I had the wonderful pleasure of having a visit from my Best friend in the world. We've been buddies since 6th grade .... and trust me, that's a LOT of years ago. I hadn't seen her for over 10 years so it was a huge treat to have her stay with me. One of the reasons for her visit (as if my fabulous company wasn't enough) was to come to the Boston Marathon. A good friend of hers was running in the race, and she wanted to be there to support her.
Now my friend Lori runs marathons herself......it still freaks me out to say that...but she does. The very thought of running over 26 miles, on purpose, just boggles my mind. Unless someone is in front of my carrying a large crate of chocolate...and someone else is chasing me with a bloody knife....then I'm NOT running anywhere! But for some sick reason Lori thinks it's FUN (go figure...and she's an incredibly intelligent person too so it makes no sense). She wasn't running in this marathon , but she did want to run the 5K on Sunday. So off we went to Boston so she could streak throught the city streets.
In the crowd.....hands in the air....making sure I was paying attention.
GOOOOOOO LORI!!!!!!!!!!!
Waving goodbye as she heads to the finish line.
And looking fresh and ready for anything after the race! I'd need a massage and a week off! But she was ready to stroll the streets of Boston. I was so proud of her....to me it's amazing that at ALMOST 50 she is still a super hero! YOU ROCK MY FRIEND!!!
The next day was the big race. So we went back to Boston to meet up with her friends for the main event. Since Lori is one of the coolest people on the planet, I wasn't the least bit surprised to find out her friends were sweet, fun, and fabulous too!
Veronique was the adorable lady running the race. She ran for Team Fox....a very worthy charity that you can read about HERE
The Boston Marathon is considered one of the hardest marathons in the world. One of the big reasons is because of a place called "Heartbreak Hill"...which is this incredibly long and very steep hill (it rises over 88 vertical feet and comes after several other large hills from miles 16 to 20) The runners come to this hill at the 21 mile mark. Which means that after running 21 miles and being at the worst part of the race, when your body has just about given up, they then get to climb the last of 4 vicious hills that sap what little strength they have left.
But as you can tell by these pictures....Vero made it look easy!
Her goal was to run the race fast enough to qualify to run the race again next year. Which she did with over 8 minutes to spare. Not only that, but she took about 40 minutes off her best marathon time ever.... UNBELIEVABLE!
But as you can tell by these pictures....Vero made it look easy!
Her goal was to run the race fast enough to qualify to run the race again next year. Which she did with over 8 minutes to spare. Not only that, but she took about 40 minutes off her best marathon time ever.... UNBELIEVABLE! I must say I wasn't sure what I'd think about watching my first marathon. But it was an awesome experience, and one I get to do again in November when Lori runs the New York City marathon. The dedication, endurance, and sheer strength of these athletes is something to see!
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89 comments:
you should run one! LOL! here I am saying that, and I hop on the treadmill and can barely run 15 seconds without vomiting...lol! go check out my blog! I posted pics of my finished living room! :)
Wow! They are awesome :)
Well, I have chocolates at my place due to some dipping I did yesterday (read on my blog)...you can run to my place and I'll let you have as many as you want. Sounds like it might be a cross country run however.
How fun to see all of that excitement. You are an awesome friend.
Yay to your friends! That is great!
I am like you, without the chocolate though....just the guy with the knife:)
SHe is amazing! I just did 30 minutes on the elliptical, and I want to die. This makes me want to die more.
Holey sckemoley! I didn't realize that about the last four miles uphill on this race! I'm amazed anyone even tries, LOL! What an awesome friend! I'd hate to think what would happen to me if I tried to run this but I think it's wonderful that people do it and live to tell the tale!
Now THAT would be a fun thing to do if my feet and knees had not given out at age 50. Oh to be able to do a marathon.. how nice that would be.
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
I'm tired just reading about it! What fantastic women!
You're crazy but your friend is certifiable. lol I don't think the knife and the chocolates would be enough to get me moving.
ROFLMAO about your cigarette comment! Sophie says thanks for the cupcake suggestion too, she's been feeling a little weak without any sugar around.
Unknown photographer? Ooooh, I think I KNOW who it is!
Ha!
Great post and congrats to your friend Lori.
Whew! That is soooo awesome!
I'm with you. I don't mind a little jogging, but that much running is just insane. I know a few people who are into Iron Man Triathalons. Now, that's twisted.
There is, however, one marathon I would consider partaking in...it's the Nike Woman's Race and...no joke...they give out chocolate, have free massages, and as well as a t.shirt at the end of the race, you get a Tiffany diamond necklace. Uh huh. Now, we're talkin'.
