#bostonmarathon – Summer of Shanley

My 2021 Boston Marathon story starts off back in January and not because that’s when runners would normally be kicking off their training for our beloved Marathon Monday that’s typically scheduled in April. It’s because The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) took a chance on some girl that sent them an email about her little plan to run 21 miles around the city visiting her students with Down syndrome on World Down Syndrome Day. They could have just said, “That’s cool.” or “Thanks for thinking of us.” but they didn’t. MDSC supported me and my plan every step of the way similarly to how they support their families from before children are born into their adulthood. Always there to answer my questions and also there to celebrate my achievements. I knew that after Ms. Shanley’s 3/21 run in March, I would always be connected to MDSC, but I had no idea what would come next only a few months later.

One day in late May, I opened up an email from MDSC saying they’d like me to join their marathon team. I felt that instant rush of excitement, but also concern that I would need to fundraise again. While there was no commitment to my March run, I was able to raise just over 9,000 for MDSC. Was I really going to be able to raise more so close to just asking people? Of course after talking it over with my two biggest cheerleaders, Mom and Dad it was a no brainer, we’d figure it out. And figure it out we did! I say we because most likely if you’re reading this you donated in one way or another to one or BOTH of my fundraisers for MDSC and I could never have done this without you. Thanks to all of you from March until now we raised over 15,000 dollars for MDSC. In a time when the world felt so dark or found people pitting themselves against each other for one thing or another, I saw a world where people still came together as one and made me truly believe that down in their core most people are good.

I will spare you all the details of the many sweaty training runs this summer and fast forward to Marathon weekend and get back to the title of this post, The Spirit of the Marathon. While of course a marathon is about running and I do obviously love to run, for me it’s about all the other things that happen along the way. I had the pleasure of having brunch at the Harvard Club the day before the marathon as a guest of MDSC and Charity Teams. Here, I not only got to sit with some of my teammates sharing our sleeping and eating patterns like only weirdo runners do, but I also had the chance to listen to and meet the 2014 Boston Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi and race director Dave McGillivray. It was at this brunch that Dave shared a story about trying to finish his second attempt at the Boston Marathon for his grandfather who passed away only to find himself broken down and ready to quit at mile 21.5. He looked around and realized he was at Evergreen Cemetery, where his grandfather was buried and knew he was watching and gave him the courage to just keep going. It’s that same cemetery where every training run I say a quiet hello to my Nana and Grandpa Shanley and somehow, I felt that his story was the sign I didn’t know I needed to calm my nerves and just take it all in, you’re people would be there for you.

And were my people there for me and then some. All weekend, there were the “Good luck.” and “You got this!” texts, videos sent from students past and present wishing me all the best, friends hosting delish pre race dinners that not only fueled my belly, but my heart as well, and my pals decorating both the inside and outside of my house so that I was sent off and welcomed like a champion upon my return home. And then there was race day.

I woke up a bit of a zombie as I unfortunately didn’t sleep from 1:30-5 am. I had a terrible headache. While sleeping doesn’t come easy for me and never does the night before the race, this was different. Thankfully, my sweet Georgia is staying with me for a few days and while she is self-admitted, “Not a morning person.”, she rallied for a quick walk to Starbucks to wake me up and hopefully see if that GTL caffeine could take the edge off the headache. I started to feel a little better on the bus ride out to Hopkinton. It was also another place I got to witness that spirit that I speak of. I watched the runner in front of me notice that one of the runners was huddled up shivering because all the windows had to be open and he took off his outer layer and gave it to her. Again showing me people are good.

Georgia trying to make me feel a little less zombie like.

This year the Marathon did a rolling start and while some people might have thought it to be anti-climactic, I thought it was perfect. You arrived, the bus doors opened and you immediately started your walk to the starting line. There were still all the volunteers pumping you up, the people in the houses cheering you on before you even start, and the booming of the announcer welcoming us all to Boston’s 125th running of the marathon. Within moments of stepping over that start line, I noticed a mom and what I assumed to be her daughter with Down syndrome noticing me and cheering “MDSC, thank you so much.”, this would not be the last time I welled up during the race. Another sign, I was meant to be here.

