Traveling to New York today

I am sitting here with my Freelife friends this morning enjoying the morning sun and a hearty breakfast.
We are staying in Canton Connecticut with Adam and Lisa and their two beautiful girls.
Their beautiful house is awesome. It sits high on the hill. All around there is so much spring beauty.
This area reminds me a little of living in New Zealand, and I could so easily live here.
We had our meeting last night with about 45 people, which was a fantastic turnout, considering Adam and Lisa's house is a little out of the way. Great to bask in the phenomenal leadership present last evening and to learn from others. I arrived here to a huge bunch of flowers from Ray and Kevin which was awesome.
The good news is we were able to post a video with some Marathon highlights on Facebook last night and with a bit of good luck and some of Sean's skill we will be able to get the video on here.
Sean is driving us to New York today and I'm very excited about that as I have never been there before. Once again I am in awe of the generosity of our friends here in the USA, we have been treated to all things good.
What about you? Are you being treated to all things good?

 Remember If it is to be it is up to me. So now go to work and make it happen.  BE GREAT!

Newport Rhode Island.......

We have been traveling for a few days and had a bit of a challenge with the internet.
We are in Newport Rhode Island and what a wonderful place to live!!!
I am writing to you from a hotel right on the water with million-dollar yachts outside my window this is awesome!
I think completing my Boston Marathon is just starting to sink in and just writing that gives me goosebumps.
This morning I went out walking with Jean, along the waterfront, and I looked down and saw the timing tag still on my runners and it gave me a shiver down my spine.
I am still excited and life is good.
Tonight Jean and I are guests at a big Freelife meeting and I'm looking forward to telling my story and being with our Freelife Family again.
My friend Sean is still working on the Video. However, he tells me it should be ready to post on here tomorrow. As yet I have not seen any footage although he tells me it is great.
Better get moving, I have to check out and I haven't had a shower yet and I'm way over check out time.

BE GREAT!

This morning I have a smile from ear to ear!!!!!!!!!

It is a beautiful sunny morning in Boston Massachusetts and I can't take the smile off my face!
I have had so many messages from my followers from various parts of the globe over the last 24hours, it has been a real knock out for me.
Yesterday was such a thrill for me.
What a way to realize my dream, with such style as a VIP rubbing shoulders with the elite athletes.
My body feels so good this morning you would never guess that I completed a Marathon yesterday and this is due to the Freelife products. Without these products, I would not be in the shape that I am today.

Thanks, Ray and Kevin, and Freelife International. You are both awesome gentlemen.
Today I want to acknowledge Jean for being such a wonderful partner.
Along the way, she has made many sacrifices for my running and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Also, my stepdaughter Katherine who ran with me for the last 14kms yesterday. I know this experience has changed her life as well. Then there is my very best and dearest friend Mal. You are awesome and you have given, given, and then given some more to my journey.
I salute you my friend you are one in a million!!

Stay tuned for more info in the coming days.
BE GREAT!

Today I realized my 37yr dream of Running The 2010 Boston Marathon!!!

I'm sitting here in my Hotel room with my 2010 Boston Marathon medal around my neck which I am going to wear to bed tonight.
Today was an awesome experience for me. The crowds were phenomenal, they lined 26.2miles  (42kms)
track shoulder to shoulder screaming encouragement.
Today I set a personal best time, and I am totally and utterly thrilled with my efforts!
Thank you to my support team of Jean and Katherine. You two are awesome.
Plus Sean McKenna, Paul Kenny, Stu, and Kathy Ramsay thanks for going that extra mile with and for me.
Thanks to John Lynch for giving me the privileged position of having the VIP experience, firstly in the tent this morning at 6.30am with the elite runners. Then on the Number 1 Bus with other VIP's, with a police escort, which was amazing and brilliant to be part of (they even stopped traffic so we would have an uninterrupted trip to the town of Hopkington to the start) 

Then this afternoon being in the VIP tent with my support team whom you welcomed with open arms.
I left the tent floating after having been given a massage and being treated like a queen.
I had a wonderful dinner with my team, and have just had a hot bath. I feel a million dollars.
Stay tuned for the next few days when I will post a video and lots of photos and more information.