Race Day is October 18, 2009 in case you want to start training for it.
http://insidenikerunning.nike.com/2009/02/24/get-ready-for-the-2009-nike-womens-marathon/
Carolynn
Dear UNKNOWN PHOTOGRAPHER IN THE GROUCHO GET UP... Great post & your friends are amazing! Now, please remove your disguise!!! ☺
Blessed are those who give themselves the run around; they shall never be stuck with nothing to do.
Congrats to your friends; I wouldn't even think of trying to do what they achieve.
What an amazing bunch! Most of the people I work with run, and I use the same excuse as you, I do not run unless someone very large and mean is chasing me (or I see a snake). Such an accomplishment. And love your "incognito" get up! Kathy
Wow - runners are amazing. And your best friend looked so fresh and perky after the 5K. Inspiring.
Speaking of inspiring, when you posted about your personal trainer daughter, I assumed the pics you used were stock photos of a beautiful girl. I just realized that those photos were truly your daughter Lacey. What a beautiful family!
I can't even imagine running that many miles.....let alone one!!! I bet you had a great time rooting everyone on!
Having gone through the process of training for a marathon before...I know this is such an acheivement. I was only able to complete to half marathons...my knees gave out. But I made a lot of money for the cause I was running for and that helped me when I spent the next 3 months in physical therapy. What I've learned is that people either have the body to run or they don't. It is preferrable to have been running most of your life than to begin at 37 years old and that there is a runner's high. It kicked in for me around 8 miles every time. You feel like you can run forever. And seriously...the only way you finish is because of that last surge of adrenalin. It feels sooooo good to cross the finish line. It looks like you had a blast!!
I attended the Boston Marathon when I was there on my mission. To see the first guys across the finish line was something else! I started running after my mission and even did a few 10ks. But then winter came in Utah, and I stopped running. Now that was a few years back and I can not even remember what it was like to run. I remember that I really liked it. I just can't bring myself to trying it again! Maybe I need to attend another marathon! Let's be honest, until Lila sleeps through the night, my whole life feels like a marathon! Until then-I'll always have that summer when I was a runner! Those gals are all inspiring! Glad you had fun! And still so jealous you live in BEAUTIFUL MASS!
Incredible...thanks for sharing this. I've never run or watched a marathon but am always SO impressed with people who have the drive and fortitude. I know you had fun!!
So, if you're going in November, that gives you 6 months to train. : )
I don't run, but wish I did. Never could run.
But I could dance. (hey, isn't that an old song?)
Looks like a fun time!
I can't imagine running to our front door--let alone a marathon, even when I was in my prime! I do know it is exciting being there and watching it all happen. However,I'd be on the sidelines with my camera, a diet Pepsi and a little bag of choc. do-nuts cheering them on!!
Glad you got to visit with your best friend!! L, Dana
Nikki WOW what amazing new and old friends you have! I couldnt begin to run even the 5K, not even if my life depended on it. Walking it would be a stretch for me, that is sad to admit, but probably true. Have a great week! Sue
I am always kinda jealous of runners. How on earth do you fall in love with that...I have runner envy.
Amazing is the word! Congrats to everyone who even attempted that race, my hat is off to all of them.
Makes me think *again* about getting up off my computer chair...sigh...maybe tomorrow. LOL
I MIGHT make it out of the starting line, but I'd drop down dead right there, sugar! Trust me. You'd have a great laugh........Oooooooooh
xoxo,
Connie
My favorite part is the mysterious photographer. Hmm....
She is a great inspiration at 50. Woo Hoo. That is just great. I hope you realize how blessed you are to be surrounded by such great friends. How fun for you. I know you are though.
Wow that really IS amazing!! I can't even run a full minute without dying. Good job ladies!
Amazing lady, your friend, but then I think anyone who runs marathons is amazing!
Amazing too, that you guys have been friends for so long, I really envy people who have childhood friends!
I admire those who can run marathons. Even those who can get out and run daily or almost daily. I would collaspe if I tried that.
Wow - I am impressed with your friend - I am puffing after a 2 mile walk with Bentley and can not imagine "RUNNING" a 5 K much less a full marathon.
Go - girl go and good for you for keeping in such great shape.
Have a fun week with your friend.
Blessings,
Erin and Bentley
Loved seeing your friend running. She is in great shape. I can't imagine running, anywhere!!!
Come on, Nikki! When do you start training??? Like you, I need chocolate, or at the very least, a Coke - plus the guy with the knife. I do my 30 minutes on the treadmill thinking I'm going to die any minute. Sally
Your friend looks like a special lady, runners look great dont they? I have to get back into it, my husband ran a marathon once, we're all very proud of him, LMAO at the chocolate and the knife motivation, hey, whatever works right?