My sweet goddaughters cheering me on at mile 4

No matter how many times I say, “I always go out too fast.” I never seem to learn my lesson and right on cue, I went out too fast. I tried slowing down, but the adrenaline wasn’t having it. I knew I’d pay for it later and spoiler alert I did, but I just had to accept it was happening. I got my first boost of love and energy right at the 6K marker where just a few of my hype women (and one hype man) were cheering me on with signs and their loud voices. I couldn’t resist showing them some love and a lot of my sweat. My apologies for that ladies. For the next few miles I knew I’d be on my own, but got a sweet surprise at mile 8 from Ms. Shah, who had just a few days prior run her first marathon. I knew I wouldn’t see anyone I was expecting to see again until the halfway point so I settled into a pace closer to what I trained. I kept hearing people cheering for Mia and wondered if it was the Mia who I trained with and sure enough it was. We ran side by side for a few miles until she saw her grandma in Natick and needed to swing on over to the other side. I kept going with the thoughts that I too soon would see more of my people and hit that all too famous scream tunnel at Wellesley College!

At the halfway point, my friend Emily from Emerson was cheering on her fellow Big Heart teammates, but also me and gave me the best hug and push to keep going! Right after this is when the lack of sleep, the headache, and the going out too fast started to catch up with me. I decided to get some more fuel in me and as I’m doing so, I come upon one of my old students and his family. They saved me. Once again I remembered why I was there. A few minutes and a few fist bumps and fruit snacks later, I was back on the course.

Now this next part, I wish I could bottle up and save forever. Turning the corner in West Newton on my way to mile 18 where my students and MDSC would be, had me choking back the tears before I even saw them. You can see on my face how big my heart was feeling in that moment.

Just so excited

Most spots, I’d hug, high five, give a quick kiss and I love you and keep going, but I couldn’t just keep going without spending some time with my students who had been waiting for me with their signs and cheers. One student, stood there with her “Go Ms. Shanley” sign and said to me, “I’m so proud of you Ms. Shanley.” In this moment, the miles before this when I was spiraling and getting down on myself when I realized I wasn’t going to have the time I wanted, were all forgotten. She had made me feel like the most important runner out there. And she wasn’t alone, the hugs and smiles from my other students waiting filled my tank and heart to the limit. You see, my students don’t care if I’m a fast runner, they just care that I’m me and that’s always going to be enough (Now only if I could remember that) . The MDSC crew stocked me up on more fuel and some extra cheers and I was off to make my way up Heartbreak Hill to see my family.

En route up the hill before I was expecting to see my family I heard some very familiar voices calling my name and looked to my left to see my cousin Julie, Rob and little Julian. I noticed as I was running away after hugs and high fives, I’d left Julie with a wet shirt…again sorry about that.

I have to admit my vision has gotten pretty bad and I knew where my family would be standing, but once again I could hear them before I could see them. My mom, dad, brothers and cousins all screaming my name as I made it to the top of Heartbreak Hill. That day and in that moment there was not an ounce of heartbreak in sight, and more of a heart fixed. I could feel all of their love. But it wasn’t over yet and I had to keep going on down the hill to Evergreen Cemetery where I said hi to Nana and Grandpa, not only for me but for Nan too! After taking the turn at Cleveland Circle, I felt something change, I picked my pace back up (a little) and moved along to where Ms. Alicia was waiting for me with cheers and hugs and I love yous at The Golden Temple. Shortly after I heard someone calling my name, not expecting anyone I looked to see if it was someone else they were cheering for. Nope, it was an old SF friend who was now working in Boston telling me, “looking good.” Truth be told, I would have killed to hear him say that years ago when we were both in SF, so it definitely put a smile on my face. Believe me I know he meant my running and nothing else, but you do what ya gotta do in those last few miles;) One of my students that was at mile 18 had made it to another spot right before you turn on to Hereford and I could tell we were probably both exhausted from the day , yet here he was still cheering for me and of course me for him always. I remember turning on to Hereford, knowing that as soon as I turned on to Boylston it would be the longest ,yet shortest 600 meters of my life and to just enjoy it. My old neighbors and dear friends were cheering to my right and I could hear them above everyone else. A little bit further down the road were Georgia and Courtney, my finish line crew, and once again everything else seemed to drown out and I could hear only them. In just a few hundred feet, the announcer was saying, “Caitlin Shanley from Charlestown Massachusetts is finishing the 125th Boston Marathon.” Two things were going through my mind at the time, “I’m proud of you girl.” and “Oh man, don’t let the Townies find out that they said I was FROM Charlestown.”

