It was a busy, Team MR8 activity filled weekend.

On Saturday, I spent the day in Boston filming a spot that will air at the end of an ESPN E:60 special about the marathon, the one year anniversary and the victims. I believe it will first air on Saturday, April 12th on ABC, and then again on ESPN on April 15th for the one year anniversary. I am not sure of the times yet and will let you know when I find out. Suffice it to say this was a unique experience that I was honored to be a part of. I met a lot of my Team MR8 teammates and despite it being a long, cold day — we were being filmed running so we had to wear shorts and t-shirts all day, despite the fact that it was below 50 degrees all day… thank goodness that the Four Seasons was gracious enough to let us seek warmth in their lobby when we weren’t being filmed — we all had a great time, with lots of laughs throughout the day.

Today (Sunday) was the Team MR8 ‘Swag Pickup Event’ in Dorchester, MA, at a restaurant located in the Richard’s neighborhood (the owners closed the restaurant for the evening for the Team MR8 event). I can’t decide what I enjoyed the most about this event – getting the first look at the Team MR8 marathon singlet, hearing Martin’s father speak, seeing Jane running (yes running) around in her new prosthetic, or the company of new friends. It was a very special night, in so many ways.

As the 2014 Boston Marathon is getting closer, each day brings new and different emotions. I am discovering that being a part of Team MR8 is really helping me with the healing process by picking up some of the pieces that have left me still not quite whole since last April. Seeing Martin’s parents smiling and enjoying themselves and seeing Jane Richard running around like a typical kid really warms my heart and it makes me feel a little “better” to see that they are doing OK. It helps with the “why them and not me” feeling that has not left me since last April. I made this video which I think captures why running in the marathon this year for Team MR8 is so important to me.

Once again I would like to thank all of you for taking this journey with me. The marathon is two weeks from tomorrow and I am in full out “taper mode” now (this week’s long run was a “short” 12 miler). My fundraising total is approaching $8K, and our team’s fundraising total has surpassed $750k – all of which is truly amazing and a testament to how much Martin’s short life truly mattered to everyone he’s touched – whether you knew him or not. Please consider donating if you haven’t already! This is such a special, meaningful and worthy cause.

Thank you again so much for reading, and for your constant support. I appreciate it more than you know!

With much love and peace.

Laura