heat

Oh jeez, where do I even begin?  Let’s start out by saying the Boston Marathon far exceeded my expectations.  I had the time of my life and loved every (hot) second of it.

To be honest, I was terrified of the heat.  Each day I tracked the weather, the hotter and hotter it became.  I was fearful of a DNF (even though I never DNF’d before).  The heat is sneaky.  It creeps up on you and before you know it, you’re in the medical tent and getting a ride to the finish line.

I wasn’t about to DNF in Boston.  I wanted to run a smart race, enjoy myself, and finish!

I hate lengthy race recaps so here are the highlights:

• I was sweating before the race even started!  The sun was brutal and the course offered no shade.
• I decided to run by feel and started out at 8:45-9:00 pace, knowing I would slow down pretty soon.  I was feeling good, enjoying the crowds in Hopkinton, and taking it all in.
• My stomach started to feel a little queasy around mile 4.  I knew it was from the heat (I had a similar experience last summer).  I just tried to ignore it.
• The spectators were AMAZING!  They doused us with water and handed out ice cubes.  I would not have survived the race without their support. 
• After mile 10, I slowed down significantly.  I happily walked through every single water stop, filling up my water bottle.  A few miles later, I allowed myself to walk when I needed to.
• It’s funny to see so many runners walking so early on during a marathon.  This is going to sound cheesy but I felt a kinship, like we’re all in this together.
• The Wellesley girls did not disappoint.  I heard them cheering at mile 12.  Since all the runners were enjoying the “experience” (the B.A.A. refused to call it a race but instead used the term “experience”), I think they got many kisses on Monday.  Sweaty kisses, that is.
• When we entered Newton, I remember thinking “OK, here come the hills”.  I didn’t think they were that bad, although I was running so slow.  If I was trying to maintain MP up them, I’m sure my tune would be different.
• Heartbreak Hill is not that bad.  It’s just a long climb at the worst time (between mile 20-21).
• The Boston College kids were great.  So drunk, but so encouraging.
• After mile 21, I felt like I was going downhill all the time.  Again, my perception of the course is a little skewed because of my slow pace.
• Best sign?  “Honey badger don’t care about the heat”.  Hysterical.
• Other than being hot (obviously) I felt OK around mile 22.  My stomach settled down, my legs felt good, and all the ice and frequent douses with water were keeping me somewhat cool.  I was having fun!
• I knew I’d see my family and friends around Mile 25, so I started to count down the miles until then.
• Surprisingly, I wasn’t too emotional when I saw them (dehydration = no tears?).  I stopped, chatted, got some last words of encouragement, and moved along.

Oh, hey there

So deliriously happy

This way?

I had quite the entourage

• The next 1.2 miles were incredible.  I think I had a smile plastered on my face the entire time.  The crowds got even deeper and louder.
• Making a right onto Hereford and a left onto Boylston was the best part of the race.  I felt like I was on the red carpet.
• I just tried to soak up every last bit of it during the final stretch on Boylston.  Before I knew it, I crossed the finish line and became a Boston Marathoner!

My official time was 4:33:50.  That’s my 4th slowest marathon ever but I have never been prouder.  I walked a lot (more than my first marathon!) and I was just so happy to finish strong (and not visit the medical tent).  

I have so many people to thank.  My family and friends that made the trip up to Boston to see me – Matt, my parents, Karyn, Aidan, Michelle, Paul, Charlotte, Neil, Mr. and Mrs. G – it means the world to me that you were there.

For everyone who sent congrats and words of encouragement via Twitter, FB, text, and email – I read each and every message and it meant so much to me.  Thank you.

I definitely want to do Boston again.  Get another shot at the course on a much cooler day and race it.  But for now, I’m just so happy and plan on riding this out for awhile!

If you’re interested, I posted all my Boston pics on FB.