And just like that, it was over. I walked through the finishers chute collecting my mylar, medal and chips and it was time to meet up with the girls to walk home. I had done what I had set out to do and yet couldn’t help but feel a little sad that I wasn’t doing it anymore. I know these waves will come and go over the next few days, but thankfully I have photos and memories to last me a lifetime. 10/10 would recommend you go out and either run or watch a marathon, your heart will thank you for it.

Thank you to all my donors, my training partners, Susan Hurley from Charity Teams and my PT, Rebeca Brown ,you are the Ace everyone needs up their sleeves, for getting me to the start line. An extra special thank you to MDSC, my students and their families and all my friends and family that got me to the finish. You are all the true Spirit of the Marathon! Until my next adventure! Love, Caitlin

I recently read a book that started from the end and then worked it’s way back to the beginning and I thought I’d start this post a little like that. I haven’t posted on here since the Summer of Shanley tour ended in August of 2016, but Monday felt like Summer and it was quite the adventure. As I raced or at least what felt like racing after 25.5 miles of running, down Boylston to the Finish I looked up and there it was…the finish. As I had the end in sight, I didn’t think my usual, “thank god it’s over.” instead I thought, “Oh no it’s all coming to an end and why is Boylston so short?” I may have felt like I was losing it a mile or so back, but at this point, I wanted more. More steps, more cheers, more time out on the course…anything! But as the saying goes, “All good things must come to an end”, and so did my race, but not before I took with me some incredible memories.

The morning of the race I arrived at the shuttles that would take me to the start in Hopkinton and there were rows and rows of porta-potties along the Common. I thought well “Shit is getting real.” As we drove along the Pike to get to Hopkinton, I watched videos that my friends had put together for me for like the 5^th time. If you haven’t seen it, go check it out on my page. Further along in the drive, I received a text from a friend in California saying that on their morning commute they heard a shout out to “Ms. Shanley who was running the Boston Marathon” on the Sarah and Vinnie show .If you go and listen scroll ahead to the 30 min mark. What a sweet and unexpected treat from Mrs. Vattuone. When we arrived at the Village in Hopkinton my heart was pumping and I had just a few minutes before we were walking to the starting line. You have to hand it to the Hopkinton residents that come out to cheer you on before the race even starts. They are out on their lawns with signs that say only “26.4 miles from here”, free coffee and sunscreen and lots of cheers.

When the race began there were moments from miles 1-3 that I had to keep checking in and reminding myself where the heck I was!!! I had made it. It was quite the sunny sweat sesh as the temps reached into the 70’s, but at that point what was a little sweat amongst 30,000 of my newest running buddies. Just past the 6K marker, I spotted the first of my Runtourage, Sara, Jackie, Evan, Liv and Gracie. It was some sweaty hugs and off I went. As the temperatures continued to rise, I began taking ice from any kid who put their hand out. I also noticed along the course in those quieter first few miles there were young girls sitting out on their lawns on their own cheering. I loved that they came out to cheer us all on. I especially loved the young girl cheering with her two tins of Pringles. I felt as if she got me. My friend Liz told me to make sure I stopped and smelled the roses during the race and while I didn’t see any roses, I sure made time for all the high fives and acknowledged the people who cheered my name. Some of my favorite signs along the way said, “Go Stranger, you’ve got this.” Or the gentleman holding the sign saying “New England 3, Atlanta 28 with 2:12 to go in the 3^rd. “ If that wasn’t a reminder that you are never quite out of something, I don’t know what is. Until I reached the next spot that my family and friends were watching, I found myself relying on these strangers to keep me going. As I passed some guys I got a “Caitlin, you look amazing.” My first thought was, do I though? And my second was, “Hmmm I wonder if he’s single” but alas I needed the energy to go forward not back so we will never know the answer to either of those thoughts.

