BAA Unicorn 5K

“Enjoy the moment.”

Unknown

Running or walking the BAA 5K on Saturday was a MUST-DO, without a doubt! I was so excited to join Kurt for the 5k and get my hands on another unicorn.

Kurt is the reason I discovered running. He drafted me to run the 2010 Disney Marathon with him, but he did not know that it would be a life transformation for me. Nor did he know that the registration cost would end up so much more than the charged price, lol.

It took us one hour just to start the race. There were close to 10,000 people lined up, but the wait was worth it every minute, even though we were starting to get cold. It was the most enjoyable 5k I’ve experienced. I had no anxiety, no stress and I was there just to have fun and support my hubby. Unfortunately, his body does not agree with the strenuous effort running demands, so the option is mindful walking.

It truly was the best sightseeing we experienced in Boston. Going through the Back Bay neighborhood, Commonwealth ave, the right on Hereford and the left on Boylston, feeling every step and passing the finish line to go back to the Boston Common was priceless. It will be a moment I will cherish forever. And for the icing on the cake, Kurt decided to run the last few strides to cross the finish line. Running with him, even for a few strides, is a moment I will never forget.

126th Boston Marathon: The glorified BIB

On the way to the Expo pick up my Bib

“Be Your Dreams.”

Celia Westbrook

I always dreamt of the day I would be picking up my Boston Marathon Bib just as much as the Monday race day. I wondered who would be the person handing me the bib, what that person would say, his/her name, and how the place was set up. I wondered how I would feel.

To “Be your dreams” is the epitome of believing in yourself. It is the trust that everything will work out at the right time. It is living as if you already have it. It is living in gratitude and finding goodness in the things that symbolize your dream. For me, my dream(s) is running. The fact that I can run and that I get to run is living my dreams. If I had stopped running, it would take away all my chances of running the Boston Marathon.

My name is listed on the wall

On April 15, 2022, my dream manifested. It felt surreal, it was magical, and it was pure, and exciting. Nothing was more important then than being fully present with what was happening then. My husband was equally emotional as I was, for he knew how much it meant to me. As I approached the counter, John greeted me with a hi and a request to check my ID. As I watched him go through all the bibs on the box, reaching mine out and presenting it to me, I could not help but cry.

It took a few minutes for me to regroup and focus on the task at hand as John was presenting me with all the goodies that come with it – the signature long sleeve, course map, Sam Adams bottle opener, the 26.2 Boston sticker, and the unicorn sticker – all in the clear plastic bag.

27904 My Unicorn

There is moment alike. It was the moment I had been working so hard for it. A moment that invites me to toe-line at the Boston Marathon starting line where legends and many hardworking runners have set foot before me. Boston has always been in my heart, but now, I am officially part of Boston’s heart.

I could not have had this amazing experience if it was not for my husband’s kindness. I will be forever in debt to his love and kindness.