BE GREAT!! I know that you can do it!

13 hours to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

Counting down.....
My drinks are all prepared and sitting in a bucket of ice in my Hotel room...
My bottles of Chi3 ready to go...
My clothes are all laid out ready to put on...........
My socks and shoes with my timing tag attached are on the floor ready to step into......
My watch is sitting waiting...
My fuel belt is also laying on the floor...
Vaseline packed.....to prevent chaffing
iPod and earplugs... with a plastic bag attached just in case it rains.
I'm taking it with me however only to be used if I need a big kick in the butt. I want to drink in every moment and listen to every sound all the way through this awesome event in my life!!

As I sit here I can feel my heart pounding loudly in my chest with the excitement rising. 

As I write this, Boston is all go, and today the finishing line was in place and most of the barricades in bunches awaiting erection on the side of the road.
Today we drove the course with a busload of Marathon runners all visiting the course for the first time. 

It rained and then the sun even came out for a while.
The spring blossom is beautiful at the moment with huge magnolias in flower everywhere you look.

This is it!
Now get on with it!!
BE GREAT!

1 day to go to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

Here I am in Boston. It has been raining most of the day and it is cold. The crowds are starting to gather here for the big event on Monday. It will take more than the cold and a bit of rain to dampen the spirits of the people that are here. The placards are up in the streets and the place is buzzing with excitement regarding the upcoming event.
This morning I went to collect my race number and the goodies pack that goes with it. I picked it up at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo and there were thousands of people doing the same. 

If you are into gadgets then this is the place to spend your money. I restrained myself however, I did get a couple of momentoes. We spent several hours at the expo and we tried all the protein shakes and power bars etc that were on offer. Addidas gave you free sox if you tried on their shoes so we had a go at that as well. We had lots of laughs as we checked it all out.
Tonight we are off to dinner with a few elite runners who have completed the Boston Marathon several times. I am thrilled to have been invited, as I have not yet met the man who has invited us. He is the brother of a friend of mine from Melbourne. 

I have been fortunate over the years, to visit this wonderful country several times, and what I do know is that Americans are very generous and big-hearted.

BE GREAT!

2 Days to go to my Dream of Running The Boston Marathon

After 19 hours of flying time and a few hours sitting in airports waiting on planes, I'm now in Boston airport pinching myself at being in this great city.

It all started in Melbourne as you know. Sydney to LA was 12.5 hours in the air. LA to JFK in New York was 4 hours and then a little 35min flight from New York to Boston. 

At the airport, there are placards welcoming the Marathon runners from around the world. There are some runners from Europe who are stranded because of the activity of the volcano which is a very sad thing to happen. I just saw on the news that 17000 flights have been canceled.
Despite the long journey, I feel well and I am very excited to be catching up with some of my Freelife friends.
2 Days folks and it is all going to happen can you believe that!
That's enough for now, as I must put my head down in a real bed with some comfort for my body to get some rest.
Stay tuned things are really warming up here with regards to the excitement level and its all go from here on in.

 Life's GREAT! and BE GREAT!

3 Days to go to my Dream of Running The Boston Marathon

It's just after 4.30am Friday the 16th of April and I'm leaving for the airport on my way to Sydney then New York and Boston.
I'm over the moon with excitement!!
I'm going to sit back and enjoy this next bit.

Have a great day and as usual, make it count and be a force for good in the world.
BE GREAT!

4 Days to go to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

I woke up, fired up!
In 3 hours I will be on the plane to Melbourne.........
I've just checked the temperature in Boston for the run and it is going to be 14C, which I'm ok with. 

Friday when we arrive, it is only going to be 9 so I think that will be a bit of a shock to my system.
On the other hand, who cares, the adventure is well and truly on!
I guess the next bit for me is to enjoy the ride and feel the feelings of the next few days.
Every so often I catch myself and in my head, I'm already in Boston which is fantastic!

