Monday, April 19, 2010.
My buddy, Ronnie, who was planning to run around the same pace as me(3:20 / 7:38pace), had this great idea. Because we were both in the middle to rear of the first wave – and Ronnie wanted to run faster than his qualifying time (which determines corral placement), he thought that if we got to the front of the second wave, we would have clear sailing. That’s exactly what we did. We managed to line up on the very front row of the 1st corral in the 2nd Wave (we didn't realize that Lark and Gumpchump were probably a few yards to our right). That was awesome!!! To actually toe the line at Boston – the actual line (well it was actually a timing mat a few yards back from the actual line..but was cool nonetheless.) The gun went off and we were up there in the lead!!! But, not for long…
Ronnie and I did such a great job hydrating. Even though we managed to “go” several times in the hour leading up to the start, as soon as the gun went off we started talking about making a quick pitstop. At about the ½ mile mark we veered off the road to the right .. a few yards into the woods for what seemed like an eternity (maybe 30 seconds). We were probably passed by a few hundred people in that short time. We quickly got up to speed and still managed a 7:38 first mile.
I happened to notice our dear friend TeenaMarie running right down the center of the 2 yellow stripes. She was tearing up the road!!! It took about 2 miles to catch up to her. I’m sure she was running about 7:00/mi splits. She had her headphones on and was kind of zoned out. Was this the same Teena that was contemplating not even coming to Boston due to Compartment Syndrome?? I tapped her on the shoulder, and asked her what she was doing? She asked what time I planned to run…I said “maybe 3:20”. I knew she knew she was going too fast, but it wasn’t my job to try to slow her down. I wished her luck and Ronnie and I moved on. I never saw Teena again until we were walking to dinner later that night…
Ronnie was pretty intent on running 3:20 from the start. I knew that my training was lacking, but the conditions were excellent, so I figured I’d give it a shot for a while. My ecstatic goal would have been to PR (sub 3:19:47), but realistically I was going for the happy goal – BQ (in 2011 my NEW BQ is 3:30:59, as I turn 45 on April 30th). Ronnie and kept talking about slowing down to 7:35ish miles (3:20 is a 7:38 pace). Eventually, we got there. By the time we hit the flats around mile 11, I felt as though I was holding Ronnie back. So, I lingered a little at one of the aid stations, and motioned to Ronnie to move on. I was sure he would knock out a 3:15 or better. He looked that strong.
Through the wall of screams at Wellesley College I stuck to the left side of the road…like I did last year. I was about the only one I saw on that side of the road. It’s amazing how excited college girls will get for a bunch of sweaty men and women running by – it’s a tradition, and quite a nice one…but my ears thanked me for staying to the left.
I ran very conservatively in the middle miles – miles 13-21. I knew I needed to save myself for the Newton Hills. If I stayed fueled and hydrated, I knew I could reach my happy goal. The weather was nearly ideal for the first 16 miles or so. With temps in the low 40s and a breeze from behind my left shoulder. If I had only put in the training miles I needed, it really would have been a PR day. At around 16 miles (I think), it got cloudier and the wind seemed to shift more toward the east (head wind). No matter, it actually felt a little refreshing.
Once I topped Heartbreak Hill at mile 21, I still had some gas in the tank, and clocked a three respectable miles in the mid 7s. I knew that my chances of breaking 3:20 were long gone, but I knew the BQ was well within my grasps…unless I had some weird cramping issues. With about 2 miles to go I walked through the aid station, and took two cups of Gatorade. I was already thinking about recovery more than just finishing.
When I passed the Citgo sign with about 1 mile to go, I felt really good. My feet actually better than they have in any marathon that I can remember. No leg cramps. I really couldn’t complain about anything.
Round the corner onto Bolyston St is simply amazing. The finish at Boston is the best finishing line that I've ever crossed. The view of the last quarter mile -- the sea of runners, flanked by screaming fans, and the giant Boston Marathon finishing line -- it's hard to describe without actually being there. The crowd carried me to the finish line at 3:24:03. My 3rd Boston in the books. My 18th marathon. Not the fastest, but definitely stronger than any marathons in the past year. I am happy with how the entire weekend turned out. :D :D :D
Splits:
Mile 1 7:38 1.04
Mile 2 7:05 1.00
Mile 3 7:05 1.01
Mile 4 7:32 1.01
Mile 5 7:27 1.01
Mile 6 7:24 1.00
Mile 7 7:40 1.00
Mile 8 7:49 1.04
Mile 9 7:17 0.97
Mile 10 7:42 1.01
Mile 11 7:34 1.00
Mile 12 7:29 1.00
Mile 13 7:54 1.01
Mile 14 7:47 1.00
Mile 15 7:49 1.00
Mile 16 7:43 1.01
Mile 17 8:07 1.01
Mile 18 8:25 1.01
Mile 19 8:15 1.00
Mile 20 8:13 1.01
Mile 21 8:47 1.03 (Heartbreak Hill)
Mile 22 7:34 1.02
Mile 23 7:36 1.02
Mile 24 7:34 1.01
Mile 25 8:36 1.02 (Last aid station walk/stretch)
Mile 26 8:00 1.00
Mile 26.2 1:44 0.2
After the race, I worked my way through the crowd of zombies. Picked up a little goodie bag of food and drinks, got my medal and made my way a few blocks to the shuttle back to the hotel. When I got back to the room Ronnie had already finished showering. He told me his time. I was amazed that he finished in 3:23:42 – only 21 seconds (and 92 positions) ahead of me. If I had known he wasn't going to blister 3:20, I should have stuck with him!! :)
Overal place: 5463 Chicked by: 750
Post-Race
Went to dinner with the Utah crowd at Legal Seafood, caught up on everyone’s race stories, and then headed to the post-party. Got a (free) blurry group photo, printed the race stats – said goodbye to all my friends and headed back to the hotel.
On Tuesday, I ended up driving out to Hopkinton and driving the race route back to Boston. Taking pictures and getting lost a few times along the way. It’s amazing how different the route looks when it’s not lined with people, and full of cars. It was also amazing how clear it was – all the cups, orange slices, and other stuff was all cleaned up – the BAA does an amazing job of putting on a community friendly event! I’ll probably be back next year....as long as enough of my friends are coming back!
Lessons learned:
• When flying coach, always check for available exit row or bulkhead seats – the leg room is quite comfortable.
• If you’re on a budget, get a few roommates – Boston hotels are not cheap! Sleeping in a car is not a viable option.
• Always bring an airmattress and a huge trashbag to Athlete’s Village – to be comfortable for the 3 hours or so you’ll be waiting before the race. If it’s raining, you might want to bring a pup tent – or get there on one of the first buses and get inside one of the big tents.
• Only “side-five” the little kids – they won’t try to take your arm off like the inebriated college students!
• Do not eat at the pre-race pasta dinner. For the second year in a row, even though we arrived early, we were forced to eat outside – in the cold/wind (at least we stayed dry).
• Running the Boston Marathon is a good experience. What makes it great is to share it with some awesome friends! It is quite the party! | 