My 2014 Boston Marathon Experience in Photos

Hello Friends! Soooo I haven’t posted on here in a year. 1 year! Crazy. My life went in another direction and I unintentionally gave my blog some rest. With the 2015 Boston Marathon underway tomorrow, I thought it would be the perfect time to start up again and finish my 2014 Boston Marathon recap – in photos. Few things inspire me more than the Boston Marathon! (You can read about my race weekend leading up to the start of the Boston Marathon here.) April 21, 2014 was a day I will always remember, and my journey leading up to Boston also will not be forgotten. Getting a sub 3:35 marathon wasn’t easy, and I often look back at that accomplishment in awe and wonder when I’ll be ready to go for it again.

Boston ended up being my slowest yet most gratifying marathon, and I truly hope I will have the honor (and speed!) to return another year to run the world’s greatest road race. I went into my race with mixed goals of requalifying for Boston 2015 and simply soaking it all in and enjoying every moment. I ended up going with the latter and have no regrets.

Photo credit boston.com

(Yes, I even kissed a couple of girls in the famous Wellesley screaming tunnel! On the cheek if you must ask.)

Photo credit YouTube 2012 Boston Marathon – Wellesley College Scream Tunnel

To everyone out there running Boston tomorrow, ENJOY!! You are part of a small and fortunate community of runners with so much heart and passion for the sport. The energy out there will be contagious, and I will be cheering you on remotely from San Diego!

The bus ride to Hopkinton was effortless and so much fun!

Welcome to Athletes’ Village!!

Moments after entering Athletes’ Village. Rocking my throwaway track suit.

So. Many. People.

Pretending to be relaxed. Everyone else was doing it.

Making new friends IRL on my way to the starting line

The pros get to start first.

And we’re off! I did a lot of arm raising this race.

Let the 15k photo opp series begin

Woo I’m running the Boston Marathon!

Cheese!

iPhone photo of Team Hoyt! This is when I really started to slow down and take it all in.

A slightly flawed iPhone selfie while running!

Focus. This was probably on one of the many hills.

Clearly feeling tired at this moment

Just keep running. Just keep running.

Ready to give out more high-fives. I did a LOT of smiling, cheering, arm raising, (kissing), and high-fiving that day

The many faces of Boston Marathon, somewhere around mile 24-25 I imagine…

I think all 3 of us are ready to be done right about now. Approaching mile 26!

Home stretch! At mile 26 waving to my family, ready to finish the race! Definitely the highlight of my day!

I’m a Boston Marathon finisher!! (4:09 was my actual time)

Check it.

Cool poncho.

Some of my family that was there to support me!

Events that night included beer in Fenway Park…

…and pizza at Regina’s, of course!

Give me all the carbs!

That’s a wrap! Until next time, Boston! You will always be in my heart.