Monday, April 21, 2008 - The weather was absolutely perfect today, and Mady, Chris, Julia and I made our way to Mile 20 of the marathon route... just before the infamous Heartbreak Hill. We were on a corner with hundreds of other yellow-shirts supporting the MassGeneral Hospital for Children marathon runners.
We were looking for: Tracie Munzert, Kwan Kew Lai, Lance Armstrong, Matt Damon, and Katie Holmes. Tracie is an MGH nurse who was running the marathon in Mady's name, and we got to meet her last night at the Seaport for a big carb-loading-dinner for the MGH runners and the kids for whom they're running. She told us that she had easily exceeded her goal for donations in Mady's name... thanks to all of you who pledged! She also said she was hoping to finish the race in under four hours. Kwan was running in Mady's name for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
I think I might've caught a glimpse of Lance Armstrong early on in the race, but I'm pretty sure that Matt and Katie were no-shows. Sadly, we didn't spot Kwan, but we did see Tracie as she flew by, en route to a 3 hour 53 minute finish! Congratulations Tracie!
Mady was feeling pretty good today (lucky, since we had quite a hike from the parking to the race). We basked in the sun, saw all the elite runners (including Robert K. Cheruiyot, the Kenyan runner who won the race again this year with a time of 2:07:46), and got to cheer Tracie and Kwan... a nice day in Boston. Oh, and... happy Patriot's Day!
10 comments:
Looks like you all had a great time! I help sponsor another runner at Boston, this guy who is a long time Camp Lawrence guy. Another friend walked to the course and snapped a couple photos of Lance and a few others.
Glad to hear that Mady and the rest of your clan had a good time watching the race today. Live Strong, indeed!
We wish we were there with you today cheering on Tracie, Kwan, and even Lance (though he doesn't really need it!). I am going to run the Big Sur Marathon next weekend: in memory of our good friend, Marty, who died of a brain tumor two years ago; in support of Rhoda's brother who just finished his chemo and radiation treatments for throat cancer; and especially for Mady -- Live Strong!
Tom & Rhoda
I have goose bumps! xo, ahc
Loved this post! Thanks for the update. David and I both say hi.
Kathy
Wonderful to see you out in the sun, cheering the marathon runners! Also, congratulations to Tracie and Kwan for making great time for Mady. We love you for being there! XXXXOOOOGP&E
Great to see your smiling faces enjoying the day in the sun!!!
Ill dedicate my run today to all of you!!!
Especially Maddy and Julia.!
the two strongest girls i Know!
(I can say that even though I never met you!)
WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH! J,T,F
hi Chris and Trey, My brother Mike just made his time to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Dan's nephew, Brandon, will be qualifying here soon-his first ever marathon was the Whidbey Island marathon in which his friend Craig-a regular BM runner advised to start off slow and pace-which he did but in the end wished he'd run his normal pace. He missed his BM qualifying time by minutes. If they (Mike and Brandon-and Craig) all run the BM next year (2009), Dan and I may try to come support them. We'd love to se you.
Love and prayers, LaurieC & Dan
Hi, I didn't know that Mady was out there cheering for us, otherwise I'd look for her. I had her picture taged to my jersey. Mady is my hero for this run.
I fractured my right femur 2 to 3 miles from the finish line but made great time this year. At half marathon, my time was 2 hrs and 16 mins and the last recorded time was at 35k, 4 hrs and 4 mins.
I'm recuperating at home but admire your patience, Mady. God bless you.
I may train to run again if I'm around in the States.
Kwan Kew
I wanted to thank you Mady and your family from the bottom of my heart for all the support you gave me during the marathon. It meant so much to me to be able to meet you all the night before the race. It was more rewarding than running the race the next day. With this daily Blog, and your participation in all these fundraisers, you have managed to turn your misfortune into an inspiration for thousands of kids fighting this disease. With all the strength and spirit you each have, Cancer does not stand a chance against you. Thanks again Mady, and keep smiling, it lights up the room!
Tracie Munzert
P.S. I think I need some instruction on how to post the pictures! I have some great shots!
Post a Comment