Take every opportunity that comes your way today and make it count.
BE GREAT!

5 days to go to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

Up at 5.30am ready to go for my last 10km on my own turf! It was another cool morning and I did my best time ever for a 10km which thrilled me to bits! I can tell you all. I am firing!
I have to work at staying focused, and continue to get my gear all ready for the most exciting flight I have taken in many years. Keeping my feet on the ground is important at this stage of the game.
Once I hit the USA, I will focus on being in that time zone, so by Monday, I am in the groove of Boston time.
Today it is like I am thinking faster than I can even write...
So I will say this to you again.
"What other people think of you is none of your business" So get on with your purpose for being on this planet.

I believe each of us has a job to do and I think now more than ever before it is of utmost importance that we do what we came to do.
BE GREAT!

6 days to go to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

What can I say!! I'm sooooo excited as it is only 6 days to go.
2 days to go and I'm on the plane beginning my travel towards Boston.
I have been dreaming of this for 37 years.
When Michelle took me seriously about my desire to do the Marathon in her training studio of March 2008 it was then I took me seriously. From that moment on I knew deep in my heart it was going to happen even though there were quite a few odds against me. The two main ones were my weight and getting an actual place in the field with the right to participate.
I have changed my life in order to allow this magnificent event to take place.
I have done the training and I am ready!!!!
So I say...

Bring it on..............
BE GREAT!

7 more days to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

Went to Boxing this morning at 6am and that will be my last class until after Boston.

We did our usual 500 abdominal exercises and it always amazes me how we all manage them.
The days seem to be going faster at the moment. I'm sure it is me, with my excitement propelling it along.
I have packed my case as much as I am able to at the moment and I am thrilled to be so organized. 

Today in Boston the temperature is 19C so it is warming up a bit, although I don't mind if on the Monday of the marathon it is cooler as I like that better than the warmth to run in.
At this time I think its good to remember the "Carers of Alzheimer's" the one million of them out there caring for their loved ones. If you haven't already done so this is the time to give to them...
www.everydayhero.com.au/mary_scott_2
Remember the 257,000 sufferers of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia around this country not to mention in the world.
Also, can you do me a favor if you haven't already? can you tell your friends about my fundraising site and invite them to give any amount as it all helps. 

BE GREAT!

8 days to go to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

Out the door by 4.05am and I was surprised at how warm it was. I think I was a bit overdressed in my full compressions, however, I know that they are great support for my body when I wear them. 

I didn't do so well today with my 30kms, especially the last 10km as it was quite warm. This is the life of running some days are better than others. 

It does, however, help my confidence to know that my 34kms last week was fantastic and very strong. It's all character building for my future runs. In the big scheme of things, it's all part of my journey to Boston. Katherine met me at the 20kms mark and we ran together for a little while. She is getting stronger so was off out the front and then I lost sight of her.
Thought I would start packing my case today and be very organized for my big trip. I usually leave it until the day I leave, however, I am changing how I do some things and this is one of them.
It's going to be a lovely day today so we will take the dogs to the beach. I am looking forward to a swim in the surf. The dogs are so funny when we are all in the water they stand where only their feet get wet and watch us most of the time, waiting patiently for our return. 

Enjoy your day! BE GREAT!

9 days to go to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

At 5.30am today I was walking by the sea watching the sunrise. Exquisite day to be by the ocean. A few runners and the bush turkeys heading up the hill enjoying the new day.
I'm really getting into this early morning walk by the sea, as it is only 15mins drive from home. 

Each time I go, I feel so blessed to be able to take advantage of a truly great place to live.
I'm sure you have guessed I'm still very excited with only 9 days to go now.
Tomorrow I am running 30kms, my last long run until the Marathon and I have so much anticipation of the 4am start its amazing even to myself.
I guess the other thing that excites me is that there will be loads of other runners from around the world preparing for the 114th Boston Marathon. Each of them with different dreams and expectations of the journey ahead. If you happen to be reading this and you are one of those people I say to you "Good on You"

As always make your day count and BE GREAT!

