Run Waterloo blog is adding a new Running Story feature where we profile local runners who are doing extraordinary things, whether that is bucket list races, starting their first run programs or doing cool things in the local running community. If you think you know someone who should be featured or have a story to tell, send your recommendations to [email protected]. The first athlete in this series is Laura Richards who ran the Boston Marathon this spring! Congratulations, Laura! You made us proud.
Jeff Collins (left) and Laura Richards (right) pick up their race packages at the expo.
In October 2014 I found out I had been selected to run the Boston Marathon through a program at work. Never in a million years did I think I’d run a marathon – that’s way too far!
With a lot of excitement and a lot of doubts I began my training. I had never run over 14km so I had a lot to learn. Despite the cold winter days, training flew by with the support of my H+P teammates.
The night before the race I scrambled to find the perfect outfit. The forecast wasn’t looking as good as I had hoped. I didn’t adequately pack for cold weather. That night I started to get really nervous and had a really tough time sleeping.
The alarm went off at 4:45am. Race day was finally here! It was cold, wet, and windy not exactly what I had in mind for my first marathon. While nervously waiting to start, so many questions went through my head. Did I eat enough? Should I drink more water? Should I go to the bathroom one more time? Would I have enough gels to get through the race?
The morning flew by and before I knew it I was heading towards the start line! After 5 months of training I was off to run the longest distance I had ever run – 26.2 miles. The first 21km felt easy, however, it was at that point that a previous injury I had been dealing with flared up. I didn’t know if I could finish. I was almost ready to stop when I remembered just how much support my friends, family and teammates had given me – what would they think if I just gave up?
In pain, I pushed through to 30km where I met an amazing woman. She asked how I was doing and we started into a great conversation. She helped me to take my mind off the pain and concentrate on small goals. As we were running she mentioned she really wanted to requalify for 2016 but didn’t think she had the energy to do it. I looked down at my watch and realized we had more than enough time to get her across the line to requalify. She had helped me so I needed to help her. We made longer, faster goals and we got her across the line just in time. Crossing the finish line was a huge accomplishment for me.
Running the Boston Marathon was an amazing experience. I was surrounded by other amazing runners and cheering spectators the entire way. The energy that day from Hopkinton to downtown Boston was unreal.
While I never thought I’d run a marathon, running the Boston Marathon has made me think I might actually like to try this again….
