blueeyedcaffeine

[blueeyedcaffeine]

Last week I ran the 122nd Boston Marathon in one of the worse weather conditions seen in decades for the race. It was 35 degrees at the start. The real feel was in the 20’s. The rain came down all day in buckets, buckets and more buckets. My sneakers were soaked hours before my start time. The wind gusted at my face at 30 mph the entire time. Dozens of Elite runners dropped out before or during the race. The “Did Not Finish” percentage almost doubled from prior years. The medical tents treated thousands for hyperthermia. As if the Wellesley Hills (Heartbreak Hill) weren’t bad enough, I had to concentrate on staying warm. While Boston was my slowest due to the conditions, it was by far my favorite race. I was smiling, cheek to cheek, the entire time. I was determined to not let the weather dampen (😉) my mood. This run was for my family and there was no way I was going to succumb to the conditions. I showed Mother Nature who’s in charge of me and I crossed that finish line the happiest I ever had crossed any finish line. So thank you to all who supported me. It was all of your love that pushed me through this once in a lifetime crazy weathered Marathon. (at Boston Marathon Finish Line)

[blueeyedcaffeine]

Race Day ~ 04/16/18 #Grateful

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 20 / Day 133 / Race Day

There was an article posted today that mentioned that the last time the Boston Marathon had seen weather like today was 40 years ago. It was around 35F this morning at 7:15am with heavy downpours. It was torrential storms the entire time. It would pour for 30 minutes and then just rain for 30 minutes and then pour again. That cycle repeated over and over again. Add to that the wind which was around 25mph east which meant a head wind. Quite the running condition.

But I refused to let it dampen my excitement. I was smiling the entire time. I was soaked before I even started and within the first few steps into the race my sneakers were flooded with water. But I made the best of it. I ignored how I felt and focused on my purpose in Running this race. Today marked my slowest marathon yet but I’m OK with that. Given the conditions thrown at my today, I kicked a$$.

But enough about me. Today’s blog is dedicated to all of YOU, my supporters. I couldn’t have done this without you. As of this afternoon I raised $11,525 for Team BIDMC’s Kidney Research Department. I am truly honored and humbled by all of the support.

More than anyone else though I must thank my husband. He is my rock. He is by far my biggest supporter. He kept me honest to my training. He helped me through my hard times and applauded my achievements. He helps me plan everything. He finds his way through a course to place himself exactly when he knows I’d need him most. I couldn’t do this without him.

Damian, you are my world. Thank you babe for your unconditional love and support. I know there are times when I don’t express my appreciation. I know there are times when I get snippy when you are just trying to help. But know love that I truly appreciate you and everything you do for me and that I get snippy because I know you are right and I’m just struggling to admit I’m wrong and you’re right. You are my world babe and I love you. Thank you.

And to my son who is also always there for me and/or Uber-ing his way around because I’m out doing my long runs, know son that my message to you besides that I love you is that you too can do anything you want to do! Never let anyone tell you that you can’t. Where there is a will there is a way. Skies the limit love.

[blueeyedcaffeine]

1 day to go ~ 04/15/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 19 / Day 133 / 1 day to go

Almost five months of training all comes down to tomorrow. 387 miles of training. I ran in the rain. I ran in the snow. I ran with heavy wind. I ran in zero degree weather. This was by far the hardest training I’ve done. I was pushed to get out of my comfort zone. I fell in love with Yoga. I came to appreciate the necessity for cross-training. I shared all the good and the bad with the world through daily blog posts...133 blogs to be exact. I shed tears...both of happiness and of frustration. Everything came down to running the marathon of a lifetime. The 122nd Boston Marathon.

I had to go buy extra layer and change my race gear. It’s going to be freezing and pouring tomorrow all day. The winds will be east at 25mph which means a head wind. I packed for rain but I hadn’t packed for temps dropping. The weather forecast got worse since Friday morning. But I refuse to let this weather dampen my excitement! This is what I trained for. It is what it is so all I can do is make the best of it and enjoy every minute.

This pre-race weekend ended with a perfect family dinner. I said this yesterday and I’ll say it again, I am truly blessed. So wish me luck! My next posting will be after I’ve crossed that finish line. Thank you all SO much for all of your support these past 20 weeks.

