ALL ABOUT STEVIE
When did you decide to run the 2020 Virtual Boston Marathon?
I decided to run the virtual Boston Marathon as soon as we found out it would be virtual. When the race was postponed from April to September, I had a feeling it might become virtual in the future like many other races so continued to train with that in mind.
“The start! Pictured are My friends Jonathan and Tom who were running virtual races that day. I ran the whole thing with Tom (starting his garmin in the back). My dad and little brother are holding the start line.” Stevie
Did you love running Boston in Chicago?
Although nothing beats the excitement of running from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, my family and friends really made running in my home town very special and memorable. Not to mention, heart break hill was not as heart breaking this year. 😉
How did you set up your race course?
I chose to run the route of the Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon that takes place in Geneva, IL. It’s essentially the same 8 loops along the Fox River Trail. The trail is mostly flat and fast and over 50% of the runners who run this race qualify for the Boston Marathon every year. My mom and others in my running group have ran this course before and loved it, so I thought it would be a great chance to test it out! My family set up a table with all my fuel and hydration just like your typical marathon aid stations, so I was able to grab my fuel and keep running as they cheered me on at every loop! What was also really neat about doing the 8 loops, is my mom had surprise spectators coming throughout the whole race. So every time I passed, new friends and family were there smiling, cheering and ringing cow bells. It really felt like a real race.
Carl the Corgi’s spectator sign!
Did you love having your corgi cheering you on during the 26.2?
Lol! Yesss! He is the sweetest little pup and I’m a total crazy dog mom, so it was great to have his cuddles and love post race. He was really tired after his long day of spectating so he slept most of the day after the race.
What was your favorite part of the virtual experience?
The best part of the day was how much thought my mom put into make the race special for me. She had professional quality start and finish lines printed, along with poster boards displaying the names of each town you run through in Boston set up along the course. Not to mention she had balloons and streamers and break through tape, (even Champagne) for a grand finish. It was so much fun, I would choose her as my race director again and again.
One of the funniest moments was at the end of the race. My garmin was slightly off from where my family and friends had placed the finish line so as I approached from a distance I gestured that I needed to run further. So my mom, dad, little brother, best friend, her husband, and my future in-laws all started running with the finish line, cow bells, cameras, and break through tape to move the finish line. I was laughing so hard seeing them frantically run as I caught up to them. It was a finish I will NEVER forget.
Did you meet a lot of runners along your course?
There was another group of about 20 runners running virtual races on the same path, many doing their virtual Boston as well. It was fun to pass and cheer each other on throughout the race. I also got to run the race with my good friend Tom, who was running a different virtual marathon that day and we paced him to get a PR!
Who gave you your unicorn medal when you crossed the finish line?
My sweet Mama brought me her Boston Marathon medal from 2018, and placed it around my neck at the finish line!🥇
How did you celebrate after finishing your 2020 Virtual Boston Marathon?
I know it’s pretty basic, but I got a HUGE pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks and spent some time with my Mom, Dad, little brother and Fiancé.
Do you have a mantra or positive affirmation?
Nothing specific, but when I start feeling tired I always tell myself positive things like, “you’re strong, you got this.” And I ALWAYS thank my body for enduring those miles when they get hard. Another trick that works for me is smiling through the pain. I always smile as much as I can, because it tricks me into feeling happy and privileged to be running even if my body is hurting.
Are you looking forward to more races this year?
I am currently not signed up for any more races this year and I’m pretty okay with it. I plan to use this time to really recover and gear up for more “normal” fall 2021 races. I’m most looking forward to running the Chicago Marathon in 2021. This will be the first year since my FIRST marathon on 10/10/10 that I won’t be running the streets of Chicago so I can’t wait to be back!