Reflecting on Boston

Over the last week, I have been reading articles about all different people’s experiences with last year’s Boston Marathon. They have been sad and uplifting all at the same time and have made me glad I am part of the larger running community. Today, many people I knew ran and spectated at the 2014 Boston Marathon. I loved seeing all the photos and runners updates on Facebook. It made me feel a part of the day even from afar.

My year in running

I started my journey really last November, but it was my joining Team in Training for the spring season in January that really changed my life. I was introduced to running using intervals and life took off from there including my first triathlon experience. I know the roads & hills of Central Park as well as the Hudson Greenway. I have run across bridges including GW, Brooklyn & Randalls' Island and run on islands... Manhattan, Randalls Island, Roosevelt Island, in Walt Disney World and lots of other fun places while traveling... San Diego, Denver, Sacramento and more. I have run in a tutu and wings, all bundled up for winter and super early and in a lot less for summer. I ran 5 half marathons, 2-10ks, 1-5k, 1-4 milers and completed one sprint triathlon. Some races were faster and some were slower. Some were in the heat and humidity and some were nice and chilly. All had amazing moments and tough ones.

• Fastest half marathon: Boston BAA 2:50:17
• Most challenging (TIE): Chanukkah Half - "running" into the wind for half a race is killer & Iron Girl - I finished but just barely
• Coolest route: Wine & Dine Half at Disney World - ran through Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios with the Christmas lights and Epcot
• Most Historical: New York Mini 10K - all women for more than 40 years

Here is a recap of my major events for the year:

I also want to thank everyone who has helped me on my journey: from my first pace leader Jessica to my amazing coaches Barb, Ellen and Christine plus so many more coaches & training partners: Wendy, Laura, Kit, Sara, Maria, Terri, Rachel, Sarah (sorry to those I did not list) from Team in Training; from all who have cheered me on both in person, Jonathan (who flew to MCO from SAN just to cheer on his sister at her first half marathon), Corie (the best sign maker ever who also got up at long before the crack of dawn to drive me to my first triathlon & came to Disney for fun and cheering) & Mark (who drove up to see me in my first triathlon) to all those who have cheered me on virtually not just for races but also for training runs; also to my amazing online running groups (PP and MRTT) - many ladies whom I have now met in person and who are wonderful people and new friends and who I got to run with in different locals: Andrea, Dorie, Rosie, Amanda, Judi, Nancy, Sarah, Beth and more I am forgetting right now.

Next up... my goals for 2014! What are your goals?

BAA Half... one week later

Last Sunday, I ran the Boston Athletic Association's half marathon. [Yes the same people who put on the Boston marathon.] It was an amazing experience all the way around.

Saturday after my bus ride up, I got to have dinner with 2 wonderful women from my online running group. It was my first time meeting them in person which was great. I did not sleep well that night, not actually falling asleep till 3:30 am, but thankfully my good night before and the adrenaline helped.

I had a great race. Waking not too early since I was only 1 mile away from the start and having my breakfast. I headed over to the race start and found ran into my friends as I checked my bag and picked up my race t-shirt.

The race was an amazing experience. Weather cool but good. I got into a groove and really was able to hold my effort level pretty steady through the race in the end. First half was a bit faster due to the downhills. Was a bit worried after mile 8 if I could keep it up, but was running near a couple of women and wound up finish the last couple of miles with one of them. We kept each other going especially through those back uphills in the out & back course through the end. We did get a quick run through the Franklin Park Zoo before the race ended on the track at the stadium. Nice and cushy ending.

Through the Zoo

Almost Finished

My finish time 2:50:17 beat my previous PR by over 20 minutes. And my pretty medal!

I credit my wonderful coaches and training partners with helping me to up my fitness level through the season. Now a few down weeks and then off to Disney for Wine & Dine which I am running for Team in Training. Please consider supporting my efforts: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/advent14/dvorageller