Three years ago, I was entered to run Boston. Instead, I had to fly out of the country to visit one of our factories. On the other side of the world, I fell asleep just as the women’s elite start was getting underway. When I woke up, a text from Sarah Lesko said, “Don’t be frightened, but when you wake up you need to know that there’s been a bombing at the Boston Marathon.” Over the next few days in a travel haze, I watched a constant stream of Boston related headlines on every TV I spotted…in restaurants, hotels, and airports. The bombers were killed and captured the day I returned home.
In 2014, I went to Boston to be a fan. I was able to travel with Kara and Lauren and Shanna. Lauren and I ran the BAA 5K on a beautiful clear morning, and during the whole weekend, we could feel the collective sigh of relief coming from all of Boston, as the region got to reclaim the sport and race they love. We met so many new Volée members. We shook it out and shook it off. We cheered and hugged. We watched Shalane shoot through Wellesley like a rocket ship. And then Meb won the title. It was forward motion. It felt like healing.
In 2015, That Sarah Mac flew home, to see family – and lead the charge. The run family was growing and there were more meet ups and runs, and the 5K was hot per usual. Lauren and Lesko and I were in NYC for the Shorty Awards. We piled into our hotel bed and watched Desi’s fight to the finish from under our thick duvet. Boston, Boston, Boston…
For many reasons beyond the last three years, Boston is magic. Historic. Traditional. Difficult. Prestigious. And if the Volée have anything to do with it, loads of fun!
While I’m sad I can’t go this year, we’re thrilled to see so many women out there for 2016. And so many women qualified! There will likely be +120 Volée in the area – racing, supporting, cheering. What an incredible feat to get there. What a brilliant showing!
In addition, my friend and Every Mother Counts leader, Christy Turlington Burns will be racing this year! With her BQ time at London last year, she earned her spot on the start line in Hopkinton.
And keeping with Oiselle tradition, we’re going to watch Boston live here in Seattle! At various times, our viewing parties have been at my house, in a bar, at a coffee shop… but this year we have our store. So we’re opening the doors, and pouring mimosas, starting at 6:30am on Monday. RSVP for the Seattle viewing party!
For those in Boston – see below for some events and happenings!
SATURDAY, APRIL 16
BAA 5K
START TIME: 8:00 AM
LOCATION: Boston Common, Boston, MA
COWBELL MEETUP: Starbucks on Charles Street (tweet @runningwmusic to confirm)
TALK WITH CHRISTY TURLINGTON BURNS
TIME: 3:00 PM
LOCATION: Apple Store, 815 Boylston Street.
DETAILS: Christy Turlington Burns will join ultra-marthoner, Scott Jurek, Heather Armstrong, founder of dooce.com in a conversation about their experiences running for Team EMC and training for the Boston Marathon. They will also share a short film that highlights a recent trip to Tanzania, where they joined a team of 26 EMC supporters to run the Kilimanjaro Half Marathon and visit programs that Every Mother Counts supports. Register here or use the Apple Store app.
SUNDAY, APRIL 17
SHAKEOUT RUN & COFFEE
TIME: 9:30 AM
LOCATION: 165 Tremont Street, Boston
DETAILS: Meet at the Thinking Cup for a shakeout run (3-5 miles) followed by coffee. Everyone welcome.
MONDAY, APRIL 18
BAA MARATHON!
RACE START (WAVE 1): 10:00 AM
LOCATION: Hopkinton, MA to Boston, MA
COWBELL MEETUP
LOCATION: Meet at Starbucks Wellesley (mile 13.1 at 68A Central Way St., Wellesley, MA) bright and early and get ready to cheer and cowbell your heart out.
SEATTLE VIEWING PARTY
TIME: 6:30 AM
LOCATION: Oiselle Store, University Village
DETAILS: All details can be found on the Facebook event page, RSVP!
