This blog is my personal blog (as I note in the about section), but it tends to be pretty work-centric, which for me, means there’s a lot of VMware and EMC stuff, as well as stuff about my corporate (VMware Affinity) and field teams (vSpecialists).
But, like everyone, I’m a human too. And while I REALLY like working for EMC, and am incredibly PASSIONATE about VMware and EMC, I LOVE my family.
Today is the Boston Marathon, and my wife Susan is running – with the kids and I supporting from the sidelines. I’m incredibly proud of her, and humbled by her achievement – to qualify is quite something, and IMO, says something about her focus and execution when she sets her mind on something.
The race starts in Hopkinton, which is home to EMC HQ – a small, and beautiful New England town.
Throughout the day, I’ll be posting photos and videos – there are many friends/family following along.
GO SUSAN!
Read on for details, videos (short on YouTube, longer ones on Vimeo), pictures which I will be posting throughout the day.
The Start
It’s the start of the race – here are videos of us walking to the race, the “sense” of the start, and then the 2nd wave (which gives you an idea of how huge the race is – there are 27,000 racers – this is just one wave of several).
It’s a beautiful spring day here in Hopkinton..
Boston Marathon 2011 - Start of Wave 2 from Chad Sakac on Vimeo.
And here, you can see pictures of the start…
Click here to view these pictures larger
We’re off to the next milestone (for us) to see her near the 22 mile mark (just after Heartbreak Hill – which is actually four consecutive hills)
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Ok – at the 22 Mile Mark – we just missed each other… Here are pictures of what the scene looked like – lots of interesting people. Lots of people smiling, but also lots cringing (and man, I don’t blame them).
Click here to view these pictures larger
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The end was madness – so packed on Bolyston you couldn’t move. The girls were exhausted as I dragged them around – I told them they couldn’t complain, and needed to suck it up a bit as mom was going to be a mess
Finally – we found Susan – here are the pictures at the end of the race…
Click here to view these pictures larger
I’m so proud of her achievement – one she worked hard for… Susan’s finishing time was 3:52:37!

Chad, thanks for sharing your beautiful family with us. Hope Susan is having a fantastic day!
Posted by: Kris Cornwall | April 18, 2011 at 02:57 PM
She looks too full of energy to have just finished a marathon ;-) Congratulations to her for qualifying for the Boston and for finishing with a great time! I just ran a tiny little 8k yesterday and a half marathon at the end of 2010. I'm signed up for the Portland marathon happening this October. I don't think my wife will be live blogging the event though.
Posted by: Jeremykeen | April 18, 2011 at 06:15 PM
That is a huge achievement indeed and I can imagine you are proud! Cute kids by the way :-)
Duncan
Posted by: Duncan | April 18, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Chad - Great post, super accomplishment. Tell Susan congrats! /RW
Posted by: Rick Walsworth | April 19, 2011 at 12:39 AM
Hi Chad,
I also work for EMC, here in Hopkinton.....Took the following pictures of Boston Marathon runners at 4th miles from the starting point...sharing them ...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vs_sankar/sets/72157626434989857/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vs_sankar/sets/72157626561158604/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vs_sankar/sets/72157626549768774/
Rgds
Sankar
Posted by: VS.Sankar | May 01, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Nice videos Chad which capture the atmosphere of the race.
You must have been really frustrated to miss Susan at 22 miles - it's not always easy being a marathon spectator either.
I liked the guy filming himself with his little camera as he ran off from the start.
Posted by: Mark | August 04, 2011 at 06:22 AM