10 days to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

What a great day to be alive and so well! 10kms this morning and boy did I feel good. It was a little bit warmer today, and I traveled very well, and I still have a smile on my face to prove it.
I now have 10 days to drive you all crazy with my excitement, so if you don't want to get an overdose of excitement you had better not read my blog these next 10 days. In fact this time next week I will be on the plane to the USA. WHOO HOOO......
This has been a 37-year-old dream which is about to be realized on the 19th April 2010.
The support I am receiving from my friends around the globe is nothing short of amazing. THANK YOU!
You are all part of my story which I intend to tell to as many people as possible around the world.
I believe with any great challenge, there also needs to be an equal amount of support given, in order to achieve the results. 

I think some people believe, the support has to come from just within themselves. I disagree. I think that in my case many people have offered support in very different ways and in different forms which is when the magic happens. We all have so much to contribute to any given project and the more we work as a team the more powerful the whole thing becomes.

What project are you contributing to?  BE GREAT!

11 Days to go to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

What a morning it has been! Jam-packed starting at 5.30 when we went to the beach to walk, and enjoy the sun across the water. Once again lots of people swimming. I think next early morning I decide to walk I will take a swim in the surf afterward.
Then at 9am I was a guest on radio KKNW 1150am in Seattle Washington. It was 4pm on their drive time show for one hour which was an awesome experience for me. The show is called "2 Fab Ladies" they do lots of laughing and they are inspiring people on their trip home from work. I am now wondering what will happen next! We discussed on the show about someone in the USA and other countries taking up the challenge and starting fundraising for Carers of Alzheimer's. What a very cool thought that would be having many groups around the world all raising money!

BE GREAT!

12 days to go to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

A beautiful cool morning for running this morning, and I was fortunate to have a sleep in again until 5.30am.
10km, and I really enjoyed the run. Once again, I am blessed to feel so strong and healthy.
I have been watching the temperature in Boston rise on a daily basis this past week. Today I think it is going to be 20C and here it is going to be 25C, all this just helps me keep my feet on the ground and stay focused. My training is still a huge priority for me and will remain that way until after the Marathon. 

It would be so easy to get carried away at this point with the travel and excitement etc of it all.
Yesterday I received a package from Boston with a little book of instructions on what is happening, and where to get all the goodies, like my race number and Boston long sleeve running shirt they give all the competitors. They are certainly well organized with everything that I can see, so far. I guess with 25,000 runners they would need to be.

Enjoy your day and make the most of it.
BE GREAT!

13 days to go to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

I decided this morning to drive towards the ocean and put green garbage bags (sealed where possible) over my compression gear, with a couple more layers over the top. On my back, I carried a liter of water in a camelback. This idea came as a result of me wanting to achieve my goal of running in Boston at 65kilos, and I thought I might be able to sweat some of my fat off. 

Jean came with me, and we walked up the hill from Noosa's main beach, with the ocean on one side and the bush on the other, it was lovely. We left the bottom of the hill at about 6.15am and there were quite a few people out swimming in the ocean, surfing, walking, and running. The sight from the top was awesome. The beautiful sandy beach on one side and the blue/white water on the other. We saw loads of different wildflowers once we were up at the top and the colors were quite varied. It was nice to do something different, although I have to tell you, I stayed in my gear until we drove home and by then you would not want to sit next to me!
I'm fired up today and I am looking forward very much to the next 13 days of this awesome journey.

Get out into Nature and enjoy her beauty today! BE GREAT!

14 Days to go to my dream of Running The Boston Marathon

I'm a bit late writing today, as I was attempting to be successful in my goal of laughing until my face hurts.
I have had plenty of laughing practice over the Easter break. Maybe I will carry the goal forward to next weekend. I will keep you posted about that.
Once again I woke this morning with no aches or pains after my 34kms yesterday. I love it that I can get up and get on with the day with a strong body.
Today we took our dogs to the dog beach and it was fantastic! Dogs everywhere having such a great time with each other. Our two enjoy every minute they are on the sand, and the little one wants all the other dogs to chase her no matter what size they are. She is such a gutsy spirited dog. 

