The first time.

There is something undeniably magical about being part of the Boston Marathon. I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s there, in the air, almost tangible. It feels like the whole city is abuzz with the marathon. The Boston Strong daffodils on the streets and in shop windows, the window displays, the banners, and posters – it’s all around and everywhere.

Three blue lines on the streets marking the way to the finish, runners sporting their Boston race jackets all over town (yeah- that will be me tomorrow too), and the finish line painted and ready to be crossed 30,000 times.

“Are you here for the marathon?” is the refrain in every shop and restaurant – and how great to be able to say ‘yes!’. I feel more nervous and more excited than I remember feeling before. Crazy I know given this is marathon #16.

Maybe it’s just the forecast of seriously inclement weather throughout the day tomorrow (which certainly doesn’t help), maybe it’s the history of the event and wanting to show up and do it justice, but more than that, I think it’s simply this-this is Boston, and it’s like the first time again.

I wish all my fellow runners the time of their lives tomorrow.

Keep moving my friends.

Rob