17 Miles ended with a milkshake

 

I know, I'm insane with the photo taking, but someone has to document this journey, it might as well be me!  the first couple of photos were of the Bottom Line marathon team anxiously waiting to aboard the buses from Riverside T to take us into Natick/Wellesley, MA to start our ambitious 16-17 mile run! It was sponsored by the Boston Children's Hospital. I got to meet so many other amazing people running for different causes.  The runners that dressed up in the spirit of Valentine's Day were the "Liver Lovers" from the Liver Foundation.  

I ran through Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brighton, Brookline, Boston and ended at the finish line! The buses dropped us off at mile 9, so when I got to Heart Break Hill, we already did several miles of hills, but I didn't stop to walk. Although my run was turning into more of a shuffle, I didn't quit!!  I "hit the wall" when I got to mile 16, my muscles were cramping up and getting really tight. I had to stop to stretch the legs a few times, which helped me be more limber.  I am definitely a hell of a lot stronger than I was back in October! Afterward, a few of us Bottom Line folks rewarded ourselves with burgers and I got a chocolate milkshake at my favorite joint, Pour House!

This was one of my best runs, in that when I finished I as beaming with pride that I successfully ran 17 miles.  I didn't give up and no negative thoughts clouded my mind. I ran about 10:40/mile.