Fran Curtis 2011 Boston Marathon

Almost 3 years ago I quit smoking. For anyone that had smoked for as long as I had (27 years) I knew this was going to be tough. I needed something to occupy my time instead of eating. I started going for hikes, and when I didn’t have time to get to a trail head I put on my gear and walked right out my front door.

The walking was great but as time passed and I wasn’t losing my breath, I thought to myself….why not run … so I did. How was I to know that running was just as addictive as smoking, and maybe more expensive at first.

Over the past 2 years, and many races and hundreds of miles under my feet I wanted to see if I could set a goal for myself and qualify for the running of the Boston Marathon. I trained really hard for 6 months; I missed the mark by 18.8 seconds.

Even after missing my goal I wasn’t going to give up after all that training I put in. I had to find a way to run what is known in the Running World as, a world-renowned race that provides the backdrops for one of Boston’s most enjoyable days for those running and the thousands of spectators along the route.

The 26.2-mile marathon is the oldest, annual city race in the world. The course runs from the Metro West suburb of Hopkinton, and ends in front of the Boston Public Library on Boylston St.

It’s widely considered one of the most difficult marathon routes in the world thanks to its system of winding roads and challenging hills that take runners on a journey through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and Boston. The challenge reaches its peak at Heartbreak Hill, a section near Boston College that is the final ascent of the four Newton hills. It often proves too much for many racers to take.

Really, who wouldn’t want to do this - we have to be crazy!

So I found another way. It was a blessing in disguise. I never knew that there was a part of me that was able to raise money for a cause. I guess it just had to be the right one.

I'm sure I will be learning a lot more about this group of people in the months of training ahead. But after attending the first team meeting, I know this is going to be a great experience and I am looking forward to working with everyone involved.

Thank you for every donation you make on behalf of Summer Search and the opportunity to run in one of the greatest races in the world – Fran

If you are not comfortable using a credit card or just prefer to use a check.

Make the check payable to: Summer Search

Mail to: Fran Curtis - 6B West Hill Dr. - Westminster, MA 01473

Remember your donations are tax deductable, if you have any questions or comments please e-mail me:

franc1@comcast.net or franc@moorelumber.com

Thanks again for all your donations ..... Fran!