Boston Marathon 2018

Its Medal Monday and exactly one week after running the Boston Marathon. I cant believe it. Actually...my legs still can. But man, what an experience! I spent the first half of the year very run focused. I have never trained for a marathon (other then an iron man) and lately with triathlon I have not been feeling my runner self. I set BIG goals of trying my best to get as close to being fit enough to run a Sub 3 Marathon. I trained with all intentions of this and truely believe I found my running love again. I also think I was quiet fit and knew the going into this race my goals would be close. But little did we know what the weekend would have in store for us....

Saturday Morning I did my typical taper workouts and noticed things were a little weird. I figured Typical taper crazies. By 4 pm that evening I came down with a massive headache and a mere few hours later was practically on my death bed and could care less about running a marathon. Only a miracle could pull this off. I hydrated and hydrated and hydrated the best I could. Not exactly carb loading. To make matters worse Sunday we flew into what happened to be the COLDEST day in Boston weather record. Snowing and wind gusts that we knew would later turn to torrential down pours. We checked in at the expo and hurried around to find yet another bottle of Pedialyte and the most awesome 10 dollar purchase of outrageous water proof gloves you have ever seen. This was not a fashion statement, this was survival.

Me with my awesome gloves

Checking in and the Map of the Course

 Race Morning  I woke up to at a bare minimum of a settled stomach. Also, torrential rains and an epic headwind. I still had no idea what to wear. I decided the less is best approach even though I HATE with a big cap letter HATE being cold. Jacob was in the first wave so I kissed him good bye then started to prep my nutrition. I knew that since it was cold extra calories was going to be the winning mix. All in All, I had my "Normal pre-race breakfast" + a pB&J on the bus ride to Hokpington+ Klean Athlete Hydration+ Couple shot blocks pre race + 5 Gus during the race and water at almost every aid station (even though I could have just opened my mouth and let it in). I visualized the race and knew that race pace needed to be by effort. Of course the weather was a factor but after going through hell and back 24 hrs a go I needed to mentally be ready to accept my pace may not be what I had planned for and that was OK. I think going into this race with the mindset I did helped me to produce the best race possible.

The Race: I have never seen such a MUD pit. I tied my shoes in bags and took one step and the bag fell off so into the mud I went. EPIC#1. I ran to the porta potty at the start and heard the gun go off. Ripped off my clothes and literally never stood around for more then a minute because I was off through the start line and Here. We. Go.

CROWDS! Epic#2. Holy Hell. so many people. Because my seed time was not that fast I was wayyyyyyyy back and running through people. I didnt want to waste energy bobbing and weaving and add to my race so I kind of just let it be. I was surprised to see my first couple miles tick off. The torrential rain led me to laughter EPIC#3 and I tried to smile when the going got tough. Alot of people were trying to run around the puddles and I was like wtf my feet are wet anyway! Splashed right on through!

I came into the Half way mark around 1:33. Not too bad. My energy levels were great. Just focusing on controlled HR and fueling the body every 20-30 mins starting at the 40 min mark in the race. I ran threw all the little towns and thought about each little thing people had told me about this race. The Wesleyan girls giving kisses made me laugh, The Newton Hills, Heartbreak Hill. All the glamour of the race. I have to admit it was REALLY COOL. I never expected to like it this much.

By mile 16 my legs were legit hurting. I was to the point where the hills actually felt good to run up because any more down hill running was going to make my legs implode. I was looking forward to the last hill ( heartbreak) but I dont know why. Running down hill was horrible! I just kept fighting.

Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston.....to the finish baby!
And within seconds the coldest you will ever be in your life as I shivered my way all the way back to the hotel and was never so glad to get in that shower. Jacob had a great race too so off to drink our "26.2" beer we went. My mom was even a great sport who came in minutes after me SOAKED. She told us to go and wanted to just rest up in the hotel. haha. Spectating is hard too!

So there we have it...My Boston Marathon recap. I truly hope each and everyone of you get to experience this some day. This years Boston was one for the books. The times were about 10-20 minutes slower due to conditions and alot of hypothermic athletes. I cant say I want to run another marathon for a very long time but I am sure glad I got to experience the toughest of the toughest! Now its back to triathlon and I have my first race in less then a month!