Scott Thatcher representing FCVN in 2012 Boston Marathon
On April 16, 2012, the weather forecast for Boston MA called for unseasonably warm temperatures in the 90s! Marathoners were given the option to postpone until the following year. Scott Thatcher had been training hard for months for this race. He was determined to run despite the heat advisories. By noontime, the hospitals in the Boston area were overhelmed with heat casualties from BM. I was anxiously tracking Scott’s time on the BM website, which gives the time in 5k increments. I was worried and imagining the worst. Part of me knew Scott is an experienced runner and would know to adjust his pace to compensate for the heat factor. Part of me could see him being carried off on a stretcher like many other runners. I breathed a sigh of relief when his finish time showed up. It was not his best time–no runner made their best time that day–but it was a very respectable 4:42:05. He even stopped to chat with his parents and wife along the way. Not only did Scott successfully finished another BM despite the challenging weather, he also raised an amazing $4222 for the children in Vietnam. When asked which was more difficult, 26.2 miles or raising $4222, Scott laughed and said, “Without a doubt, 26.2 miles.” On behalf of the children, Thank you Scott! Congratulations! We are proud and honored to have you represent FCVN in the 2012 Boston Marathon.
A few words from Scott: This year was my third opportunity to run the Boston Marathon for FCVN and it was as exciting as the first! There are few things in life as exciting as running in Boston. From the thousands of fans, the competitive field and world recognition of the event - just participating in Boston has more significance than even winning other events.” “Every year despite the massive training necessary for a successful run, Boston always has surprises. Sometimes it is freezing temperatures - other times rain, snow, or wind. In 2009 and 2010 I wore a hat and gloves for 17 of the 26 miles. This year it was 90 degrees at mile 10 - and my focus changed from a personal best (totally achievable just a few days earlier) to just finishing the 26.2 miles. I learn something in every race- and this was no different. I was reminded of how critical setting small goals is. I set 26 one mile goals and proudly checked them off as I went. Without goal setting the idea of finishing 26 miles in the sweltering heat becomes overwhelming. The heat added about an hour to my overall pace - but it was still one of my most enjoyable races to date. I thank FCVN for giving me the opportunity to do something I truly love while supporting a great cause.
A few words from Scott: This year was my third opportunity to run the Boston Marathon for FCVN and it was as exciting as the first! There are few things in life as exciting as running in Boston. From the thousands of fans, the competitive field and world recognition of the event - just participating in Boston has more significance than even winning other events.” “Every year despite the massive training necessary for a successful run, Boston always has surprises. Sometimes it is freezing temperatures - other times rain, snow, or wind. In 2009 and 2010 I wore a hat and gloves for 17 of the 26 miles. This year it was 90 degrees at mile 10 - and my focus changed from a personal best (totally achievable just a few days earlier) to just finishing the 26.2 miles. I learn something in every race- and this was no different. I was reminded of how critical setting small goals is. I set 26 one mile goals and proudly checked them off as I went. Without goal setting the idea of finishing 26 miles in the sweltering heat becomes overwhelming. The heat added about an hour to my overall pace - but it was still one of my most enjoyable races to date. I thank FCVN for giving me the opportunity to do something I truly love while supporting a great cause.
