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Marathon Monday.

It couldn't have been any better. We saw about 8 miles (and even saw Josh running!!) of the race from the train on the way into Boston. Once we got in, we walked around a bit and then Trevor and I headed over to our VIP bleacher seats at the finish line. What a spectacle and what an amazing and emotional moment to see Josh and all the other runners cross that finish line! Kids were jumping over the fence and running in to the finish line with their moms and Dads, military men were finishing in full uniforms, backpacks and boots, and one man even proposed to his girlfriend just feet from the finish line. People were walking in, jogging in, limping in, wheeling in and even sprinting in to the finish.

This moment. The cumulation of six months of hard training and dedication. Through cold, snow, rain and sickness (I think you only missed one run in six months.) I heard once, that just once in your life, you should push yourself far beyond what you think you can do. Here's to your 15 minutes of fame. You deserve it and we all love you and are so proud of you---our hero!

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The eve of the big race.....

We had a lunch put on by the MDSC at Fiero's in the North End of Boston. We landed a prime parking spot with the van on the street right outside the restaurant (not sure how)! Our whole family and had an afternoon of great food, good company and celebration. During the presentation, the coach and coordinator, Susan, spoke and a 21 year old man with Down syndrome gave a motivating speech about his experience running the Falmouth Road Race (hard to keep a dry eye for that one). The awards and gifts were passed out and we landed two VIP seats for the finish line bleachers for being the second place top fundraiser. It was a day of celebration, anticipation and lot's of emotion....hearing everyone's stories of how they got there and why they were running for such a great cause. I can't WAIT until tomorrow....It should be a once in a lifetime experience!

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Saturday. Two days before the race. It was rainy and cold. Josh and I (no kids!) headed into Boston for the morning on the green line. We picked up his race number, his t-shirt, a souvenir race jacket (well deserved) and a t-shirt for Trevor at the expo at the Hynes convention center. Then we headed off to see the finish line, the bleachers, and the family meeting area. We had a fantastic lunch at Stephanie's then headed home inspired, refreshed and with a plan in our minds for race day.

Here is a copy of the final e-mail Josh received from the charity runners' coordinator....pretty inspirational:

Dear Friends,
I want to thank you all so very much for letting me be your guide in your 2010 Boston Marathon Journey. I can't tell you how important it is to me to have been able to watch you succeed in your fundraising and in your running. Each of you deserves your spot at the starting line. You have earned it. Together-as 6 charity programs - just 100 people raised over $450,000 for important causes - which need the attention and funding. This is a incredible.

So after hundreds of emails - this is my final email to all of you before- I see you on race day at the buses. Prepare - Rest - Enjoy our incredible city.

In Boston, the fans will take you home. Trust in them now - and yourself.

I wish all of you success - a mylar blanket and medal at the end.
Thank you for running with me and remember forever the runner's creed.

Nothing's better than the wind to your back, the sun in front of you and your friends beside you.

Much love to all of you -
Start Slow- Hug the girls in Wellesley - Break the heart of that hill - Toast the kids at BC - Run Hard through Coolidge Corner - High five Red Sox Nation - Have a moment of final silence to collect your self in the tunnel - Right on Hereford - Left on Boylston - Hold back those tears - Put on that Smile - Welcome Home.

Turn up your volumes on your computer and take a look for the final time

http://www.youtube.com
By the way -"Real Super Heroes wear Silver Capes."
Cheers.