First of all, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your encouraging words about my marathon. It really means a lot!
I have the best cousin-in-law in the world. Thanks for the sign Liza!
I only have one word to describe the 2012 Boston Marathon. HOT. With temps reaching 90 degrees things did not go smoothly. I saw over a dozen runners collapse on the course, many runners stopping to walk most of the race, and even people walking straight off the course calling it quits. I have never run a marathon in such conditions or seen so many elite athletes struggle like this. It was ridiculous. I had many moments where I didn’t think I was going to make it. It was the toughest marathon I have ever run. Luckily, I had some much-needed support along the way.
My amazing sister-in-law jumped in at mile 13 and ran 7 miles with me. Who does that? She is the best!
And my dad jumped in at mile 20 and ran heartbreak hill with me.
Best dad in the world award!
I am lucky to have such a supportive family, and even luckier that they are runners themselves! I don’t know how I could have done it without them.
The Boston Marathon took a lot out of me. However, it was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. You never know whats going to happen during a marathon and dealing with the elements is always a gamble.
I literally burst into tears right around mile 24 out of pure exhaustion. I had nothing left to give. That is until I heard some familiar voices screaming my name. My friend Ellen (you know her from the farm) and her boyfriend began shouting my name! They could not have been at a more perfect place. They gave me my last little push and somehow I managed to keep putting one foot in front of the other and cross the finish line.
Official jacket.
Official medal (and wine!)
And a unpictured bacon cheese burger!
I am really proud of myself for finishing the marathon. My official time was 3 hours and 55 minutes. 30 minutes slower than my goal. I can’t say I am dying to run the Boston Marathon again, but I think a race in a cooler climate is in my near future.
Thanks again everyone for following me along. Back to the Farm and cooking tomorrow!
Congratulations, Andrea! So proud of you and your amazing accomplishment! I know this will be a cherished memory for many years to come. As one with crippling arthritis who can barely move from one room to the next, I have followed your preparations and commitment with special interest. I have run vicariously through you. Thank you for sharing!
Wow Andrea – I almost started crying! Your family is so awesome! It’s great you had so much support at all the right mile markers 🙂 After running a half-marathon in 2010 I was burned out…but you’ve inspired me! Maybe I’ll aim for a full trail marathon next year… Glad you made it to the finish!
You should be so proud of yourself!! Quite an accomplishment and what awesome support!
That you are even REMOTELY disappointed with your time is ridiculous! YOU FINISHED THE BOSTON MARATHON IN 90 DEGREE HEAT!!!! YOU ARE A ROCK STAR!!!! Your post made me cry – love all the love.
Congratulations Andrea !!!! What an accomplishment ! The love and support that your family and friends showed was awesome. You and they must be so proud.
I’m not a runner, so I don’t know how this works, but do you need a few days to rest or do you start back to farming and cooking the next day?
You are an inspiration.
Love,
Ellena ( Mrs. McClain )
Girl, you sure know how to dig deep. This is a HUGE accomplishment! Very proud of you!
xoxo
Your nephew Blaise
Such determination and grit! You’re totally awe inspiring!
Andrea, what an incredible girl you are. You deserve all the bacon you can muster. Teared up reading this! Sending love your way!
Pam
Amazing, Andrea….and coming off an injury too, you are totally amazing. I think you can do anything now!!!!! So very proud to say I’m related. Much love and admiration to you from your Montana aunt, Patty.
Way to go Andrea! I was thinking about you all day and thankfully got word from Amy that you killed it! Big hugs!
Heather
Amazing Andrea! So great to see so many different readers wish you well. Your second grade teacher no less. i also understand that someone who follows the blog gave a shout out to “A Farmer in the Dell” which probably has to do with your posting your photo the morning of the race. Success tastes much sweeter when shared with others and recognizing the value of their support. The memory you created for your dad will always be treasured by him.
Congratulations!
congratulations Andrea. Your post did bring a tear to my eyes. We celebrated with you by having black bean burgers and sweet potato fries last night, no bacon though! Look forward to all your postings. great job.
Rock the f on. 🙂 You go!!!
Great work!! YOU ROCK!
Andrea,
You rock! 3h 55 min sounds like a fast marathon to me, especially in that heat and semi injured.
We had your butternut squash & broccoli whole wheat pasta as a pre race meal with our friend who was in town for the marathon.
Hope you get a few days off from farming. That, or a job you can do in a wheelchair. 🙂
Can’t wait to try your next recipe!
Jen
Way to go Andrea! You are unbelievable!!!!!
Lindy
YOU ARE MY HERO.
Congratulations my dear………..you finished!! Never mind planning for the next one, this is a lifetime accomplishment, and very few have done it…………you are one of the few. Be proud, be happy, know you are special. Hugs…………………proud of you.
I did not see your time before. What a phenomenal accomplishment for Team Andrea. Bet Henry is proud, too! Congratulations.
Andrea, I admire your tenacity and courage to take on a race after and injury and the heat despite “official excuses” not to run. There is nothing you can’t do because this entire race was about heart…..your mom says your dad is so proud of you…..she is equally so…..her face lit up when your virtual body crossed the line via the web!!! Congratulations that particular jacket will carry more weight than other BAA jackets …only the strong survived that one!
Congratulations, Andrea! How proud you must be to have the orange jacket!