One thing about dogs is that they are so much in the moment. We could certainly learn a thing or two from them in the way we live our life.
Being high spirited is such a wonderful way to live, then throw some passion into that and you can really be on fire!
Tell me what is your spirit like? What could you change if you got fired up?

I dare YOU! Get fired up and see what happens.

15 days to my Dream of Running The Boston Marathon

I awoke at 3.40am to the very loud sound of frogs, all happy after the rain. I was out the door by 4am and pleased to feel the cool air. 34kms this morning and I am thrilled to report I felt very strong for most of the run. Great confidence enhancing run for me today, as this was the longest distance I will have before my Marathon. 

Next Sunday will be 30kms, and the Sunday after that I will be in Boston. I had my new songs on my iPod today and that provided me with another laugh as I ran along thinking about my silly dancing to the music on Friday. Music is such a cool thing to enjoy and I find it magical to quickly change my mood if required. I also love it when I listen to a particular song that brings back great memories from the past that were a fantastic moment in time.
Almost forgot Happy Easter everyone!!
I am still on a mission about laughing so much my face hurts and I think this Easter will be the time to make it happen.
I hope that your Easter is brilliant just like mine...

BE GREAT!

16 days to go to my dream of running The Boston Marathon

With 16 days to go now, the excitement is coming out of my ears.
Katherine and I went to Boxing this morning and it was as full-on as usual, finishing off with 500 abdominal exercises which I managed incredibly well which totally amazed me.
I wanted to give you an update on the status of my face as my goal for this Easter long weekend was to laugh until my face hurts. Yesterday I was close to achieving my goal. I loaded my iPod with some new music and then I had some fun dancing to it and trying to sing as well, with the earphones in, which was not a pretty sight or sound!!
I'm really enjoying the few days off, so today I will go all out to make my face hurt!
Hope that you are having fun as well, and make the most of every day you have. 

Don't be one of those people who are tiptoeing through life hoping to make it safely to death.
BE GREAT!

Finally made it into the 60's Whoo Hoo!!!

Would you believe that I have finally made it into the 60's! Whoo Hoo!

So it does work, "What you think you become". I've been thinking about this for a long time. It is 30 years since I have been in the 60's with regard to my weight loss just in case you didn't know what I was on about. So today is another great day!
I was out this morning at 6am running my 10km and observing how much traffic was around. Especially 4xdrive vehicles looking to go camping, and to enjoy the great outdoors we offer in this part of Australia.
I decided to have a big treat and have a Hot Cross bun with butter with my egg for breakfast. I really tasted the butter as I have not had butter for so long. I did enjoy it, and that's my treat for now, so back to my mission of dropping more weight before I get on that plane on the 15th.
I hope that your Easter is relaxing and filled with great joy. I'm planning to laugh until my face hurts this long weekend, in fact, that is one of my weekend goals.
What about you? What are your goals for this weekend? 

Enjoy whatever you do and........
BE GREAT!

Good memories are great for the heart

Easter is almost here and I was thinking about Good Friday. I remember how my Mum put  Hot Cross Buns in the oven for morning tea, and very soon the house would smell delicious. My brothers, sister, and my father would come from all over the house to eat them together, with great lashings of butter. Memories! They are great things that bring us together with one heart. Must be something about my age, as I seem to be doing quite a lot of reflecting about life growing up in New Zealand. 

The other thing that comes to mind very quickly, is saying the rosary every night before our dinner. 

My father was so strong about our Catholic faith. We would be in the dining room kneeling and leaning on a kitchen chair with our rosary beads in our hands. We all took turns in leading a decade of the rosary. 

As kids, we would forget whose turn it was to lead and we would have to check with one another during the day because it was not good to get to the moment to lead, and not know who was the leader for that particular night. Dad liked us to know where we were at.
Like I said memories are a very powerful thing. My best friend Mal was reminding me today that my run in the Boston Marathon would be with me for the rest of my life and I agree.

Whatever you are doing for Easter be safe and BE GREAT!