Going into the race, I knew I would be able to put out a solid effort just based on my overall fitness, but I didn’t have no real expectations. Besides, with it being my first time doing this race, I don’t have any history with it. Luckily, I got a chance to ride the bike route once a few weeks prior. It felt comfortably hard and not as bad as I thought. I’ve ran the run course dozens of times prior so I know that part very well. And for the swim, with it being in a harbor, I knew it would at least be calm waters early in the morning and the water temp will be whatever the water temp wants to be.

When I say that training has gone by the wayside, it definitely has. I love racing hella much, but I love Joni more obviously. Running and the gym have always been my source of therapy; something I use to release stress. Joni’s cancer diagnosis definitely has me releasing stress out on the roads & trails and clanging & banging at the gym! But I just don’t have the mental capacity to stick to something regimented and strict right now. So I’ve been listening to my body and doing what I can.

Everything you wanted to know about how the 2021 Boston Marathon went. Where to stay, places to eat, the expo experience and the race itself.