“Life is a journey, not a destination.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’ve heard this quote a million times, but never has it rung more true for me than it has over the last year.

On April 15th, 2013, while sitting in a small, side-street restaurant somewhere in Boston, tired, cold, confused, scared and still somewhat in shock, I announced to my family that I would return to run the Boston Marathon in 2014. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my journey to the 118th Boston Marathon actually started in that moment – just hours after a horrific tragedy had ripped through our city.

I’ve thought about that moment at least once a day for the last year. At first, it was born from the need for closure, to “finish what I started.” I felt cheated out of achieving something I had worked really, really hard for. But then I joined Team MR8 and my commitment to run the 118th Boston Marathon took on a much larger purpose – it was no longer about me, but about turning something awful into something good. And now, as much as I am looking forward to finally getting my “Boylston Street Finish”, in many ways I’m not quite ready for this journey to end.

In life, eight-year-old Martin Richard was known for bringing people together – in school, in sports and in his neighborhood. And even though he is no longer with us in this life, he continues to bring people together. Over the last twelve weeks, 100 runners have come together to train for the Boston Marathon through a harsh New England winter, all bound by a common goal to honor Martin’s message of “No more hurting people. Peace”. And on April 21st, we will all run the 118th Boston Marathon in memory of Martin – and his wish for peace.

As always I would like to thank all of you for taking this journey with me. The marathon is just one week from tomorrow (or as Adyson would say – 8 more sleeps!). My fundraising total is now just over $8K, about $400 shy of my goal of $8,500. Please visit my Team MR8 fundraising page if you would like to contribute to this very special cause. I also ask that you keep the Richard family in your thoughts this week, as we observe the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon Tragedy, and the loss of their child, Martin Richard, as well as all the victims, families and survivors.

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

With much love and peace.