I am back from Boston--actually flew home the same night. I have been overwhelmed by all the things "that can wait until Boston's over", mainly my kids, since I have been home.
Boston was just as awesome as it ever is, especially since it wasn't the arctic apocalypse of weather like last year. I was so convinced that I would be wearing long sleeves that I really didn't bring warm weather racing clothes. I always have something for when I go to the gym or maybe a quick run and it's warm, so that is what I ended up wearing. It was raining when I was getting dressed in the morning and I purposely left my sunglasses behind since I knew I wouldn't need them. Nope, ended up warm and SUNNY! I love warm races so I was happy and it brings out so many more spectators. It was a 26.2 mile party all the way to Boston.
I had no idea what to expect from myself. I have spent nearly a month doing the elliptical and pool running, sneaking in the occasional short, slow run. I went out at the start not really paying attention to my pace. Hamstring and glutes were a little cranky, but fortunately not much action from my back. I was feeling OK. It was no PR pace, but still a decent effort. I knew I could probably eek out 15-16 miles before things really started hurting. Around 8-9 miles, one hamstring really was hurting and I got a little scared because I knew I couldn't hang on for the rest of the race with that pain. I kept going and it faded--not sure if it faded or if the endorphins were doing a super good job covering it up.
This was my 6th time running Boston and I really know and love this course. I broke it into chunks, mostly into different cities--get to Natick, then get to Wellesley, then Newton, look for Citgo, enjoy the last mile (except there were probably 20 more segments in my head). The hills weren't terrible--I've always said that I have run worse hills in Cincinnati. I was feeling the heat some and had been dumping water down my neck every other water stop. People were definitely slowing at the hills. I had slowed down by this point--so many things were hurting. Mainly my hamstrings had had enough and my left foot was really hurting. It felt like my shoe was 2 sizes too small. I wore the 4% that I have run 2 marathons in, but it hurt more this time. I had a hot spot on my arch that I didn't examine until right before bed--big blister. Left big toenail got most of it and will eventually fall off. I was trying to keep the pace steady and mentally counting down EVERY mile after 21. My last 3 miles were my slowest--just going through the motions to get it done. Then there is the most glorious of glorious running moments: right on Hereford, left on Boylston. This is why I come back every year. It is the greatest stretch of running. The finish line is always further than you think, probably a little over 1/3 of a mile. The roar of the crowd is deafening. I actually started thinking about where to end up on the finish line so I had a clear pic not blocked by someone else. Not sure why (I assume it was a medical reason), but they were telling runners to head to the right side. I crossed the finish line with an official time of 3:12:37. I am very content with that. I was hoping to not be over 3:30. When I made it to the half in 1:33, I wanted to be below 3:20 which would be easy unless I had a major catastrophe. Then I started playing runner's math in my head and I knew less than 3:15 would be possible. I thought I would hit 3:13, so was happy to see 3:12.
Here are some highlights (sorry for oversharing):
Expo and bib pick up. It was solid craziness on Saturday.
Pics at the finish line.
What did I do the day before a marathon? A brewery tour.
So many layers--I was not going to get cold like last year! My best move was bringing my race shoes separately and wearing an old pair of shoes to toss. It was a freaking muddy mess!
It was painful and sucked at times, but I loved it and enjoyed most of it.
Finish line pics.
The glasses were given to me by the volunteer who gave me my medal. Most people stop at the first person they see, but I like to choose my medal person. She was wearing these glasses and I told her I liked them. She insisted that I have them!
I get my pic here every year as long as it isn't a monsoon.
Since I can only post 10 pics, I will continue...