful that she was brave enough to run Boston
first (and now a bunch of other marathons too.)
here is divided and there is a large metal fence that is armpit high on both sides. In the
median up ahead I see a woman running towards me along the fence. It’s Melissa. I catch
a sob in my throat and we hug. I can’t believe I am here. I can’t believe she waited to see me.
She tells me she is proud of me and I realize it’s come full circle. I’m overwhelmed. I tell
her I love her- because I do and I am so grateful that she was brave enough to run Boston
first (and now a bunch of other marathons too.)
-Back on the course I am struggling to keep my emotions in-check. The crowd is growing
denser again and I have tears on my face. The people look at me and cheer my name and
tell me “it’s so clooooossseee!” and it is. My thoughts are everywhere. I realize the mental
exhaustion that everyone talks about in marathoning is in keeping your mind from psyching
you out or focusing on what hurts (because everything does, but you simply have to decide
that it doesn’t matter) but also from allowing yourself to get too emotional. I’m at the point
where every thought of Mass Eye and Ear, my teammates, my training, the fact that I really
didn’t think this would happen, the words of my coach, my physical therapist, or the endless
support of my family and friends is making me cry. I intentionally wipe my mind blank and
take a deep drink of water. A woman in the crowd says “there you go. Enjoy the last
mile. You earned it!” And I know I have in a way that I can’t even articulate.
denser again and I have tears on my face. The people look at me and cheer my name and
tell me “it’s so clooooossseee!” and it is. My thoughts are everywhere. I realize the mental
exhaustion that everyone talks about in marathoning is in keeping your mind from psyching
you out or focusing on what hurts (because everything does, but you simply have to decide
that it doesn’t matter) but also from allowing yourself to get too emotional. I’m at the point
where every thought of Mass Eye and Ear, my teammates, my training, the fact that I really
didn’t think this would happen, the words of my coach, my physical therapist, or the endless
support of my family and friends is making me cry. I intentionally wipe my mind blank and
take a deep drink of water. A woman in the crowd says “there you go. Enjoy the last
mile. You earned it!” And I know I have in a way that I can’t even articulate.
-My brother and his family and my niece Ashley are waiting in Kenmore in front of the
Hotel Commonwealth. The energy of 30ish young women is huge. Ashley has told them
to expect me and the throngs of people have joy to share. I hug my nephews and my brother
tells me I am doing amazing. He has run this twice for Mass Eye and Ear and he knows better
than anyone what this means. I sass him about my jacket- the sun is out again and it’s around
my waist. At this point, I’m confident it’s a “magic jacket” as I am positive it’s the reason I still
feel strong. Prior to the race, he told me to just throw away anything I had that was extra.
I am gloating a bit that I was right...and thankful that I listened to my mom brain that
made me keep it.
Hotel Commonwealth. The energy of 30ish young women is huge. Ashley has told them
to expect me and the throngs of people have joy to share. I hug my nephews and my brother
tells me I am doing amazing. He has run this twice for Mass Eye and Ear and he knows better
than anyone what this means. I sass him about my jacket- the sun is out again and it’s around
my waist. At this point, I’m confident it’s a “magic jacket” as I am positive it’s the reason I still
feel strong. Prior to the race, he told me to just throw away anything I had that was extra.
I am gloating a bit that I was right...and thankful that I listened to my mom brain that
made me keep it.
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| Cheering on Paul in 2016 |
-I ride their good vibes out of Kenmore and as I head to the Mass Ave underpass and the
notorious small hill that everyone complains about, I know it is late in the day, that my pace
has waned, and that the people who are rooting now are here with huge hearts. They smile
and cheer and it’s more emotional than raucous. I dip into the tunnel and emerge the other
side and realize Hereford is almost immediately after. I get emotional again. I can’t help it.
notorious small hill that everyone complains about, I know it is late in the day, that my pace
has waned, and that the people who are rooting now are here with huge hearts. They smile
and cheer and it’s more emotional than raucous. I dip into the tunnel and emerge the other
side and realize Hereford is almost immediately after. I get emotional again. I can’t help it.
-I make the famous right turn and the crowd is incessant and loud and all you can hear is
jubilation and cheering and runners are beaming and emotional it’s a roiling sea of humanity.
I stop to walk and wipe my face. This is it. It’s a left on Boylston and 600 yards to the finish.
I want to soak up every second. “Citgooooooo!!!!” makes me laugh and I start running.
Nothing and everything has prepared me for this left turn.
jubilation and cheering and runners are beaming and emotional it’s a roiling sea of humanity.
I stop to walk and wipe my face. This is it. It’s a left on Boylston and 600 yards to the finish.
I want to soak up every second. “Citgooooooo!!!!” makes me laugh and I start running.
Nothing and everything has prepared me for this left turn.
