2008 Women Finishers

Boston Banter

by Karen Beaulieu

It's midnight Tues. night and all I want to do is go to bed but I have been roped into sending this off to you guys. My connecting flight to Sudbury was cancelled several times due to malfunctions so I did not get back til 8:00 pm. They finally find another plane for us then announce that this too has problems but it is passed for flight but we have to stay at 6000 ft as the defroster is not working for the windshield.
I was not left with a warm fuzzy feeling after hearing that but also just wanted to get the heck home. At that point even Vince could have flown me home in those 2 seaters.

Boston was great as always and we had a blast. The weather was great but it really was not supposed to be so sunny therefore we got very sunburned. Stephanie had the most unique burn as only one side of her face was burnt....must have been because she wanted to show her best side for the cameras. Of course people were skeptical of my running the whooole race with Monique and Christine and the bets were on that I would fly the coop around the 20 mile mark. On the bus ride Monique made the fatal mistake of betting me I would bail...the stakes were high and rising as all ears were tuned to the conversation. The final bet was if I stayed then we would run an upcoming Ultra in May and if Monique won then we would continue to be slugs and not do it.

I must admit that after heartbreak hill it was a challenge to stay focused on my prize. But the trail god from above did not let me falter and his hand came down from the heavens and stroked my quads and whispered to me "you must not fail grasshopper" it was all the encouragement I needed. I must admit that the Boston College kids also helped to put that nail in Monique's coffin. Those guys are awesome and I'm sorry but I like them better than the Wellesley girls. If I turn for the other team then I may change my mind guys.

Christine did awesome!! She was the little engine that could. Steady, steady, steady... She did have a little black cloud hovering over her head at about the 23 mile mark(this gave her some protection from the sun as she was not as red as Monique or I) and this caused her to become a little grumpy :) It did not help that I chose to take her picture during this dark period so she could reflect on it later. Did I mention that I was the official photographer for Christine? I thought it would be great for her album. Monique very quietly pulled me aside and said to give her space. What! I was a good paparazzi though and did not want her to have a Britney Spears moment so space she got. She will thank me for that picture later. We had a lot of fun taking pictures and I hope they all turn out.

I did not think the crowds were as boisterous as the other times we were there but that may be due to the fact that they were so busy screaming for Diane and Steph that by the time we rolled around they were hoarse and tired. Next time you two need to stay behind us. Monique and I ran through the tunnel made by the B.C. kids which was so fun ( no tunnel at Wellesley College) but because Christine was still dark here she missed that. (next time) I was not allowed any more photo ops. She is such a trooper that she pulled herself out of the abyss and was all smiles which is how we ended it.

It was a privilege (is that spelled right) to run with Christine and I hope she allows me to do it again ( only a little faster next time ok) I loved being her paparazzi and think I have missed my calling in life. I forgot to mention the other highlight of my Boston experience (not to be repeated) I think it was around the 8 mile mark when a gift fell from the heavens...a seagull crapped on me. I was so grossed out and this man was kind enough to wipe off my back. He did insist that it was a sign of good luck but I did not agree. That was nasty but other people thought it was quite humorous. I hate seagulls!
Now we have to think about that trail hmmmmmmmm...

Success and Thanks from a First Timer

by Christine Delahunty

What seems like forever ago, Brent and Shawn ran with me to help me get to the start line in Hopkinton. On Monday, Monique and Karen ran with me to help me get from Hopkinton to the finish line in Boston. I am amazed and extremely grateful at how supportive and encouraging you all were, especially in the darker moments around 24 miles, where it seemed impossible to turn my brain off and my legs on. A huge thank you for being such great friends, and helping me achieve a long time goal of mine - finishing the Boston Marathon. We started together, we finished together, and had a whole lot of fun in between.

The weekend was a huge success for all of the Sudbury Rocks!! group - congratulations to all! Also, a special thanks to Sheila, Maureen, and Terry for being fantastic support for us. You girls are truly special.

Best of luck to any other Rocks!! training this year to qualify for the "holy grail" of marathons. It is definitely worth of effort. Victory is sweet, Boston is salty!