May the Lord bless you and keep you
May He make His face to shine upon you,
And be gracious unto you
May He lift up His countenance upon you
and give you breath, success, and Peace.
Amen.

Love - Poppy (My Dad) This Prayer Makes Me Cry Every Time. Every Time.




Run Sarah Run!! May the Lord help you lift your feet when it seems you can't go on one more step! Know that the wishes and prayers of all of us will help lift you past the finish line--can't you just see us lifting you and carrying you across?! We'll be cheering you on. . .



With YOUR breath prayers at my back, I was able to finish 26.2miles and I finished STRONG! I am still exhausted and exhilarated at the same time - it is a feeling that I cannot compare as I have never felt this way before. Sunday, November 5th will be remembered as the most physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually challenging day in my life ever. Period.

6:20.25 - 1st Time Marathoner, Marathon Finisher - BEF's Team Boomer

Staten Island
Early to rise, I made it to Ft. Wadsworth with plenty of time to spare. It was cold morning, the sun was gray and the clouds were heavy at first, but there was no wind. I scouted the gathering area, 37,000 were gathering it was quite remarkable. I found my start - number 40000-41999. It was literally in front of the Fr. Capadona Memorial Chapel - good sign, I thought. I rested and stretched and kept warm. As the hours ticked by, slowly my area began to fill - and I was filling with anxiety. People were mostly calm and relaxed but anxious to share their "stories". Finally, the Canon fired - and we were off at 10:10am. I shuffled along to the start - which took about 15 minutes to cross. There I was, one of 37,000 runners with the same goal - to finish - no turning back now! We headed over the Verazzano Narrows Bridge - 2 miles. It was surreal - just being there not thinking of the road ahead - just thinking about being THERE.

Brooklyn
I crossed over the bridge and into Brooklyn, the longest stretch of running - about 10 miles. I met Jerry Cahill at mile 4 - God Love Him - he is amazing we were screaming for each other, he had a bottle of water for me and a towel and was taking pictures - which I will post when I get them! He gave me a CF bracelet -I gave him my head warmer which said ING NYC Marathon - a little souvenir. (I had tears when I saw him, I can't conceive running 4 miles with an oxygen tank - remember he ran marathons with oxygen - can you imagine?
Ah, mile 5, the crowds the cheering, the high fives, the energy - it is all there - all so true - I have never been part of such an awesome spectator sporting event. I can not tell you how for not 1 minute did I think I wouldn't be able to do it - if the crowds were this strong, it was going to be a slam dunk. I was loving giving the kids high fives - one little guy even held his hand out for a high five, and I ran by to slap him a high five and he pulled it away and yelled "psyche!" - only in Brooklyn! I needed that though - I had to focus and stay grounded and not get too high!

Through the streets of Brooklyn....I had never really experienced Brooklyn before - my mom was born here and I remember stories from my grandmother, but I've never really been here. The crowds were strong, the sun was brighter and warmer things were moving along. I met up with the 5:30 pace setters, and thought cool - I am on target. Mile 10 - I am starting to "feel" it. The aches are starting to catch my attention. First, the right foot - the toes, then a few pains in the lower back - nothing I can't put out of my mind though.

Queens
Ahh, Queens - don't know much about Queens - just Greek town - Astoria. That's my experience there - with my in-laws who are Greek. There were 3miles or so here and finally the Half Marathon point 13.1 miles! We're halfway there - keep breathing, keep strong, keep looking in front of you at all of the runners who are running for a cause . Every runner around me had a shirt on with a Foundation or an Cause or In memory of...it was chilling. You think you can't do it? Look ahead - some of them are doing it for their loved ones who aren't going to be at the finish to hug and kiss them - I am just inspired with literally almost every step.
That's good though, because I need to be inspired right about now, I am thinking, I still have 13.1 miles to go! I look out ahead and I see the Queensboro Bridge and I see the "wave" of people crossing it in the distance - they must be about a 5:00 pace - they are a good distance ahead and I have slipped back slightly. We had to wind around a few streets to get to the bridge and it was a tease! (The people looked so small).

Queensboro Bridge
The Queensboro Bridge was one of my favorite points in the marathon - it was amazing. As soon as I entered the bridge, it was a quiet calm....everyone began walking. No one was running. We were feeling it now - people were stretching on the side, walking quickly, holding their necks and backs. I decided to walk as well. I stretched a little too. It was cold and dark - we walked on the lower level. I put my Ipod on at that point, there were no spectators so I didn't think it would be disrespectful! I got a little pumped up again and kind of "rested" as I walked. Here is the best part: as we were close to exiting the bridge, there were 3 Huge Banners and this is how they read:

Banner 1: "If 10 miles to go makes it a little easier...."