[blueeyedcaffeine]

2 days to go ~ 04/14/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 19 / Day 132 / 2 days to go

Day 2 at Boston and only 2 more days to go. Today was a perfect day! I got to see the B.A.A. 5k and also got to see parts of the Invitational One-Miler. The city is ready. Streets are closed. Signs everywhere. Thousands and thousands of runners and their families are hanging around the city. The energy so far is absolutely amazing.

This morning we went to pick up my bib at the Expo. I almost cried when I had the bib in my hands...it was so surreal. I’m running Boston in less than 36 hours. We tried to walk around the expo itself since yesterday we were in and out but it was a bit too crowded for me. I get very claustrophobic. So we left the expo and went to walk along Newbury Street to check out all the shops.

The next group of family cheerleaders, my son and my brother-in-law, sister-in-law and my nephews arrived this evening. The kids were just as excited to be here to watch me run as I am to have them here. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing support system. Rain or shine they are always there for me.

[blueeyedcaffeine]

3 days to go ~ 04/13/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 19 / Day 131 / 3 days to go

Hello from Boston! Where do I even start on my day? It has been non-stop and yet amazing! We left the house at 5am and got to Boston by 9:30am (after two pit stops). The first thing I wanted to do was to go to my office to see my co-workers who have been amazing cheerleaders. We took a group picture with the “big/fat heads” my husband made of my face. From there we went to the Expo and stood on a long public entrance line so that we can get to the Saucony Booth for the Dunkin Donut sneakers which I was able to get 😍😍😍. We walked around the Expo for a few minutes and then left, without bib pick up, to head to Sam Adams Brewery for a tour. The tour was super educational and I was shocked by the amount of tasting they give you. Of course my husband did all the tasting as a) I don’t drink beer and b) I’m running in 3 days and need to stay hydrated. After the tour we checked into our hotel which connects to a mall. At that point I needed a break so my husband went walking around the mall and I took a quick cat nap which I never ever do. We then went to an amazing French restaurant called Deuxave which was recommended by a dear friend. Folks, if you are ever in Boston and kid-less, you have to try Deuxave. It was absolutely amazing. The service was superb. The food amazing. The ambiance was exactly what we love. It was a perfect way to end day one of this amazing weekend. I’m truly blessed.

Tomorrow will be another day filled with adventures. I need to run a few miles and my husband will take a yoga class. We will then head back to the expo so that I can get my running material. Then some shopping on Newbury Street. And we’ll see where the day leads.

[blueeyedcaffeine]

4 days to go ~ 04/12/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 19 / Day 130 / 4 days to go

It has been a whirlwind today. I’m trying to find the energy to even write today’s post. I’m exhausted but need to stay awake as my son is at his junior prom and I need to pick him and his date up and drive her back home.

Tomorrow morning I’m officially heading up to Boston! I have a jam packed agenda tomorrow including visiting my office in Boston, attending the expo, a tour of Sam Adams Brewery, fine dining and so much more. I’ll be sure to take lots of pics and show you guys and blog about it.

Only 4 days to go...wow.

[blueeyedcaffeine]

5 days to go ~ 04/11/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 19 / Day 129 / 5 days to go

Rain, rain go away come on back another day, all my friends all want to play, rain, rain go away.

Here is Marathon Monday’s weather: “Cloudy with periods of rain. Becoming windy in the afternoon. High 56F. Winds SE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.”

So not only is it going to be pouring, but it’s also going to be windy. From what I’ve read the wind would be in our favor as it would be a tail wind not a head wind. At least it won’t be freezing so long as Sunday’s weather doesn’t move to Monday. The weather is also calling for rain on Sunday but the high will only be 40F.

Some folks say the weather can change. Maybe. But I always assume the worse and if it doesn’t rain then great. But if it does rain than at least I’m mentally prepared for it. I’ve trained in so many weather conditions and my last three marathons were hot, cold and raining. Chicago was sunny and hot. DC was 20 degrees with real feel in single digits and winds blowing at 20-25 mph. New York was about 50F but it rain the entire time; it wasn’t down pours but an annoying light rain. At least it won’t be snowing in Boston!

5 more days...

