Until tonight, I hadn't been sure of where to begin my final post for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge 2014 season. It has been an incredible journey over the last 2 years full of tears and smiles. Words absolutely cannot express the gratitude for the support of all of you as I have run mile after mile, asked for donations to support innovative cancer research and continued on this journey to the finish line that was much longer than anticipated.
When I started this blog in December of 2012, I titled it "Journey to the Finish Line". Indeed- what a journey it has been. First came the realization that I signed up to run a marathon that required a winter training regimen…in Boston. Yes, I know, the Minnesotan should be prepared for this, but I was used to being on an ice rink in the winter not out running double digit miles in the snow and cold! Early on the training tested my physical strength and discipline to stick to the training schedule our DFMC coach Jack Fultz provided us. Next came the challenge of raising the minimum of $4,000 for charity. That's where all of you wonderful people come in. What first seemed like an impossible goal was easily surpassed by the time I crossed the starting line on April 15, 2013. You all helped me raise over $5,000 to support the Claudia Adams Barr Program at Dana-Farber- I was left speechless by your generosity. I was at the starting line that day thinking the hardest part of my journey was complete. No one could have anticipated the tragic events that occurred that day and those memories and emotions will forever be a part of me.
There was no doubt in my mind of what I had to do next. I accepted the entry given to me by the BAA for not finishing the marathon, but I also applied to be a part of the DFMC 2014 team as well. I had a race to finish and the only way I wanted to get there was to be a part of the group that got me to the starting line. You all supported me along the way and helped me raise nearly $10,000 in total between my two seasons with the DFMC- wow! What an incredible difference you have all helped make in the fight against cancer.
I am pleased to announce that the 2014 DFMC team raised over 8 million dollars to directly fund innovative cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Yes, you read that right- 8 MILLION DOLLARS!!! Again, words cannot express how thankful I am for all of you and your generous donations. Together we all truly make a difference with every single donation! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Now, I know some of you are wondering how the actual run went. The atmosphere at the Boston Marathon this year was indescribable. As many have said, we took our race back. From the start to the finish the crowd was amazing. Signs reading "Boston Strong" lined the streets and spectators cheered us on the whole way. The spirit behind the marathon was there beyond anything I have witnessed at a road race before. As I turned down Hereford nearing Boylston Street (where the finish is), I had to slow down because I was tearing up due to a combination of sadness thinking of the year prior and happiness because I was so close to the finish line. A lovely gentleman caught my eye and saw my struggle and started a slow chant "Sarah…Sarah…Sarah…". Soon, about 15 people had joined in chanting my name- of course I started tearing up even more, but I picked my speed up and made my way to that left turn on to Boylston. What a glorious site Boylston street is when you turn left and see the finish line downhill in front of you. It didn't seem real- that finish line, the end of a two year journey, months and months of training….all about to be over. A sense of relief and accomplishment washed over me as I crossed that finish line. I had made it.
Nearing the finish...
Made it!
I couldn't have done it without the support of all of you. Whether you donated, cheered me on, ran with me, cried with me or just liked a Facebook status, you all helped me make this dream of mine to run the Boston Marathon come true while raising funds to help continue the fight against cancer. While I will not be running next season, I hope to be on the sidelines cheering on the runners and volunteering for Dana-Farber. My life has been changed by this organization and I am so honored to be a part of the DFMC family.
Thank you all again for helping us come closer to a cure and following me on this journey! See below for more pictures from the race and check presentation :)
-S
My dad was able to come cheer me on in person this year!
Pre race in Hopkinton
Ready to run!
They had the Red Sox World Series trophies and ring at our check presentation- I couldn't resist trying it on!