Banner 2(.2 miles after #1) "If 10 miles to go makes it a little easier..."

Banner 3 (.2miles after #2) "Welcome to 10 miles to go!"

I had chills - who thought of that? - it was brilliant and just what I needed to "hear".
Instantly, the race "got a little easier" and we exited the bridge, and let me tell you that the crowds on 1st Avenue and 59th were UPROARIOUS!

Manhattan
We exited to a DJ and it was downhill and we were picking up the pace! I was so pumped up it was unbelievable. The crowds literally carried me up 1st Avenue. There were roars on either side of the street - people screaming Go Boomer, high fives, cheering, and people just plain screaming with excitement - "You're almost there - You're marathon finishers!" Keep strong, stay the course - I was hearing everything and I was so high - on adrenaline. There was a woman who turned 50 that day - Bonnie, her name was and she had it written on her shirt - a bunch of college kids, were on a set of 2 balconies on a lower floor of a high rise, and they began shouting and singing Happy Birthday to Bonnie - how cool is that?!

I met my family at mile 17 (77th and 1st Ave)- they had hugs, kisses, and bananas and bagels. I love them - I cried they were crying for me! They rushed into the street to tackle me - and I was carried for another mile! It is true - between my family and the roaring crowds, I was "carried" for the next 3 miles!

Mile 20 was awful - I was really starting to feel the pains - but I had to keep going, I looked back to make sure there were still plenty of runners behind me...I figured it was ok to stop on the side - stretch and there was a medic station - I entered I saw Icy Hot and I couldn't resist. They were so nice at the station - so caring - I asked to be dipped in Icy Hot! Of course, my leggings were so tight, I could only pull them up to my knees but I did that and they rubbed my legs and knees and ankles...Oh My God! It felt so good! I didn't want to leave but I had to keep going - they encouraged me - told me I was almost there and to "Go Get Your Medal!" I was inspired - I took off again and made it to mile 21 - YIKES!

Last Thursday as I was leaving the Marathon Expo, I noticed a bus that had a Marathon Ad:
"THE RISK? MILE 21. THE REWARD? MILE 26.2.

I had to think about it and I thought, well? I guess I will find out. Did I ever. Mile 21 is considered the "Wall". You have to push through this wall mentally. 21 miles to go is so difficult to digest. You've just completed 21 miles and you have 5.2 more to go. Think about that. You have just completed 21 miles, you are in the 20s now and you still have 5 to go. This could literally take another hour! You can't even stop to walk because it hurts so bad to stop. Mentally it is the most intense battle - it is simply Mind over Matter now....nothing else - your body is done - cooked, burned out, depleted. All you can do is manage your physical energy by drinking Gatorade and eating a power gel or bar or banana and hope that it takes. Physically I can not explain how defeated you could feel..if you don't unleash your mental energy right NOW. Your spiritual energy should also be unleashed now too - because I am thinking I only have a prayer. I don't even know what my body will do at mile 21. I have only run 20 miles in training - 1 time. I felt OK afterward but nonetheless, you don't know what is going to happen now.

Bronx
Over the Pulaski Bridge into the Bronx. Ahhh the Bronx - I know Nothing about the Bronx except you don't want to be here at night. Isn't it crazy? I actually loved running through the Bronx - it was peaceful, there weren't many spectators but there were some - proud as any other - cheering us on. As I crossed the bridge, a rather large man was sitting on a lawn chair smoking a cigar with a tee shirt that read "Reformed Anorexic". Again, I needed that! I laughed to myself and alas, another mile down.

Let me say that another favorite memory is the Bronx exit over the Willis Avenue Bridge. The BEST DJ I have heard was right THERE! The street was crazy! People dancing, shouting, yelling, and the DJ playing with the runners - cheering for them in the Microphone! He yelled GO BOOMER - so loud! He thought I was "cute" and said to "meet him after the race"! Imagine? I was cracking up - the people there had so much pride and God Bless them. It was cold and growing darker and they were out in full force! Good people in the Bronx! I made another mile!

