Epilogue

We took our time getting packed and ready for the trip home on Tuesday morning. I went out for a short walk and visited with some other runners, who were easily identified by their characteristic hobbling gait and/or marathon-related clothing. We visited with a few more runners at the airport and I sat next to a young (28-30 or so) man on our flight to Washington who had not only run the marathon but had previously completed an Ironman Triathalon. All but one agreed that the hills cost them in one way or the other. Only one woman said that she felt good in the last six miles, the portion after most of the hills had been navigated.

It was back to work today and I spent some time telling the tales from the trip and the run. There are a few who think I'm crazy but another couple who both have the goal of completing a marathon.

The Boston experience - including the fundraising, the training, the trip and the race - will be something that I'll always remember. I'm deeply grateful to all of my friends, relatives, colleagues and former colleagues who supported my fundraising efforts. This wasn't something I was sure I could accomplish but thankfully met and actually exceeded my goal of raising $7000 for the Melanoma Foundation.

Where will my running shoes take me next? That, I can't answer. During the last three miles of the race, I told myself, "never again." But, does never really mean never? I don't know, at least not with respect to running marathons. I'm going to relax for this week, get back on the road next week and see where that road leads me.