-I see the finish far down Boylston and the crowd is just yelling. I occasionally hear my name,
but mostly it’s like being in a stadium. It’s loud and amazing. There are flags and daffodils
and I have no gas to move faster. I have one “happy pace” and I just keep going. The people
are happy and I am happier. I am in disbelief. The announcer says “how about Kristin Murner
from the Green Mountain State running for Team Eye and Ear?!” I raise my hands. I come to
the edge of the grandstand where my family should be and I don’t see them at first. Finally, at
the taller part they are on the corner waving and yelling. Eli doesn’t see me- I yell his name and
he finds me right below him. I am overwhelmed. I finish.
but mostly it’s like being in a stadium. It’s loud and amazing. There are flags and daffodils
and I have no gas to move faster. I have one “happy pace” and I just keep going. The people
are happy and I am happier. I am in disbelief. The announcer says “how about Kristin Murner
from the Green Mountain State running for Team Eye and Ear?!” I raise my hands. I come to
the edge of the grandstand where my family should be and I don’t see them at first. Finally, at
the taller part they are on the corner waving and yelling. Eli doesn’t see me- I yell his name and
he finds me right below him. I am overwhelmed. I finish.
-The medical personnel remark at how great I look. I look at the clock: 6 hrs. Much longer
than I forecast, but given the weather and the lack of tracking for pace, I am just grateful.
Being on course for so long, I was able to take care of myself and finish strong. I keep walking.
A volunteer hugs me with a blanket and congratulates me. I walk some more and I come to
the medals. I take off my cap and a tall man puts it around my neck. I thank him and he thanks
me for running for Eye and Ear.
than I forecast, but given the weather and the lack of tracking for pace, I am just grateful.
Being on course for so long, I was able to take care of myself and finish strong. I keep walking.
A volunteer hugs me with a blanket and congratulates me. I walk some more and I come to
the medals. I take off my cap and a tall man puts it around my neck. I thank him and he thanks
me for running for Eye and Ear.
 |
| Unicorns are real |
-I make my way to Boston Sports Club where Team Eye and Ear has their meet-up.
“Is Kostas here?” I ask. “I just brought him down,” the volunteer says. I find him sitting
beside the bagels. We both cry and hug. Satisfaction, gratitude, happiness and sheer emotion
mix with relief and accomplishment. -A volunteer takes me to the locker room. I remove
my compression socks and inspect a couple of blisters. Not too bad. I gently peel the layers
of tape off my left ankle. It is sore, but miraculously not as bad as it has been after other runs.
“Is Kostas here?” I ask. “I just brought him down,” the volunteer says. I find him sitting
beside the bagels. We both cry and hug. Satisfaction, gratitude, happiness and sheer emotion
mix with relief and accomplishment. -A volunteer takes me to the locker room. I remove
my compression socks and inspect a couple of blisters. Not too bad. I gently peel the layers
of tape off my left ankle. It is sore, but miraculously not as bad as it has been after other runs.
-The shower after a long run is always eye opening. This is where you learn what chafed and
what didn’t. I am fortunate that I haven’t chafed much this time. I have learned. My body is
now tightening. I am so happy to have brought soft clothing with me that requires little effort
to put on.
-Back in the gym lobby I find my family. We hug and hug and they tell me the car is a 7 min
walk away. That feels insurmountable. I want to eat all the food first. That is all I can think
about. Then I see Emory. He’s waiting for a massage. We hug and I tell him how great he did.
He’s sore and happy and so am I. Lydia says to me “that guy has the softest hands. We high fived
him both times on course.”
what didn’t. I am fortunate that I haven’t chafed much this time. I have learned. My body is
now tightening. I am so happy to have brought soft clothing with me that requires little effort
to put on.
-Back in the gym lobby I find my family. We hug and hug and they tell me the car is a 7 min
walk away. That feels insurmountable. I want to eat all the food first. That is all I can think
about. Then I see Emory. He’s waiting for a massage. We hug and I tell him how great he did.
He’s sore and happy and so am I. Lydia says to me “that guy has the softest hands. We high fived
him both times on course.”
-The massage therapist tells me to wait “5 min” for him. I do, and later he tells me he worked
past his time to take care of me. His gentle touch helps relax me and allows me to reflect on
the day. It’s quiet and I am tired in a way that I have never experienced. It is not drained or
exhausted, it is simply accomplished and empty. I pray from a new place and thank God for
planting this seed in my heart and allowing it to grow and bear fruit.
past his time to take care of me. His gentle touch helps relax me and allows me to reflect on
the day. It’s quiet and I am tired in a way that I have never experienced. It is not drained or
exhausted, it is simply accomplished and empty. I pray from a new place and thank God for
planting this seed in my heart and allowing it to grow and bear fruit.
-My phone has blown up with text messages. Facebook is full of friends and family live
tracking me. It’s humbling, overwhelming and beautiful. God has given me too much.
I post a picture of me and Kostas. I can’t find words to express what I am feeling.
tracking me. It’s humbling, overwhelming and beautiful. God has given me too much.
I post a picture of me and Kostas. I can’t find words to express what I am feeling.
 |
| Me and Kostas |
-We head out of the gym to dinner and I run into Jen from Mass Eye and Ear. She thanks me,
and I thank her. This has been the experience of a lifetime and I can only pray the dollars
raised grow wings and find their way to new treatments and cures for inherited retinal disease.
It’s been a beautiful journey- both metaphorically and marathon-ally,
and I have never been alone. <3 span="">