Gasp! Quick, I need some water! That's an impossible trip for me to even READ about.
I'm exhausted just reading about all the running!!
Way to go girls for doing the marathon!!!
I never met a skinny runner I didn't like....
My mom always told me growing up: "Well, you never see a fat person running around the neighborhood!"
--I think she was hinting something.
growing up in boston area, I attended every Marathon and handed oranges and waters to the participants.
a friend in college trained and ran it in 4 hours. then hurled all over the dorm room for the next 4 hours.
I give anyone who even attempts it a big Woot Woot!
That's awesome. I was out of breath just reading this...there is no way I could ever accomplish something like that. I'd be in intensive care for about a month afterwards!
Sounds and looks like you guys had an awesome visit! Thanks for sharing it with us!
BTW, I miss you around the asylum, but i know you've been busy!
WOW WOW WOW!!
I am so impressed and jealous! My goal is Boston next year!!
Oh I so hear you Nikki, I feel unless my life is in danger there is NO need to run... I do love to walk though....and oh my can I TALK I wish there were contests for that I'd win hands down LOL
So glad you had a nice time with your friend...I just love Boston :)
Kathy :)
ps I am finally no longer the Susan Lucci of Blogland, I won note cards from Fifi....woo hoo !!
And I'm freaking out because of a
5K race next week, I feel sooo....lame.
Your friend is inpsiring me to stop whining & just run the dang race!
Wow, how neat!
What a great talent to have.
I'm worn out just reading this post. If you ran with her, who would cheer her on and take her picture??
Nice hands and cute shirt. heh.
Congrats Vero and Lori! I'm exhausted from just reading this post about running. Ran a 5K once. And then I came to my senses ;-)
WOW! Way to go, LORI! I love the pictures. And your humor. YOU rock :)
That is AMAZING, I've never been able to run more than a few miles without wimping out, tee hee. You go girls...and how fun to reconnect with an old friend!
Jamie :-)
So excited she broke her record time and can do it again next year. I ran the Bay to the Breakers race in San Francisco twice and that was enough for me. I am like you in that I need a crate of sweets to motivate me to ever do that again. What was I thinking????
Joyce
You are a real tease you know! Is tht the closest you've got to a picture of you on here? I'm glad you enjoyed watching the marathon. I bet it's better than running it!
Hats off to anyone running a marathon. I didn't realize that about the hills of the Boston Marathon. Guess I would if a marathon was in my future but ... I'm still struggling with 10k's.
Wow! Hats off to your friends. I always admire those who have the tenacity and determination to run marathons. I have several friends who do. They are in the most incredible shape, too! Congrats to them all!
Wow. I think I am more like you a big box of chocolate in front and someone chasing me might get me to run. It is so amazing to me that some people can run like that.
I think it is amazing that people can run a mile much less 26 miles. I couldn't even run that if someone was chasing me with a knife - Holy Smokes!! What incredible shape your BFF must be in!! So COOL!!
I love your scrolling sign - Way to go :D
ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT!
Between the pics of LACEY and the Miracle Marathon Mamas, I am convinced. I need to put down the Corona (AND the fritos) and hit the treadmill! Arrrrrggggggg....you're a mean motivator!
Hey, good photo! Do you think you could come and take our group pic when I run my first marathon. It could be as early as June if the marathon is to the mailbox and back!
♥,Lilly
Oh com'on, did you HAVE to put a little disquise over your face..I mean over the photographers face?
My friend is going to be running in a marathon. I think she's crazy and have since been looking at mental institutes to check her into. I'll let ya know if I find any good ones.
More power to them - I couldn't run from here to my freezer filled with ice cream. But it looks like you all had fun. ~ Robyn
Greata big KUDOS go to your friends. Ahtletes really are amazing and inspiring . I LOVE WATHCING THEM. I would never be able to run that long, too many potty breaks would put my WAAAAAY behind.
A-MAY-zing!!
I'd be with you on the sidelines. Eating my chocolate chip cookies.
Oh wait. I can't eat those. I'm on a diet. Damn.
I KNOW exercise is good for me. I just have such a hard time with it. Whenever I feel like running I just lie down until the feeling goes away. Mimi
WOW~ this is inspiring....true dedication. Thank you for sharing. :)
THanks Nikki that makes me feel a bit better about our August trip to Sedona, lol. We are going with friends so it will be fun no matter what I am sure! Sue
LOL...I agree Nikki, you know how on dog shows they have the sporting breeds and the non-sporting breeds, well, I too am of the latter type!
So glad you had a nice time with your BFF. Hey, that unknown photographer looks slightly familiar...hmmmmmm...
Great story and photos. Runners always inspire me :).
