Bert and I are headed to the Boston Marathon this weekend.  No, we’re not running.  In fact, I struggle with just meeting the demands of my Fitbit (set by me, no less) of WALKING (not running) 10,000 steps.  Yeah, yeah.  We walk the neighborhood when the weather is ideal.  We walk in cities when we travel.  But run?  No way.

We’re going to Boston Marathon 2014 to support our friend, Jim Miller, who’s running his 100th marathon.  Let me say that again, because you have to get your head around this: 100th marathon!

A 1974 graduate of University of New Hampshire and a consultant in the hospitality industry (now living in Orlando), Jim set a lofty goal for himself that started in Boston years ago.  His first goal?  Run a marathon in each of the 50 states.  And check.  Just like that.  Jim did it.

Next goal?  Run 100 marathons.  And that’s about to be another check.  This race, the 118th Boston Marathon, will satisfy that 100th-marathon goal, a personal accomplishment for the “runningest” person we know!

Jim also wants to raise $100,000 for the Liver Foundation in memory of his father as he explains in this YouTube video. He’s getting closer to that goal, too, as he is now in third place in the Boston Marathon fundraising category through the Liver Foundation‘s Run for Research. (Want to contribute? Click here for Jim Miller.)

So, what about us?  First, we’ll fly into Boston for a bit of sightseeing with a particular destination:  the Boston Public Library‘s exhibit “Dear Boston: Messages from the Marathon Memorial” (open through May 11).

We’ll check out the usual sites, of course, like Fanueil Hall — and maybe ride in a Swan Boat, if lines aren’t too long.

Then we’ll accompany Jim at the official Number Pick-up event held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  (It’s exciting.  Really, it is.  All those runners.  And all us loafers gawking and wishing we were in shape enough to join ’em!)

We may even be make it to the Pre-race Pasta Party hosted by the Boston Athletic Association, whose website provides maps, history, and great photos of previous events. (Click here.)

Then, on April 21st — Race Day, we’ll  join thousands of other spectators hoping to get a glimpse of the 35,660 registered runners and catch a bus (hopefully) to the Finish Line to congratulate Jim. (The Amazing Race, for real!)

So, watch for us.  We’ll be the ones wearing Big Orange University of Tennessee ball caps and Boston Strong wrist bands. Smiling.

We’re excited.  We can’t wait.  But most of all, we’re proud of our friend Jim Miller.

Run, Jim Miller, run!

For more information:

Boston Athletic Association: http://www.baa.org (Race info, participant information, sights and sounds of previous races, history, map of route, etc.)

Articles:

“Bags, strollers, unregistered runners not welcome at this year’s Boston Marathon.” CNN U. S. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/27/us/boston-marathon-banned-items/

“Boston Public Library hosts exhibit marking anniversary of marathon bombings.” Providence Journal.  Retrieved from http://www.providencejournal.com/features/lifestyle/travel/20140413-boston-public-library-hosts-exhibit-marking-anniversary-of-marathon-bombings.ece

Breaking down the Boston Marathon by the numbers.” Boston Magazine.  Retrieved from http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2014/04/14/boston-marathon-economic-boost/

Videos:

“Jim Miller wants you to run the Boston Marathon with him.” YouTube.  Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIXlE6tWFiQ

“NH native ready for his 100th marathon.” WMUR. Retrieved from http://www.wmur.com/sports/NH-native-ready-for-his-100th-marathon/25201954

YouTube: (Training Clinics, Videos of past races, etc.) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheBostonMarathon

Social Media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBostonMarathon

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/rushasams/boston-marathon-2014/

Twitter: @bostonmarathon