Check it off the bucket list

Two years ago, I was blogging here about watching the Boston Marathon.

This year, I finally did it.  

What I didn't say in the interview was how many times I almost cried during the weekend of the marathon.  I felt overwhelmed and nervous on the drive out.  I was overcome with gratitude when my team sent me a video compilation of well wishes the night before.  I felt so, so cold before the race.  And then the gun went off, and I looked to the sky giving thanks for the rain that was mixing with a few tears that leaked out and gave thanks for the chance to on the line of this race that wasn't just historic for all the reasons that we all know but also would be a part of MY history. 

I have never run a race like I ran this Boston Marathon.  I wasn't trying for my fastest time and was instead aiming for maximizing the experience.  I high-fived every hand that was offered to me, smiled and made eye contact with every person who yelled out my number, stopped and hugged my mom on Heartbreak Hill and celebrated when I saw my dad with just a few miles to go.  

I turned the corner onto Boylston Street, the tears did come along with a smile that I couldn't wipe off my face.  It's a bucket list item that was worth the wait and won't ever be forgotten.