Today was Medal Day - it was a noisy day, a few medals around one's neck and cause a little jingle. The part that most people caught onto today was ... that Spirit week wasn't forced on me by some crazy charity director, it was my own crazy idea. Today had an emotion in the air - excitement all around the office! :-0)
I had some support too!
Corporate Challenge 2009 Captains - Scott Goldstein, Katie Weinmann, and Carolyn Cross - we're winners!
At noon time, I checked my email and eyes zoomed in on my Firstgiving donation email alert - Aww! Joe Piedrafite donated $60.59!! I quickly logged onto my Firstgiving.com/katierunsboston and saw the tremendous amazing unBELIEVABLE $6000 listed on my fundraising site!! I grabbed my phone, jumped up and down, and ran out of my office toward the lobby as my phone dialed. I yelled THANK YOU INTO THE PHONE 10 times! My heart was beating so fast! Thank you to everyone! I could not, I repeat, COULD NOT have done this without all your support!
I immediately called my Mom to tell her the good news, but didn't catch up with my parents till later. They were driving the marathon route to figure out their plan for Marathon Monday!
For the evening, I drove into Boston and met Joe for the 'Cheers to the Boston Marathon'. I had no idea what to expect, but I won free tickets (top fundraiser award!) to what was presented as a VIP party. The event was hosted by Adidas, the Boston Athletic Association, and Cheers and was a VIP party indeed held at the Hampshire House on Beacon Street. The program for the event included a slideshow by Adidas celebrating their 20 years of Boston marathon sponsorship, and presentation of the Patriots' Award, and lighting of hte B.A.A. lamp.
Tom Grilk, Guy Morse, and Thomas Kershaw
It was a very exciting and inspiring show. An open bar with hors d'ouevres was enjoyed by everyone. I can't turn down a free drink, but I can leave behind a half drank beer glass. The VIPs included Boston Athletic Association President - Tom Grilk, Executive Director - Guy Morse, and David McGillivray - Race Director!
Do you remember, I read David McGillivray's book a few weeks ago?? AWE STRUCK! I've never really been awe struck, but I could barely talk! When the presentation began, Joe and I happened to be close to the front of the room. David McGillivray ended up standing right next to me, but I wasn't certain that it was him! After the presentation was over, I handed Joe my camera and then proceded to figure out a way to introduce myself to my future boss. I received confirmation when someone yelled -Hey David. In a moment, I stuck out my hand and said, 'Hi I'm Katie Weinmann - Are you David McGillivray?' Then I managed to say a few times - I loved your book! I told him about Bottom Line, my fundraising efforts and then asked for advice since I'm heading into my first marathon. He was really nice and didn't blow me off to talk to all of his actual friends - it was basically a reunion of the good old running crew. His biggest piece of advice was be in the moment. He said, "I know I can't tell you not to be nervous, because you will be, but once you start running, you'll be so focused on yourself that you'll love it." We talked for several minutes. I grabbed a quick photo -
David McGillavray - Boston Marathon Race Director
and then thanked him for his advice. Wow, I can't believe out of all those hundreds of people that I actually literally bumped into the one person that I wanted to meet! and talked to!
Thanks to Joe Piedrafite for enjoying the festivities with me this evening.
Katie and Joe take on the B.A.A. race weekend!
It's far past my bedtime and I need to calm my little racing mind!
1 comment:
cute outfit!!
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