Boston marathon report

My friend and fellow musician-triathlete Dorian Ramirez flew up to Boston this week to cheer for her brother in the Boston Marathon. I thought you might be interested in Dorian’s perspective. Thanks Dorian.

“It was well worth the hassle of taking a 6:00am flight to Boston the morning after our concert! Luckily the weather cooperated and I arrived on time to wet and cold conditions. I met my brother and his girlfriend at the convention center and we went to the Expo for a few hours to check out all of the merchandise, then back to the hotel to watch the weather channel to try and gauge the conditions for race day. Early Monday we headed to the race start in Hopkinton with heavy rain, wind and a forecasted 44 degree high. We arrived early enough to get a nice parking spot near the start line and close to the portable toilets (very important) and decide on what clothing should be worn (shorts or tights??). This year the race start was moved early to 10:00am and there were two wave starts. My brother was in the 1st corral so I went up to the front and got to see all of the elite men going to the start line. Around start time the rain let up, but it was still cold and windy. It was something to see all of the trash bags and rain ponchos that had been covering everyone fly through the air.

“After watching all of the runners start, I hopped into the car and drove into Boston to park near the finish line. I was able to watch the elite women and the elite men coming in to the finish and the crowds were unbelieveable...lining both sides of the street and cheering. I worked my way back from the finish, past Boston College to mile 21. I was able to see my brother, but he was concentrating so hard and I couldn't yell loud enough for him to see me. I then worked my way back to the finish line in thick crowds that at times were not even moving. The City of Boston is to be commended on the race. It seemed as if the whole town was interested in the race. Numerous times strangers stopped to ask if we were there for the marathon.

“This was my brother's 15th year to run the marathon. He did well and I was certainly impressed with his time of 3:03. (My goal is to run just one mile at his marathon pace!) His girlfriend also did extremely well at 3:48 (this was her 2nd year to run the race). I'm so proud of what they accomplished. I know it took a lot of hard work and dedication. I had such a great time. It's going to be hard not to go watch it next year :)”