Manhattan
Mile 22! Harlem - wow - still crowds cheering. Darker, colder, more painful, so close and still so far - HELP ME! "Just keep it moving", I repeat - and it is the MOST DIFFICULT STRAIN ON MY BODY that I have ever felt, I want to cry, but know that I am entering the Park any time now - I am almost unaware of where I am and what I am doing. Mental energy release again - PLEASE! The runners all around me are dilerious - it is almost like a hallucination. We are laughing, shaking our heads, cheering for EACH OTHER. Clapping - C'mon guys, 4 miles to go - we can collect our Medals - let's roll! Keep going!

Mile 23
Ipod is on again. I can't bear it much longer. Need a good song - something to pump me up again - but I can't even fuss with the settings - anything is music at this point. It's darker now, so who cares if I am wearing my Ipod. They can't see it clearly. I run - shuffle and a give a thumbs up to a few cheers.

My phone rings - it is loud, so I hear it - take my Ipod off and it is my sister. "WHERE ARE YOU?!" We are here at mile 24 - waiting for YOU!!!!!!! I cry - WHERE?! Where are you -did I pass you?! I don't know where I am - please tell me! "We're in the Park, are you in the Park?!" YES - I am in the Park - but really the Park is on my right - I am heading south on 5th Avenue. I am still caught in mile 23....I feel like I am in a web now - I am crying. I pick up the pace - my sisters are at 24...I am in mile 23 so I have to be close! I hear cheers from behind me - RUN, Sarah, RUN! Look at you GO - GO Girl - you are running too fast for us now! Take it easy we're all in theis together! Go Sarah - Run, Mom - this is all that is left on the back of my shirt - my rose and my my, Run is now long off -" I am running quickly - I am surpirsed...I can do this - get to my family. It is like a dream!

I round the right corner and INTO THE PARK! I am desperately searching for them! Where is mile 24?! I call them back frantically, did I miss you WHERE ARE YOU?! Don't leave me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We're at the OCntinental Airlines HotAir Balloon. Can you see it? We're right there! You are almost there! C'mon Steenie (my nickname) and They are screaming into the phone. I have CHILLS like you would not believe.

I am frantic - I know they are right there - I can taste them - I have never been so high on adrenaline!
I see the banner for MILE 24! It is small, but it is growing! A fellow runner sees me and comes up on my right - asks me, no begs me to use my please?! Oh - ahh - oh - OF COURSE - Call your loved ones, call them all! I will walk with you!!!!!!
I slow it down, give him my phone, he calls - speaks in Spanish -I believe - I couldn't understand much at this point - but I was sane enough to help a fellow runner! Thank, God! He returned the phone, crying thankfully. Of course, I said - do you need to make more calls?! NO! Let's GO!

MILE 24 - OH MY GOD
There they are - my 2 sisters, and 2 brother-in-laws!
They come running out - with RUN Aunt Sarah RUN signs and posters - I am blurred - I can't see straight - I collapse into their arms - my sisters each grab my arms and put them over their shoulders, we are running together now - my little feet bouncing off of the pavement - we are running at about 10min. mile!!!!! I am blowing away the "competition"! My brothers are running behind, carrying my signs and the crowds are cheering and screaming, and laughing - RUN AUNT SARAH!!!!! No one cares at this point how you get to the next mile - just get there! My sisters are kissing my cheeks, screaming I did it! I am screaming at them, "How blessed am I right now?! This is my DIVINE Intervention!"
It is here - my lovely sisters running in their street clothes! The other runners are jealous - I wish I could carry them too - but we can't - Just focus ahead! My sister yells 1 mile to go!!!!!!!! We are at MILE 25.2!
Oh GOd - I can taste it!!!!!!!! Rounding the corner to the right we are on Central Park South! It doesn't hurt so much anymore! They must exit the park now, the cops are out in full force - they exit - I am screaming - they are screaming - RUN SARAH, RUN!!!! YOU ARE THERE!!!!! .8 MILES TO GO! OH GOD THE SUSPENSE!!!!!!!!! They continue to run along side with me - behind the crowds - screaming -
The crowds are as large as on 1st Ave nearly 10 miles ago - can you believe it?! These, blessed spectators! I am SPRINTING NOW - I don't know where it came from!!!!!!!!!! I am going with it - if I die at the end, it was worth it - I am flying so high - the crowds are screaming GO BOOMER!!! RUN SARAH, YOU GO BABY, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE - LOOK AT YOU - You are Finishing SO STRONG!!!!!!!!
I am running faster - probably the fastest I have ever run before!!! The streets are nearly dark grey and I am so COLD - I am so high, I must be dead? Did I die?! Oh GOD - I am rounding the right corner past Columbus Circle - the crowds are so ALIVE, I am so ALIVE - really - never felt this way before, but this is how I imagined the ending - SO STRONG and FAST - I saw myself on the HUGE TV Screen - WOW 6 hours and 30 minutes - I am going to be THERE in 1 minute - my sisters and brothers are running down Central Park South with me- all the way - behind the small crowds - I lose them now as I round the Park into the final stretch and then?!

