Monday, April 20, 2026

MOAM Marathon Monday

 Not for nothing.... But..... the MOAM is just sitting here this Patriots' Day morning…. sipping my special coffee and thinking about all those runners lining up in Hopkinton right now for the Boston Marathon.

 What a tradition, huh? Oldest annual marathon in the world, been running strong since 1897, right through the streets of our backyard. From the gun to the finish line on Boylston, past the crowds hollering and the hills that will break your heart if you are not ready. It is not just a race — it is Boston on its feet, every third Monday in April, rain or shine, good times or tough ones.

 And what motivates them, the MOAM has to remark?   It is not always the glory or the big check for the elite pros. Nah. It is the everyday Peeps — the teachers, the vets, the moms and dads, the ones chasing a personal best or running for a cause bigger than themselves. It is pushing through the wall on Heartbreak Hill at mile 20, hearing the cheers from strangers who know exactly what it takes. It is being part of something that is bigger than one person, standing up to the miles and saying, “I am still here.” Boston Strong is not just a slogan — it is in the blood of every soul toeing that line today.

The MOAM is not a marathoner proud to have done it once, but that is another story.  When I ran, the starting field was only 2,000 runners and women were not eligible to compete.  Can’t imagine the now with over 30,000 runners!   But I have to tip my hat to every last one of them. You got this, runners. Run like the city is watching, and proud of you…..because we are. 


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