So we respected Heart Break Hill(s), funny folks just think there is one big hill but I remember a lot more and so I dug deep with whatever I had left to take the descents and tried to hold the flats as long as I could. The good news is the course and water stops had thinned out a ton. What I later learned was that people were dropping out and walking all around us. All I knew was we had 21 miles in the tank and we weren't going to stop until we got to Boston. The support continued on and off the course and the students at BC and BU were loud and energizing. I tried to avoid hoses and hydrants that would soak me but got nailed at some point to which Will explained, "Sorry!, Crazy old man with a garden hose." I believed him. I still have the visual too. ;-)
There were two moments that were pretty memorable during this section one was the fact that people kept saying, "Oh that's the blindfold guy from T.V." which baffled Will and I but later I learned that Lisa Hughes had given NBP and Vision42K a shout-out in her pre-race coverage. Thanks Lisa! The other moment was when we stopped for water and I don't know if it was just my legs or what but Will had me pointed toward the sidewalk and when he said something about water I went to start going forward and tripped over the sidewalk and headed into a first-aid area or somewhere off-course until Will grabbed me and pointed me in the right direction. But after that it was all business... keep logging those miles and keep building momentum toward the finish.
As we neared Boylston Street and the Marathon Finish Line Will said, "I might be hallucinating but I think... no I do see your son Nicholas." Jenny and the kids made it in to Boston to see me finish so that was awesome! I hope they will remember it for a lifetime and choose their own Epic Adventure someday.
So with a simple 5,4,3,2,1 countdown Will and I crossed the finished.
WE DID IT!!
I couldn't believe it then and I can't believe it a week later. I gave Will a big hug, took off my blindfold, got my barrings, and just let the whole experience sink in... I wasn't in any pain or tired... just numb from all the emotions and focus it took for 6 hours of grinding it out but for me it was a small sacrifice to make a HUGE difference and all the supporters, family, and friends made it all possible. It was an indomitable spirit fueled by love for others and I'm proud to have had the opportunity on behalf of NBP. It was truly as beautiful as it was brutal. When I got home my body finally let me know who was BOSS and I vomited all the liquid I was carrying... my body knew I wasn't running anymore. I felt instantly better and when I weighed myself I knew it had been a battle... I had lost over 10# on the run that day. Earlier that morning I was 215# and given I was putting tons into my body throughout the race that is a pretty extreme weight loss down to 204#. Other than that I had trained to finish and recover and I am feeling great both physically and mentally. Stronger honestly. I've got some final fund raising pushes to complete this Epic Charity Run but all-in-all it was a perfect race and I couldn't be more thrilled with the kindness and compassion from everyone.
You all have my deepest thanks and admiration. Shine on, shine bright!
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