800, 400, 200, and 100 meters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am THERE - THERE IS THE FINISH LINE !!!!!!!! I am SPRINTING faster than EVER - Just like I practiced on all my training runs - Finish Strong - People can't believe how fast I am going for such a late time - I hear them almost chanting -I pass EVERYONE in front of me - I am, for that one minute - the Strongest being ever.....

DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Have Crossed that FINISH LINE, I have CROSSED OVER - IT is OTHER WORDLY
I have NEVER, EVER, felt so ON TOP OF THE WORLD! GOD BLESS ME!!!!!!!!!! I cry a little - then shuffle through, claim my "Gold" medal and just want to pass out - but first, they take my Photo - Thank You. Proof that I am the BEST in show!
I just want to hug all my fellow finishers, there are High fives, pats on the backs and warm, exhausted smiles - the PRIDE over that Finish Line is Surreal! I am SO PROUD of MYSELF, MY FELLOWS, MY FAMILY, The RACE COORDINATORS and mostly all of my SUPPORTERS!!!! I am wiped - I reunite with my family - it is almost 5pm and so dark! I look for them desperately. I find them at the Family Reunion - 81st and Central Park West. Oh GOD- Carry me - they carry me to the car, literally - My husband has the car warmed and ready and there are my sons and my Taso - we hug and cry and I say goodbye - to my family and the best day in NYC ever! EVER.

In sum (you think?) I can say this:

"My experience in NYC today was surreal. You can only know this "place" exists if you physically go there. It is truly the most encompassing challenge of the human spirit, the human mind, the human soul and the human body."

I sincerely understand now if even a little bit, that CF is THIS challenging - all encompassing of all of our energies:

Physical
Mental
Emotional
Spiritual

I believe that any one of you, CFers, would trade this day with me in a heartbeat.
If I could sustain your CF for one day - I would gladly trade with you and bear your burden. I know that I could because THIS MARATHON, this lowly marathon, in comparison to you all - has prepared me to endure something greater.

I am so proud that I can say I finished my Marathon, but I am more proud of all of you, CFers, who continue on.....


Thanks for reading (if you made it this far)!

I LOVE THIS SITE, It has changed my life.

GOD BLESS US ALL.

With Love and Victory, which is ours,
Sarah



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Administrator
CysticFibrosis.com

Edited: 11/10/2006 at 06:20 PM by SarahK

Oh my gosh... That is amazing... Thank you for sharing your thoughts for each mile.. MORE.... I want more ..... Put those kiddos in bed and keep writing..

Jennifer

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Dx with CF at the age of 29 in 2001 Via 3 positive sweat tests, had full mayo genetic screening Sept2010, showed Df508 and Q1330E, Had Nasal Potential Difference Test, Nov 2010 Completly negative for CF, Undiagnosed with CF 10 years later, after years and years of doing full CF treatments. Doesn't change how sick I have been I just have a new name that we don't know what it is yet

Sarah, gosh your bolg just carried me along your run! I couuld almost hear the crowd and feel each step--and I my eyes kept filling with tears as I felt the enormity of your experience. What a rush, as we said back in the day! I'm glad you felt us at your back, and I appreciate you carrying us in your heart. In kaylee's name, I thank you.

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**terri--grannie to Kaylee, 6 w/cf, and Jaykub, 10 wo/cf

You're Amazing, You know that?
You carried ME!
Believe me!

I will finish in the early am - you imagine what happened next! I will give youa hint - I made it to mile 22!


Sarah

-------------------------
Administrator
CysticFibrosis.com

Duuuuude congrats again..I felt like I was running with you, eating bagels and gel with you AND getting hit on by the DJ hahahaha..That is awesome and I'm so thankful you did it for us.

Did you have a Boomer shirt on or something? How'd they know to yell Boomer at you?

I cannot wait to read the rest of the blog...I wish I could do a marathon!! I may be living in New York by the summer, if so I will be at the race cheering everyone on for sure.

