Written By Ian Olsen

Boston is a beautiful place where you can immerse yourself in the history of the city and you are made feel so welcome by the locals before the event as they thank you for coming and afterwards they congratulate you for the effort and support of the Boston Marathon. This year’s event was the most horrendous weather I have run in but you have to take what you get as we do an outdoor sport. There were even people saying it should be called off.

I was there to run and did not care as I put on my long skins, 2 t-shirts, sloppy Joe, gloves and poncho which I wore the whole event. I took my gloves off for a minute but they went straight back on. The supporters where amazing lining the road all the way to the finish line. At the 40k mark I saw a familiar face, Lee Peacock with Kanga, who was standing as a lonely figure waiting to see the Travelling Fit runners home and that certainly was a boost for me to get those last 2.2k’s in. A quick high five and I was on my way to finish my second Boston Marathon.

Crossing the finish line and the rain and wind got only worse but the support workers where amazing handing out the finisher medals, drinks and goody bag. All had smiles on their faces and an encouraging word for everyone that competed and completed another iconic event. I cannot speak highly enough of the volunteers along the road encouraging you to keep going.

Back to the hotel for a hot shower and I was ready to celebrate with all the other runners and in particular Travelling Fit runners and supporters. The weather just added to the experience and memories of a great day. Everyone was happy to finish and show off their medals especially those that had collected their Six Star Medal. We got to meet the oldest finisher, a lady in her 80’s, an amazing effort from a truly inspirational person.

I have done Boston twice plus completed all Six Star Marathons running with my Travelling Fit shirt in every event and proud to wear the Australian colours and thank everyone from Travelling Fit for helping me to achieve my dreams. It’s been an amazing journey which hasn’t finished yet and I hope to come across some of the runners I have met along the way and made friends through this amazing sport.