Crossing the Boston Marathon Finish Line has been on my Dream Board for many years. A Fantasy possibly, but one should be cautious of what they wish for because it could come true. Last November, an email came out at my workplace with an opportunity to run the Boston Marathon (qualifying time waived) for charity. An opportunity of a lifetime- I could really reach this dream and contribute to a great cause. I signed up for the 112th Boston Marathon training program.
Committing to finish the Boston Marathon has taken me on a journey that I could never have imagined. I never considered myself athletic. I’ve never run in my life, a middle aged woman, very over weight and feeling like a sloth. I had a lot of work to do and had to put the pieces together to make this happen.
What does it take to complete a marathon? With a solid goal in place, finishing the Boston Marathon on April 21, 2008, I started the training program provided by my employer. I quickly realized that I would need much more help and support than reading the book and participating in the runs. I needed a comprehensive plan and a lot of support. My plans quickly expanded with a goal for getting myself in a state of total health – a healthy body, mind and spirit. I watched the Biggest Loser show every week and inspired by the progress the contestants were making and how they were reaching their dreams. I needed my own team of experts to help me pull this together.
Through conversations with friends, I found The Boston Running Center and met with Joe for a “meet and greet” session. I was very anxious, but I put it out on the table. After listening to my story, he said without hesitation, you can to this; it will take some work, and I don’t recall anything else he said after that. I met Carol, a Registered Dietician and came up with a nutrition plan, met with Dawn,, my Nurse Practioner, went over my health history, and she gave me the green light to GO FOR IT! I started working with Joe the first week of November and followed a daily/weekly workout plan along with my nutrition plan. It was rough and I didn’t see much progress at first. After 7 minutes on the Elliptical machine, I was in tears. What was I ever thinking? I must have been delusional. How was I ever going to do 26 miles and 385 yards?
Every morning I would get up, do some stretches, plan my day, go to work, head for the gym, take care of a few things and go to bed. I had to plan my nutrition, hydration and sleep. That took the most discipline. Finally, I let the secret out of the bag and started telling my friends what I was doing. The support and encouragement I received was overwhelming. There was plenty of fear and anxiety. The mind can create some interesting scenarios and the “Sabotager” can show up on occasion. The structure helped contain some of the anxiety and the support from my team of professionals and friends kept me on track.
I was inspired weekly by the Biggest Loser, which was the only TV show I watched. I was inspired by the stories of Katherine Switzer and Joan Benoit Samuelson and all they have accomplished for women’s running. I clocked a lot of hours and “time on my feet” and miles throughout the winter training. Walking and running kept me sane and became a great stress release. It gave me personal time, meditation time and I found I had more stamina to accomplish all my daily tasks. I added Bikram Yoga and had two great teachers, Diane and Ron who helped and encouraged me through those cold winter days. I used mantras and affirmations and found the tools to make my life better.
It worked! On April 21st, 2008 I crossed the Finish Line! I raised over $3,000 for The Fund for Boston Neighborhoods-Summer Jobs for Youth. So far I’ve lost 60 lbs. My body is healthy, my mind is clear and spirit is renewed. I am grateful for all the help and encouragement I received along the way.
Michele Audet