Will read the rest tomorrow.
Rock CF,
em

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Emily 27 pwcf Founder of the Rock CF Foundation. The Rock CF Foundation is dedicated to increasing the quality of life for people with Cystic Fibrosis. With the help of a core group of volunteers, the Foundation utilizes the arts, entertainment, fashion and fitness to support research initiatives and heighten public awareness in the fight against cystic fibrosis. www.letsrockcf.org "Keep on rockin' till we find a cure"

that's amazing, I could never imagine doing such a thing, it takes such strength....

-------------------------
Allie, 33 Ahava, 6, No CF My Ry- May 20, 1973 - May 5, 2005
"The world moves for love, and kneels before it" -The Village
A love story in pieces
Shop to support the CFF!

You know, Emily?
If I can do it? ANYONE can do it! Talk to Jerry Cahill - he HAS done it! 50 w/CF?!

Besides, you are on your way, Girl!
What's the next big date? 11/23??
Youwill DO THAT and feel the same as me! Look - my Split 10K time was like 1.21 - not great - just slow and steady!
Did you know people actually walked the whole marathon? The last finishers finished in 9:59 - imagine that? and hey - there were people there to record their times! I am impressed! That is 8:10pm - pitch black, cold and people were still out there cheering I am sure!
Love-S

-------------------------
Administrator
CysticFibrosis.com

Incredible!!!! Way to go! That's so impressive!

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34 wcf

Wow that second part had me in tears Sarah!! I am hoping to do a half marathon next year..I'm going to keep on running through the winter and keep on training. Maybe if I move to NYC we can do one together out there, for team Boomer!!

I love Jerry and he is my biggest inspiration for the keeping me running. He told me about when he left the hospital for a few hours to go run a race and then came back to do his IV's..I do that now if my band has a show and it's such a great feeling.

16 days until the 10K..I am ready! I have my mom, my favorite nurse from the hospital and a bunch of people doing it with me. Plus we are starting to tape the documentary about me that day so I'm going to be ready to run for sure and finishing strong.

Thanks for the inspiration.

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Emily 27 pwcf Founder of the Rock CF Foundation. The Rock CF Foundation is dedicated to increasing the quality of life for people with Cystic Fibrosis. With the help of a core group of volunteers, the Foundation utilizes the arts, entertainment, fashion and fitness to support research initiatives and heighten public awareness in the fight against cystic fibrosis. www.letsrockcf.org "Keep on rockin' till we find a cure"

Sarah-

I only know you through your Mom who is in my small group at Marble but just had to tell you how much I enjoyed your blog! It is definitley as close as I will ever come to running a marathon. I almost felt your excitment and strength! Thank you for sharing and CONGRATULATIONS! You do have a wonderful family and I can just see them cheering you on, crying and bringing bagels and bannanas :-)

Best-
Sandy Graham

Oh my God -
I wish I could be there, Em!
You will do it -We are all there in spirit.
I want the "play by play" - ok?
6.2miles - no problem, "Small thing to a Giant".

I feel like I had to write my blog this way...it was Closure, you know?
Just to re-live it - and write it down. Closure.
I will remember that day for the rest of my life like it was Yesterday.

God Bless -
Sarah

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Administrator
CysticFibrosis.com

Wheezie?
You're the BEST!
Every mile here on in - together!
Isn't it cool? You and Annie ran the Marathon too! For 1 mile!
I love you so much.

Steenie

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Administrator
CysticFibrosis.com

Sandy -
It was Exactly how it went down!
Thanks for reading it - my mom loves you!
Guess that means we do too!
Godspeed to YOU and Your "causes". You could also write a blog we could learn a thing or two about inspiration!

God Bless YOU!
Sarah

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Administrator
CysticFibrosis.com

OMG!!!!! I just finished Your Finish! How thrilling! My eyes RAN down the page with you, my heart beating so fast, and my eyes streaming tears so I could hardly see your words! I can't stop writting in italics! Yes, how else could have you put it into words the feelings I feel about all the cfrs and the "race" they run for life. What a fantastic metaphor!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me the "run of my life" as you carried me along with you!!!!!!!

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**terri--grannie to Kaylee, 6 w/cf, and Jaykub, 10 wo/cf

No way dude I want a Boomer jersey to wear hahaha. That is sweet!! I have the tee shirt but the jersey rules..You kept your glasses on the whole time, nice work!

You know the only reason I want to do a marathon is to wrap myself in that foil stuff.

