My attempt at running the Boston Marathon in 2013 was one of good intentions and a whole lot of reality. I had initially signed up to do it as part of build to a mid-season Ironman (Placid or Tremblant). But then I opted for a late-season race for some "breathing room" after 4 IMs in 16 months had me beat up, so Boston was going to be a target race since I'd have plenty of time to recover. But then my world turned upside down early in the year, meaning I had great intentions but little to work with on the fitness side.
My longest run had been a 15 miler, about eight weeks prior to race day. I began to have some foot pain so I cut the running back and thanks to some ART work (Chiropractic Performance rocks!). I was still hitting the bike with some intensity and quality, but nothing major. Stress levels meant I really wasn't focused on the diet and I came into race day about at about 193 knowing that I had the fitness to run a great half marathon.
Race morning was great heading out to Hopkinton with my friends. I wasn't as nervous as I was excited for my first race since October of last year, and my first Boston since 2011's tailwind year. Pre-race was uneventful and pretty fun. I was in my corral with 5' to go to the start...beautiful weather on tap and 20,000+ running friends to share it with!!!
The Early Miles
Things started out with a huge emphasis on fun. It took about four minutes to hit the starting line and starting the watch. Nothing like a 1,000+ watches "beeping" simultaneously! The early miles were the usual craziness. Everyone swerving and dodging to get into a better position, endangering others along the way. I think the biggest offender was around mile three, with a runner literally walking backwards through the field. Just crazy.
Hitting My Stride: Miles 3 to 13
By about Mile Three I was feeling pretty good and was feeling okay. I wasn't really looking at the watch but in retrospect these miles were just slightly too fast. I had 7:00/mile fitness but I was turning in 6:50s or slightly better.
By the time I hit halfway, I was at 1:30 and on pace for a good day. I could tell that I was accelerating based on the clocks for each mile, but it didn't feel that hard....yet....
Taking A Break (and Bonus Family Time!): Mile 14
By the time I made it through the awesome Wellesley cheering section and the town of Wellesley, I needed a quick pit stop. I used the stop to also tighten my laces and then it was off to find the clan.
They were at mile 14-ish, on the right, with the EN flag. So great to see them out there and get some great hi fives! What a lift!
The (Downhill) Hurt Begins: Mile 15
Soon after seeing the family we begin a serious decent into Newton Lower Falls...and it was here that my quads started to really bark at me. As in how they feel the day after the race, except I am still racing...can't be good. This was one of my slower early miles, if only because I couldn't actually run down the hill.
I began planning ahead for the hills of Newton. I knew I'd be okay heading up or going flat, but that the downhills would be trouble. I paced the hills pretty well only loosing 10 to 20 seconds per mile off my average pace at the time. The crowds certainly helped, as did some extra special coke thanks to Breakthrough Performance Coaching!!
My worst mile on the day was in here, trying to will myself down the other side of Heartbreak Hill. My legs were veritably locked here, and I was really worried about the final 10k of the race.
Pushing Through the Fog (Not A Wall this Time): Final 5 miles
I saw Todd from TTBikeFit in Cleveland Circle and I could tell by how he looked at me that it wasn't pretty. Probably worse than I thought. This was all a mental game of convincing myself that every mile was one closer to the finish and that stopping wasn't an option.
I did walk for 10 seconds after an aid station around mile 22 or 23...but then I was back at it. Coming into Kenmore Square was great, and by the time I got there I knew I would be under the 3:10 qualifying benchmark.
Running up Hereford and then left on Boylston remains just an epic finish...one that every serious runner just has to experience. I was able to kick it up a gear and finish with a really awesome grimace on my face.
Future Changes
The Post Race Blur
The tragic events of the marathon bombing have affected so many of us, our friends and our running family. It has put a lot of what I do into much greater perspective, and has really shown just how great a community we have here as endurance athletes. To learn more about how you can help, please view this additional post on the Marathon Nation blog.