The weather was grueling hot in 2012 but the experience was absolutely amazing. I trained mainly with Heartbreak Hill in mind but I would have been better off running in a sauna (instead of the Minnesota snow)!

The fans were amazing and so involved in cheering on the runners. They set up sprinklers, sprayed us with hoses and some little kids were handing out ice cubes and cold water. The community was awesome! Personally, the heat took a toll on me but I made it across the finish and that was all I could ask for. After the race, we went for some clam chowder and Boston Creme Pie.

Wow, do I love Boston!

Expo: The expo was huge! After picking up my race bag, we watched the live course video. There were many booths and lots of running products to check out.

Race Swag: I received a yellow and blue Boston Marathon shirt, a poster, and a few other things I can't quite remember. I did order the 2012 Boston Marathon coat online beforehand, brought it with to the race but refused to wear it until I crossed the finish line. It was a great feeling to finally wear that Boston coat!

Course: Downhill at the start and very tempting to take off too fast (which I did). Things seemed to even out for a while and then the Heartbreak and Newton Hills are waiting. The heat was the biggest challenge for me but the hills at the end of the race weren't a cake walk either. On a day of more moderate temps, the course would have been really enjoyable!

Aid Stations: Thank God for all of the aid stations - there were plenty of them with water and sports drinks. The spectators were AWESOME because they handed out water and ice cubes as well.

View My Full Race Review Here: http://www.livinglifetruth.com/2013/04/race-report-boston-marathon-2012.html