By Jeff Slovin, Contributing Writer
Kristen McIsaac, 51, Northborough, running her eleventh marathon
How many marathons have you run?? How many times have you run Boston?
Running Boston this year will be my 11th Marathon.? I ran Boston in 2002 as a bandit; 2013 as an official runner and will run again this April.
Has this winter's weather affected your training routine?? If so, what have you done to cope with it?
This winter has been a bit of a challenge, I have had to plan my runs strategically to work around the ice and snow.? I am so fortunate to have met other runners in town who have inspired me, pushed me to be a better runner and kept me focused throughout the winter. ?I look forward to my long runs now knowing I am in great company.
If you are fundraising, what organization are you raising money for??
Though I am not running for a charity, I am playing a supporting role to those who run with me.? The group of runners in town who have been training with me are raising funds for Project Hope, Special Olympics, Cradles to Crayons and Boston Medical Center.
If you ran Boston last year, what was your experience with what happened?
I was less than a half-mile away from the bombings.? My husband and friends were at the finish line waiting for me when the bombs went off which scared me when I heard what took place.
The experience was surreal; it did not hit me until I got home and watched it on the news and the days following the event. It was very sad time for our nation and to watch it unfold was a bit overwhelming.? I try to focus on the positive side of the tragedy; how the world came together to support our city, the outpouring of love given to those injured and the amazing support given to those who had to stand brave to pick up after the event to keep us safe.
Why are you running Boston this year?? What does it mean to you?
Running Boston this year means a lot to me – it is about celebrating life and honoring those who lost their lives last year or were tragically hurt by the bombings. It is a sign of resilience and hope for the future. It is also about finishing a race that I started in 2013 and reaching a personal goal of completing 10 marathons.
Do you have an interesting marathon related story you wish to share?
Shortly after the 2013 race, I wrote a blog for my friends and family which captured the essence of the range of emotions felt on that day and afterwards. In addition, I had my 2013 Boston Marathon Jacket embroider to honor the victims.? My plan is to have this same jacket embroidered after this marathon, which states “Finished the race in 2014!”
You can read more about the story of Kristen's Boston Marathon tribute jacket here:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/kristen-mcisaac/finding-a-new-reason/4699833413697
Photos/submitted