Cool stuff! I don't know how runners do it sometimes....i get outta breath just walking to the mailbox....oops! I don't think that's good.....
Have you seen "St. Ralph"? It's the best movie in the world. It's about a kid who decides to make a deal with God and tries to win the Boston Marathon. It's Canadian (which makes it an international film, and therefore more desirable).
Running?? is that acutally a thing to do unless being chased?? UGH my hats off to them for their amazing achievements;) French
That's amazing! Kudos to them!
I've always wanted to run a marathon... but obviously not bad enough since I can't even get myself to run to the mailbox.
Hello Nikki, All I can say is WOW. Running is to me, is a painful thing to do. I admire runners so much. Kudos to your friend and to her friend. Awesome, and your post is a terrific tribute to them both. Go Lori and Vero!!!!
Hugs...Jeanne
Okay..they would have to scrape me off the pavement with a snow shovel after the first mile....Bravo to these incredible women!!
I just ran (really ran/walked... ok, ok.... mostly walked) my first 5K this past Saturday. I'm signed up to do another in two weeks.
You are a good friend!
I'm not a runner either but my husband is. He's run a 1/2 marathon and many 5k's so I know that adrenaline rush you feel for your friends. Congrats to your wonderful friends accomplishments!
Thank you Nikki for your help with our NYC trip. Loved the bus tours!
Sharon
Your best friend seems like she's a great woman, and athlete! It's terrific that you were there to cheer her on. That's what girlfriends do! :)
I admire people who run like that, while at the same time question their sanity, lol!
Wowee, look at Lori. She looks fabulous and even after running!!!!!!!!! Geez, I don't look that good on my best day. Where was all the sticky sweat?
And Vero? Holy crap, she rocks!!!!!!!!!!! They'd have to take me away in a body bag by mile 2.
I'm pissed you didn't post any pics of yourself dammit.
Justine :o )
And there is me that hates to even walk up a hill, let alone run up one after having jogged for 16 miles. Are they all mad or what?
Great friends you've got - you are blessed, Nikki
Woo Hoo for the runners! Your friends are wonderful and Mr. Precious would love to read this post! He runs in the Houston marathon each Jan. I think they're all crazy too!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
p.s. - Shoot! You covered your gorgeous face and I can't see it! :P
I bet we live really close to each other! I usually ditch town on Boston Marathon days since I live 2 miles from the start line!
My friend's hubby ran it for the first time this year. He said he learned one thing.....he will never do it again! LOL
Your friend did awesome! Congrats!
Well hello again! Just wanted to let you know that I gave you a little shout out for the gift you sent me! You can either go to my main blog and click on the "Enjoying" button on my sidebar, or just go here:
http://grandpoobaenjoying.blogspot.com/2009/05/prize-i-won-at-nikki-crumpets.html
Thanks again! You're awesome!
I'm confused! I thought today was WEdnesday. I knew I was OFF on Wednesday this week, so I slept IN! I took the pups to the vet, because their appts were on Wednesday. I planned on watching the American Idol results show tonight...Wednesday. But I sat down to check your "I Wish Wednesday" segment and it wasn't there!!! Oh no! It must be Tuesday instead! I am SO FIRED!
♥,Lilly
Amazing this group is....I wish I could say I have done that...my next door neighbor Dane has been running them all over the place and last weekend did a half ironman...crazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzy! He leaves tomorrow for the finale on the BIGGEST LOSER...I really admire these people who do this...
someday maybe...right now if I ran anywhere my butt would be slapping me in the back of the head...and I don't need that!
Now, that's one heck of a cool lady!
Super cool friend! Wow and her other friends look wonderful also. I wish I could run a block! That is just way too cool and inspiring! They sure had a great hostess!
I had to laugh at how you would be running...I'd have to concur. ;) Your friends ROCK! :)
A good friend of mine flew out to run the Boston marathon! It amazes me that anyone would want to run that far either.
But how cool that you are still friends with your 6th grade BFF!
Those women rawkkkkkkkkk. HOW cool! I adore your kitchen lady. cherry
I don't run either----ever.
But you MUST go on over to my blog and hopefully----come to the blogging get-together!
Food, antiques, people watching---fun, fun, fun!
Those were awesome Nikki! I wish I could have been there too, but only to give you a BIG HUG!!! I am thrilled that you and Mom had such a great time!!! LOVE YA!!
P.S. You are right, my Mom is a little sick in the head, but we all love her anyway- what does that say about us!?! {sick enablers, that's what we are} :)
I am with you on the marathon thing. I used to jog and tried a
5K after which I almost threw up. I'll be fighting you on that chocolate cake thing. (Can do without the bloody knife though!)
Fantastic! :)
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