Happy Marathon Monday! Today is Patriot's Day-- every Bostonian's favorite holiday. For most, although not all, it is a day off from work to head downtown to cheer on world-class athletes as they don the blue and yellow and race their pants off to honor the B.A.A. unicorn. The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, and it's awesome to be in the city for the event. As I live here, its a little bit harder to remind myself of how incredible it is, when fighting through crowds of people and the overwhelming amount of visitors breaking the already-crumbling MBTA system, but it's a great day and I'm proud of my city every year for pulling it off.

I am bummed to say that this Marathon Monday I am trapped in my cubicle, but someone's gotta do it, eh? I wish I could be out there cheering on the brave and well-toned, and particularly our friend Amy, over at Lavender Parking. (Who we had the pleasure of meeting yesterday! We're so glad to have met her, and right before the big day!) While this Patriot's Day, I'm inside, I enjoyed a wonderful weekend with some wonderful friends and my entire family.

Yesterday, when my alarm went off at 5:30am, I tried to think of any excuse anybody would take as legitimate to get out of running the B.A.A. 5k. When nothing came to mind, I begrudgingly put on my running clothes, headed downtown, lined up with 6,500 other morons, and waited until the 8:00 start gun (it's not actually a gun, is it?). Among these morons were 12 members of the 2 Fat Nerds team, and while I was personally not running my heart out, it was great to partake in the race with such an incredible, albeit stubborn, support system. Everyone did an awesome job, and 8 members of our team set personal records. I'm so proud of the great strides my family has made in the past couple years, especially my parents, who have turned into quite the runners!

I wish I could say I set a PR or even a small feat, like pretending to enjoy myself, but while running isn't necessarily my thing, I can say I loved being a part of Team 2 Fat Nerds and the feeling when Brooks and I crossed the finish line, even if I stubbornly walked the majority of the course. I've struggled for years with finding a balance in fitness and health and while I continue to find my own stride, I look to my beautiful family for inspiration, but to myself for strength. They have led by example and have all found happier, more active lifestyles. They've done it for themselves, and now I have to do the same. Nobody else can make you healthier; I have to lean on my own confidence to get there.

All-in-all it was a great weekend, a definite kick-off for an active summer. While Boston continues to be freezing, the sun seems to be getting a bit warmer each day, and more people are running, biking, walking, or sometimes roller blading, down the Charles River esplanade. This time of year always reminds me of how much I love this city and the potential the warmer seasons bring.

Thanks, 2 Fat Nerds, for a great race weekend! And Congratulations to all of the 2013 B.A.A. runners!