[blueeyedcaffeine]

6 days to go ~ 04/10/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 19 / Day 128 / 6 days to go

It felt like Christmas for me today. I received my running singlet for Team BIDMC. I also received a shirt I specifically ordered to wear this weekend which promotes Kidney Disease Awareness. And lastly I received an order of green ribbon temporary tattoos which I plan to wear race day on my face to continue to bring awareness to Kidney Disease. I am almost there you guys. The excitement has finally kicked in. So has the appetite...carb loading in full effect. 😁

[blueeyedcaffeine]

7 days to go ~ 04/09/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 19 / Day 127 / 7 days to go

Today’s message comes from my running coach. It was exactly what I needed to read this morning when I wasn’t feeling myself due to lack of sleep and a migraine. This message helped me stay focused. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did because it is spot on to exactly how I’ve felt and how I continue to feel. And for those of you who have followed my story since day one you’ll see a lot of references I’ve made in the past mentioned here.

“You have run so many miles. You’ve strengthened your running, your core, your flexibility, and your resolve. You’ve learned to trust your body, trust your form, and trust your training. You’ve pushed your body through seemingly endless miles, challenged but never stopped by whatever work, weather, or life threw your way - all to prepare yourself for the 122nd Boston Marathon, just 7 days from now. 

You’ve drawn inspiration from your team, your fellow runners, and your mission every week and you ran - over and over again. Hard runs, easy runs, long runs, cold runs, fun runs, fast runs, slow runs... Undeterred and focused on what is just a week away now. 

Take the opportunity to reflect back on all that you have done. Remember those dead legs after the first 15 miler? It got better, didn't it? Even though you didn't think you could... You stuck to it. You woke up every day expecting to get a little better. And, you did. 

Now, spring is here. Much has changed. From the nerves and apprehension of early December has come the excitement and anticipation of making your own historic journey one week from today. You're a different runner than you were 19 weeks ago. Over the past 130+ days, from your former self you have chiseled a marathoner, a body that is now fully prepared for the rigors of running from Hopkinton to Boston.”

[blueeyedcaffeine]

8 days to go ~ 04/08/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 18 / Day 126 / 8 days to go

It felt great running my last long run of my Boston Marathon training plan today. 8 miles on the dreadful treadmill but by choice this time. It was a perfect sunny day today. So why did I choose to run on a treadmill? Because it was cold and windy. The real feel this morning was 20 and it was super windy. I honestly just didn’t have it in me to layer up again and deal with cold and wind. So I chose to be selfish and run indoors where it was nice and warm. Right now the weather for Marathon day is calling for rain and a high of 45. I’ve trained in the rain. I’ve trained in the snow. I’ve trained in single digit temps with real feels of zero. I’ve trained in warmer temps. I’ve done it all. Now I leave it to faith to guide me through the finish line next Monday.

I am closing week 18 feeling amazing! And as a huge WWE fan, nothing better than closing this week watching Wrestle Mania. So far I’m 3-0 on those who I’m rooting for. Next year WrestleMania will be at the MetLife Stadium in NJ and as a NJ native, I will find a way to get myself a pair of tickets.

[blueeyedcaffeine]

9 days to go ~ 04/07/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 18 / Day 125 / 9 days to go

I cannot believe we have officially hit the single digit countdown! Only 9 more days. Things are really starting to sink in. Tomorrow is my last long run and it’s only 8 miles. Today I pulled a double duty. I went to Yoga this morning and had an intense 75 minute workout and then later in the afternoon I ran the planned 3 miles I had to run. I am wiped and am looking forward to falling asleep early tonight.

Today’s shared photo is just for humor. This is how I feel every Friday when people are asking me what my weekend plans are. I feel as if I only answer with “running” every single time. So when I saw this meme I thought it was perfect. Story of my life. Running. Running again. And running more.

[blueeyedcaffeine]

10 days to go ~ 04/06/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 18 / Day 124 / 10 days to go

One week from today I will be in Boston picking up my running packet at the Boston Marathon Expo.

I am so happy and grateful that I have the will, persistence and commitment to stay on track with and move closer to my goal. Every decision. Every moment. Every day.

[blueeyedcaffeine]

11 days to go ~ 04/05/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 18 / Day 123 / 11 days to go

Another 6 miles logged today. And tomorrow calls for rest day. Woohoo! I’m looking forward to my rest day as I’ve been going at it straight for the past 7 days.

Taper time is in full effect. I’m running better. I feel as if I’m running super slow yet apparently I’m running faster. I feel every ache and pain yet I’m really OK. I’m sleeping...a lot and yet still so tired. I’m running half the mileage yet I’m always starving.

