Milwaukee woman will be "running for two" at this year's Boston Marathon

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- This year's Boston Marathon will be emotional for many -- especially in light of what happened at the finish line last year. A Milwaukee woman is running this year's marathon, and she'll be carrying more than just herself through the course.

If you've ever run or even watched a marathon, you know that the grueling 26.2-mile race is one of the purest testaments possible to sheer human willpower. Perhaps that's why last year's Boston Marathon bombings felt like an attack on hope itself.

Last year's bombings and the images that emerged afterwards won't be far from the minds of the runners lacing up for this year's race.

"I know we all are getting bracelets -- bands made from the banners last year to wear around the town," Amber Hogan said.

29-year-old Hogan is running the marathon. She'll be among the army of athletes determined to prove that Boston is back -- and it's stronger than ever.

"I know they have been through a lot and they've healed so now it's time to make new memories this year," Hogan said.

This will be Hogan's first time competing in the marathon's most storied race. She qualified in her first attempt last May.

"We tried driving our car to catch up to her once in a while at breaking points and we couldn't even catch her," Hogan's father said.

"I knew I had it in me to run fast -- but not that fast, so it was really exciting when I finished. I remember crying. I hugged my family and I was like, the first thing I said was 'I'm going to Boston,'" Hogan said.

Not to long ago, the married mother of four got a surprise.

"We got pregnant," Hogan said.

Initially, she thought it might keep her from competing.

"I was like, I don't even think this is possible -- but we read a lot, talked to the doctor and it worked out," Hogan said.

Hogan stuck to her training plan and says she's now prepared to propel not one, but two people all the way through the 26.2.

It's an accomplishment she plans to advertise.

"I made my own shirt. I just wanted to be loud and proud about it because I am -- but I think everyone will be excited. I think there'll be cheering and 'running for two yay' when I'm running the marathon so we'll see what happens," Hogan said.

Hogan says she'll be 16 weeks pregnant after the marathon.

Her husband and her parents are making the trip to Boston to cheer her on.