Finishing 2014

Yesterday's marathon was tougher than I expected.  I was more emotional than I had anticipated, from the start to the finish.  I started my race according to plan - don't go faster than 8:50 per mile.  The pace felt easy but my mind wasn't as strong as my body.  The heightened security freaked me out a bit.  There were low flying helicopters, military, police, bomb squad, sniff dogs, bullet proof vests, etc.  I appreciate the security and I think that it was needed, I just didn't realize that it would affect me in a negative way.  When I got to the halfway mark, I realized I wasn't having fun.  My breathing wasn't easy with my anxiety and fear, it was hot, and I was emotionally drained.  I decided to walk for a few minutes, pep-talk myself, and remind myself that this was a race to just have fun.  I had a few previous fantastic race times so if I didn't beat them, it wasn't a big deal.
From that point, I had a great time.

Every year I list my favorite marathon moments, here they are:

Let me start with the expo:
Katherine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon signed my bib.  I was lucky to get her famous number of 261.  Well it started with 26 then 261.  She was so excited a woman had her number.

Then I met Dean Karnazes and he signed my book.  If you remember my photos from 2012 - I was only able to photo-bomb him.

2014

2012

Race Day:
Before the start - We waited at St. John's Parish wearing our awesome Goodwill PJ's.  We weren't allowed to have any bags at the start so we had to wear throw away clothes.  I am a little bummed I had to throw away my $2 hello kitty pajama pants.  They were pretty sweet!

The Starting Line - The announcer, "let's go Dana-Farber".

Mile 4 - I have always loved the biker bar in Framingham and they didn't disappoint this year with their cheers and support.
Miles 4-12 - Wow, usually we pass areas with no spectators, not today.
Mile 13 - Wellesley Scream Tunnel - Wellesley was amazing as always.  The signs the girls have absolutely crack me up; "Kiss me I'm Queer", "Kiss me I give consent", "Kiss me I'm bi-curious".  Here is a picture a friend took of me in the Wellesley Scream tunnel.  I didn't see or hear him over all the screaming girls.

Mile 16 - Passed Team Hoyt in their last Boston Marathon

Mile 17 - There you are Dana-Farber supporters
Mile 18 (and more) - The "Go Fancy" chants.  The best idea ever was to put "Fancy" on the front of my singlet.
Mile 19 - Hey Gail!  "I'm going to stop to say hi and you're my excuse for stopping." Also, popsicle number 1, amazing!
Mile 20 - Olivia grabbing my hand on Heartbreak Hill and running to the top with me.  There couldn't be a moment you need a friend more.
Mile 21 - There's Josh and Leah!  Josh confused that I'm stopping to chit chat.
Mile 22- popsicle number 2, thank goodness, much needed!

Miles 23-24 - I think I was asleep, I don't remember them much.
Mile 24 - OMG, did I just pass Emily, Kashmir, and Mike??  Glad they screamed "Fancy Nancy" loud enough that they finally caught my attention.

Mile 25 - high fives for all of the Dana-Farber patients. A reminder of why I do this.
Mile 26 - passing Forum, the crowd there was insane.
Mile 26.2 - Holy Crap, I finally finished!  Slowly but surely I finished in 4:18.  I'm completely proud of that because I decided this was a day for no disappointments, only victories!

I will likely be taking some time off from marathons for awhile.  It has been a fun and challenging road but it's time for a break

As of today I have raised over $6000 this season for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and as a team we have raised a record of over $6 million dollars.  I'm still $3000 away from my goal of $9000.  If you're interested in donating please visit my personal page rundfmc.org/2014/nancys.  I am so honored to have been apart of this organization for the past four years.  Thank you for all of your support.