Boston Marathon Q&A: Bridget Horne

This post is part of our Boston Marathon Q&A, where we ask local runners about their journey from the streets of Boston to the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Bridget Horne, in red. Photo provided.

Name: Bridget Horne
Age: 28
Residence: Scituate, MA

What did your training regimen look like?
This is the lightest training schedule I’ve ever adhered to by far. I jumped in to training about a month late following recovery from major stomach surgery in mid-December. I quickly escalated my weekend long runs and have only been running twice a week for relatively easy runs during the week. Let’s see how this goes!

What was the hardest part of training?
Getting over that beginning hump. I had been in great marathon shape before I went under the knife the first time and when I started running again this winter, I could barely get out two miles. I couldn’t even comprehend 26.2.

What’s your favorite pre-race (night before) meal?
Any kind of light fish with some filling sides.

What is your favorite post-race meal?
I’ve requested a six-pack of beer and a six-pack of donuts.

How will you stay motivated during the course?
By reminding myself what I’ve been through over the past year and how far I’ve come from the day I first considered if I could physically or emotionally handle running a marathon this year. I’ll also be looking for my family and friends along the course who will be coming in from as far as D.C., Baltimore, NYC, and Philadelphia to cheer me on.

Why do you run the Boston Marathon?
This is my first Boston Marathon and I’m running it for Back on My Feet. I’m running because Back on My Feet kept me going when I didn’t think I could. I’m running to give others a second chance. I’m running to help people realize that they can achieve whatever they put their minds to, no matter what obstacles stand in their way. And I’m running so people can realize that they are worth it.

Do you have any racing superstitions?
I like to visualize how absolutely terrible miles 17 through 25 usually feel and exaggerate it even further so that when I actually do hit those miles, it doesn’t seem as bad as I “remember.” This never works.

What will you be doing the day after the Boston Marathon?
Walking down stairs backwards. And eating. Everything.