Now if only I can keep all germs away. I’ve been surrounded by sick co-workers who seem to care less about sharing their germs in my office. I need to bubble wrap myself for this next week.

And then there is the weather. I know it’s too early to really know what the weather will be but right now it’s calling for rain. Rain the day before and rain the day of the race. I am praying that changes.

[blueeyedcaffeine]

12 days to go ~ 04/04/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 18 / Day 122 / 12 days to go

This picture describes my #RoadtoBoston journey. It started with a dream. The dream became reality with a date. That date led into a plan, my #RoadtoBoston plan. And that plan has been filled with exactly 122 days of actions. And in 12 more days that dream will come true.

[blueeyedcaffeine]

13 days to go ~ 04/03/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 18 / Day 121 / 13 days to go

Yesterday I wrote about distractions and how one chooses to handle distractions. Today I want to discuss limits specifically limiting yourself to what you only know or think you know. I now believe that limits only exist in your mind. “Now” is the key word there. If you would have asked me 19 or 20 weeks ago if I practice yoga, you would have gotten a “heck no” because I wasn’t a fan of it. If you would have asked me 19 or 20 weeks ago if I’d ever consider a personal trainer to help me crosstrain, I would have said “not worth the money.”

What I failed to realize is that I was limiting myself. I created these non-existent limits. If you go back to the first two weeks of my blog entries, you’ll read about my first couple of yogas classes and my first crosstraining session. I was nervous. I was scared of what I didn’t know (that “limit”). Yet here I am at week 18 of my Boston Marathon training program and I can’t go the week without a crosstraining session or even a yoga class. I didn’t go to Yoga last week so that I can get in some mileage and by the weekend I was dying to get into a class but didn’t get a chance to go. So today I chose not to run my 4-miles but instead go to Yoga. I needed to decompress. I needed to channel out all of the energy around me. For that one hour I needed to focus on me. And putting yoga aside, I physically feel the difference after 18 weeks of crosstrain. I don’t shrug me shoulders when running. I’ve gotten better at warm ups and stretching. I look forward to my sessions as I know I’m working on a better me.

So these limits that I thought I had were only in my mind. I am capable of anything, I just have to try. And the same goes to anyone who ever says to me “wow Noemi you’re running a marathon? I can’t even run down my block.” Yes you can! If you can walk you can run. If you can run a block, you can run a few blocks. If you can run a mile, you can run 3 miles. If you can run 3 miles you can run 13.1 miles (half). And if you can run a half marathon you most certainly can run a marathon! Do not ever limit yourself! Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits!

[blueeyedcaffeine]

14 days to go ~ 04/02/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 18 / Day 120 / 14 days to go

Distractions. Constant distractions can easily take over your day. How you choose to address those distractions is imperative to ensuring a successful day. My main focus, at the moment, is to stay focused. I am exactly two weeks away from running the Marathon of a lifetime. A marathon that thousands set as a personal goal to be able to run. A marathon that is just about impossible to get into. A marathon that has allowed me to share my story about my kidney disease. A marathon that I’m dedicating to my entire family.

My trainer kicked things up a notch today and I was determined. Physically I was tired. Mentally I was drained. But I’m a fighter. I will give it my all even when life is tossing a million distractions my way. Every day you have a decision to make. Will you give up, give in or give it your all? I choose all. What would you choose?

[blueeyedcaffeine]

15 days to go ~ 04/01/18 #TeamBIDMC #RoadtoBoston

https://www.crowdrise.com/bidmcboston2018/fundraiser/noemiperez2

Week 17 / Day 119 / 15 days to go

Taper time. Today’s long run called for 12 miles but I got in 10 miles. Given that it’s Easter and it was lunch time and a couple of other personal matters, 10 was all I had time for. Other than my run being boring, I felt great. I actually had to force myself to slow it down as I kept picking up pace when I needed to take it easy.

In exactly two weeks from today I’ll be (hopefully) getting a good night’s rest as I’ll be getting up to run Boston the following morning. Many don’t realize that the Boston Marathon is on a Monday not a Sunday like most races. This will be a change for me along with starting at 11:15am which is another change for me. I can’t wait! I’m counting the days yet I’m not counting the days.

Tomorrow will be another cross training session with my trainer. At least this time I’m not seeing him after running 19 miles but rather 10 so my legs are ready for wall squats. 🙌🏼 Lets do this!