Visualizing Boston

I’m boarding a plane to Boston. My heart drops into my stomach. It’s here. Boston weekend is here!

I’m standing at the start line. Adrenaline rushes through my arms, legs, all the way to the tips of my toes. You worked so hard to get to this very place. Soak it up. The crowds, the course, the energy.

I’m pushing through mile 25. You trained for this, Helen. It’s all mental toughness now. You know it so well. Do it. Find every ounce of strength inside of you and finish strong.

And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears. – Mark Anthony

I am fierce. And strong. And full of fire.

So.

Are.

You.

That passion is inside all of us.

Let’s Go to Boston

Only a few more days left on this Road to Boston. Hard to believe it’s finally here! All week I’ve been doing what I do before big life events – visualizing.

I’m on a bus with dozens of other runners. It’s dark and cold and probably raining. I see Allen’s face. We hug. High five. Eat our second breakfast. Now I’m at the start line. Am I nervous? Hell yes! But as soon as that gun goes off, all is calm. Allen is right beside me, crowds are nonstop cheering for 26.2 miles. I am focused. Dig deep. This is it. Have fun!

A few of my favorite things about this weekend:

My coach-cuz, Allen Baddour (you’re prob like, ya, we know Allen) was recovering from a heel injury the first half of training season. He’s unable to race Boston this year, unfortunately. But fortunately, he’s able to run Boston! And guess what?! He’s decided to run the race WITH ME! I am beyond excited and honored to have Allen by my side before the race, at the start line, and throughout the entire 26.2 mile journey. Counting on him to hold me back from going out too fast the first few miles, push me up Heart Break Hill and give me a big hug at the finish line. So very special!

This is our most recent pic after the Cleft Palate Gallop 5K we ran in Chapel Hill this past weekend. The weather was very similar to how it will be in Boston on Monday, so it was good practice!

My whole crew is coming with me to Boston! Mom, Dad, Philip, Margaret, Mark, Troy and Anne Louise — I’m so excited and feel very fortunate to have them with me this weekend. A lot of pasta and sight seeing in our near future.
Finally, I am most excited about conquering the race. I do feel strong and fierce. When I visualize this weekend, I see a lot of different things, but most of all I see and feel my feet to pavement, legs working, arms pumping, heart burning. I love this. This is my thing.