The music blaring from people’s lawns and businesses was quite the selection from Party in the USA and Gangsters Paradise to Rocky and Juju On that Beat. I somehow missed my friends at mile 13 and I think it threw me for a loop. Not that I had a specific time in mind, but I could slowly see my secret goal time slipping away after that. I hit the wall so much earlier than expected. It could have been the heat or me just in my head, but I did not like where I was headed. Surprisingly, I got a second wind when I hit the hills after Lower Newton Falls leading up to the infamous Heartbreak Hill. As I mentioned, people cheer and call your name throughout the whole race and most times I just take it in with a quick smile or thumbs up, but when someone yelled “Caitlin Shanley” as I was working my way up one of the hills around mile 19, I realized I must know them and turned to see a friendly face in my friend Sean.

Coming up on the last part of Heartbreak hill I could hear them before I could see them. My family!!! My cousins Joey and Renee hosted what looked like one fabulous Marathon Party and seeing my parents, brothers, aunts, cousins and family friends made that hill totally worth it. I thought they would have let me stay a little longer but with a quick dump of the ice down the sports bra, some sweaty hugs, a handoff of a letter and some high fives, they were all kicking me out of the party. It’s cool guys I’ve been kicked out of better places;) From there I knew I had a few miles of solo time before I’d see another friend, but the crowds after Cleveland Circle were phenomenal and got me out of my head. The last Marathon I ran, I ran with two friends and while we didn’t say much to each other in those last few miles, having them there was a game changer. I know that even more now. As much as I love the spectators, I must say knowing when to say “you’re almost there.” was not something they were good at. Heading through Brookline you get your first glimpse of the Citgo sign and once you see that sign in all it’s glory you know you’re really “Almost there.” The crowds outside of Fenway as you approach Mile 25 were rocking. My good pal Kim was there for more sweaty hugs, some encouraging words and some silly snaps. One of the Police Officers in Kenmore Square yelled to me and I realized I knew him too. I didn’t have a whole lot left but seeing another familiar face, got me excited so I shouted, “Hey Robo, how ahh ya?” Oddly enough he didn’t respond and it actually made me laugh because I’m pretty sure that was what it was like years and years ago…me reaching out and him radio silence;) Right before you take that famous right on Hereford left on Boylston I saw my pals Derek and Stacy cheering wildly for me. I’m pretty sure Julian Edelman was also cheering for me when I was running down Boylston. So glad he could return the favor after all the times I’ve cheered for him! After I crossed the finish line, I got the treat of receiving my medal from my friend and multiple Boston Marathon finisher, Angela. Having the friendly face at the finish definitely helped my feelings of sadness that it had ended. And then, of course, Sara found her way back from mile 4 to the finish and was waiting for me “by the bananas” per her text. She was ready to take this slow moving walker back through the Common and up to Beacon Hill. I had time for a quick shower and a soda before we needed to get to the post party meet up, so I figured why not do both at the same time. Efficiency at it’s best. We planned to meet my family and some friends at the local restaurant in Everett and it couldn’t have been more perfect. They sat and ate and I stood and paced while watching them eat (I’m never hungry after a race). It was a day and a moment filled with so much joy and love that I know I will never forget it.

As I type this I’m strategically trying to find a position in bed that my chafed skin isn’t rubbing against my clothes, my toenails aren’t hitting the sheets (Just in case they decide to come off) and that my back is squarely on the heating pad. Even with all this and not having the best race, I’d do it all again in a heartbeat or I guess in a heartbreak would be more appropriate.

Thank you to everyone who made this journey what it was. Until we meet again Boston, keep doing your thing!