Fan Favorite Kara Goucher Is Ready For 2011 Boston Marathon

NEW YORK (CBS) - A Boston favorite is getting ready for the 115th running of the marathon.

Kara Goucher missed last year's race because she was pregnant with her first child.

WBZ-TV's Lisa Hughes reports from New York City

Two years ago, Kara led the race with just a mile to go, but ended up finishing third, 9 seconds behind champion Selina Kosgei.

"I was shocked to hear people tell me 'you did great,' because I felt like I failed," Goucher told WBZ-TV's Lisa Hughes during an interview before last week's New York City Half-Marathon.

Goucher also talked about how her perspective on life has changed since the birth of her son, Colt.

"My life is completely different, but it's just better. My training -- I don't feel like my training has suffered."

Lisa Hughes talked with Kara

Above all, this year, Goucher is determined to win.

"I'm always going to be tough on myself. I'm always going to want the best and I'm always going to try for the best. I'm just a competitive person. I've been given more perspective now and Colt's helped a lot with that. Colt doesn't care if I win Boston or not. He's like 'yea, mom's home.'"

Colt and Kara's husband, Adam will be waiting for her in Copley square. They're hoping she's the first woman to cross that finish line.