That Feeling.
There’s a feeling you get when something really hits home with you. The type feeling that sends chills throughout your entire body. That makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. That brings tears to your eyes – both good and bad. That feeling that just completely overtakes you.
When I think of the Boston Marathon, I get that feeling. I still vividly remember everything from two years ago. I remember sitting on the couch, hearing them talk on the news about if there would even be a Boston Marathon in 2014 after what happened – questioning whether people would want to run. It has always been a dream of mine to run it, but that dream did not become real until that very moment. As soon as I heard them question that, I decided to run. I remember feeling as though I was responsible for it. I didn’t care if I was the only one that signed up, I was going to run the 2014 Boston Marathon. And, I did exactly that.
Thinking back on that entire experience gives me that feeling – for so many reasons. On one end of the spectrum – there’s sadness, confusion, and anger. On the other end – there’s resilience, triumph, and satisfaction. In my lifetime, I’ve never experienced anything quite like it.
As the 2015 Boston Marathon approaches, these emotions are once again front and center. A trailer recently got released for the documentary, Boston, which follows the Boston Marathon from its first race in 1897 through 2014. In it, a man helping set up for last year’s marathon gives his take on things:
“If you’ve come from Boston, if you’ve lived in Boston, if you’ve moved North, South, East, or West – you should come home to Boston, for the Boston Marathon – because this year’s going to be special.”
Saying that this sent my emotions through the roof is a huge understatement. The 2014 Boston Marathon was indeed, special – and it was so much more. Hearing that, and watching the rest of trailer is, truly, a two minute rollercoaster ride of emotions. As was the case last year – I’m filled with excitement, anticipation, and that feeling as I get ready to once again represent the city of Boston in one of the biggest events in the world.
On top of that, I’m pumped to be running again for Boston Children’s Hospital. At heart, I’m really a six year old kid. So, it makes perfect sense for me to be running for a cause that helps kids get the treatment they need in order to live the lives every kid deserves.
While I’m going to be running the miles, it’s the support I receive that is going to keep me going. Please help me reach my fundraising goal, and the finish line, by donating to Boston Children’s Hospital here: http://fundraise.childrenshospital.org/goto/vincerunsboston.
Thank you in advance for any and all support. We’re going to cross that finish line together.
48 days to go…
-V
