I did it. I ran the Boston Marathon. That’s surreal.
The experience was, well, a lot. I am still processing. In some ways, it was what I expected. The spectators were nonstop. 500,000 people covering 26.2 miles. They had signs and cowbells. They were screaming and yelling and singing. There were hands out at every step offering high fives.
Boston is the most well-organized race I have ever seen. 128 years has given them an edge for sure. They are a well-oiled machine.
I read everything there was to read about the Boston Marathon prior to the race. I was not expecting surprises. Rookie mistake.
I was expecting cool temperatures. Nope. It was so hot. To be fair, most people were shocked by that. And unprepared. Around mile 8, I noticed that runners all around me were stopping to stretch their legs. By mile 10, runners were laying down with their legs in the air. By mile 12, runners were walking off the course.
For me, the leg cramps started with intensity at mile 8. And they did not stop. It was excruciating. Every step from that point on was a decision. I wanted to quit so bad. It was way too early in the race to be having those thoughts. Finishing felt impossible.
My saving grace was my sweet family and friends. I knew so many were praying for me. And I knew my brother, sister, and 4 nephews would be at mile 19. I needed to see their sweet faces. And they did not disappoint. Just as I was approaching Heartbreak Hill I saw them. My nephews first. They were holding signs and screaming at the top of their lungs. “We love you Aunt Cindy! We are so proud of you!” Then I saw my sweet sister wearing a bright yellow shirt (my fav color) and screaming “That’s my sister!!!” Then my amazing brother. Cheering so loud. I had a huge lump in my throat. When I looked again to my right I realized my nephews were still running with me and cheering. My eldest nephew ran a full mile with me on the other side of the barricade. Words cannot express how much I needed them. And how blessed I felt. And how much I wanted to climb over that barricade and go home with them.
Instead, I took off my hydration belt (which was long empty), threw it towards them, blew them all kisses and ran on.
Seven excruciating miles later I turned on Boylston Street and saw the finish line in the distance. I kicked in anything I had left in me and ran hard across the finish line. Relief flooded me. And also nausea. It was rough.
But just past the finish line, I met up with my sweet friend Andrea. We walked together to meet our husbands. And they took care of us. Just like they always do.
And now, here I am two days later. And do you know what stands out to me about my Boston Marathon experience? I am surrounded by so much love and support. And I am so thankful.