BOSTON MARATHON 2010

ALL DONE!! I had hoped to break 4 hours, but my final time of 4:07:55 is still a great accomplishment. Eight months ago, I honestly didn't know if I'd be able to finish the race, but I did so and did it well. THANK YOU, everyone, for making it all possible. My legs are sore and I've lost a couple of toenails, but it was all worth it. On behalf of Bay State Games, thanks again for all your support. Without all of you, I couldn't have done any of this.

In preparing for the big day, I logged enough miles that I could have run from the race start line in Hopkinton down to my home in Charlottesville...and back. In reality, I completed "long" training runs--which started at 4 miles, and gradually increased up to a peak of 21--in seven different states.

From the banks of the Charles River in Boston to the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia; over the rolling hills of Morristown, New Jersey, down along the Long Island Sound in Madison, Connecticut; navigating around the squares of downtown Savannah, Georgia, to brave the sun and wind of Vero Beach, Florida; and finally tiptoeing my way through snow and ice in my hometown of Charlottesville, hardly a state on the east coast has been safe from my running obsession.

FINALLY, I've accomplished my goal, and all of you are to thank. Best wishes to all of you; I hope to see you all soon.