Rock CF

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Emily 27 pwcf Founder of the Rock CF Foundation. The Rock CF Foundation is dedicated to increasing the quality of life for people with Cystic Fibrosis. With the help of a core group of volunteers, the Foundation utilizes the arts, entertainment, fashion and fitness to support research initiatives and heighten public awareness in the fight against cystic fibrosis. www.letsrockcf.org "Keep on rockin' till we find a cure"

Thanks for this Sarah. I cried through your whole blog. Thanks for doing this for my Emily and for us all. Congratulations on a race well run.

-------------------------
Tami

mom to Isabelle 7 yo no cf (She is smart, funny, loves dance and piano lessons)

and Emily 4 yo w/ cf (F508, R533x) (She is smart, funny, SASSY, stubborn and active. Loves to bother her sister and argues daily over...pretty much everything).

Courage is not the absence of fear. Rather, it is the judgement of knowing when something is more important than fear. The courageous may not live forever, but the cautious never truly live.

Emily -
You crack me up!
I always wanted to know if that foil stuff works! I didn't get it right after I crossed the line....I was waiting for someone to put it on me!
I had to search for it - and finally asked someone where do I get it!

It is on a huge Roll - they cut them off!

IT was AWESOME! They do work too! (I was FREEZING when I finished)

I will send you a Boomer Jersey - if you want to, you can get sponsors for your race - run for Team Boomer. God knows, I will sponsor you!

Love-
Sarah

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Administrator
CysticFibrosis.com

PS -
My glasses were annoying - but I have no choice. Since pregnancies, I can't wear glasses - my muscles are weak. I am not a candidate for Lasik, not that I would do it...I am too scared to lose my sight!

I just make sure I always have Couture glasses - they are my "trademark"! My husband resents me for it! But hey, I call it "eye candy" - and have you ever heard the phrase "It is not how you play. It is what you wear." - so fun!


Sarah

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Administrator
CysticFibrosis.com

Way to go Sarah!
YOU ROCK!

This was unbelievable! I felt like I was running along side you, the only problem was I haven't stopped crying! If I am this emotional, I can't even imagine what you experienced. Thanks for sharing that beautiful article!

Janie

They are very nice glasses, you look very smart. I got my eyes checked for the 1st time this year because I am terrified of anything going near my eyes...that puff of air did me in for like 3 years. But I can get stuck with needles all day long and have surgery...just nothing near my eyes!

The jersey would make my day! Jerry sent out the forms for sponsorship, so today I'm going to start getting sponsors...my mom's a teacher so I'll stop by her school (my alma mater ?) and get some cash there, then take them to work. We'll see how much I can get here..people have to be sick of me..I always have something for them to buy for CF or give their money to.

It's not how you play, it's what you wear hahahaha amazing! At least I'll look like a runner at the races haha. I'll have my friends with Reynolds wrap at the end of the 10K haha, we'll take some pics of that.

Rock CF,
Em

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Emily 27 pwcf Founder of the Rock CF Foundation. The Rock CF Foundation is dedicated to increasing the quality of life for people with Cystic Fibrosis. With the help of a core group of volunteers, the Foundation utilizes the arts, entertainment, fashion and fitness to support research initiatives and heighten public awareness in the fight against cystic fibrosis. www.letsrockcf.org "Keep on rockin' till we find a cure"

Congratulations on a MONUMENTAL accomplishment!! And thank you for bringing awareness to CF!

Well this is the first chance of getting to read your blog on it. I have heard lots about it & I did cry thru it all. I could feel your emotions, your physical pain & your surge of adrenaline. Until this year I never took interest in any marathons, but this has truly enlightened me. I cant express words well enough to tell you how important it is that you represent all of us nor how proud I am of you!!!!

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Jazmine; 11 yrs old; daughter; sister

Sarah, great job out there! I want to thank you personally for going out and raising awareness of the CF causes. It is my sincere hope I'll be able to join you on the course next year and soon Team Boomer will outnumber - or run side by side with - the Team CF guys from England.

And also, just plain congrats on finishing a difficult marathon. New York is not the easiest course and it sounds like you really made it work for you.

Cris

I LOVED reading this - it was incredible! You should be very proud of yourself!!!

Carey
(a CF mom)

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Carey

Sarah, I just read your marathon report from 2006 and it is most amazing! I am so proud of you and thankful for people like you. Keep up the good work. Want to come run 2008's NY marathon w/ me?

Cris Dopher