I tried to sit down and write about this marathon but I think this pretty much sums it up.....
Sitting with two dear running friends before the race..my two beautiful tall blondes
Writing all over our bodies with markers
Interview on ESPN on line
Meeting a sweet lady from Italy, her first Boston
Meeting a lady who got married on Saturday, chatted with her at the start and later in the race
Baking in the sun at the start
Hot Spot on the bottom of my foot at mile 2
Countless cups of water and gatorade
Ice in the Bra multiple times
Water Hydrants
Spray Tents
Kids with Dixie Cups filled with water
Wet paper towels
Sponges
Walking for 5 minutes
Finding a dear running friend when I hit a wall at mile 13.5
Thanking as many volunteers and service people as possible
Wrapping my legs and arms around my Dad at mile 20
Not even seeing my husband but him taking my picture even though he didn't know it was me
Right shoe coming completely untied at mile 25
Drinking the water of a complete stranger
Slapping countless hands
Kissing the old man on the cheek in the scream tunnel
Not falling
For sure peeing my pants here and there but didn't matter
doing things I've never done: run with a hat and only a sports bra
Did not run a BQ time and felt disappointed in myself
Hugged strangers at the finish line
Didn't puke
Didnd't end up in a med tent
Fell in love all over again with Boston, it's people and the Marathon!
--Finished the Boston Marathon!!--
~To my family and friends who have encouraged me and read this blog: THANK YOU, with your love and support I can say I finished my 2nd Boston Marathon! Thank you to my Mom for being my home crew this weekend...watching the little miss so I could go and have fun! My Dad and Ale for being my road crew putting up with my constant banter...even going out looking for bananas at 8pm on Sunday night. My brother Jesse, for making me a tough woman and teaching me to pursue the things I love. Mi familia y amigos en Guatemala: Mil gracias por tu apoyo, los quiero mucho! I love you all so much, thank you for supporting me and loving me and allowing me to do the things that I love. Boston Marathon 2012 DONE, next stop NYC in November~
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
2 DAYS till go time!
So by this time everyone in the country, (a bit of an exaggeration) has heard that the high for Marathon Monday is going t be 88F. The B.A.A. has committed to allow runners to deffer to next year because of the extreme heat. It's scary, it's daunting, honestly it pisses us off a bit but we've been through a lot to get to the start line and I am sure we have the strength to endure a bit more. I have no idea how this marathon will go while running in close to 90 degree temperatures after running in the dark and chilly temperatures for the last 4 months. I think or I hope, if I am smart, stay hydrated find a way to literally keep my head cool then hopefully it'll go well. I'll be honest, I'm nervous about not running a time that will qualify for me next year but again, I guess we'll just have to see how things shake out. Bottom line, there is no race that is more important than my life. I will do everything I can to run a good solid race but I will not put my life in danger, I have a family to think about and I would never want to do something that could take me away from them.
So, we will see my friends. I am hopeful. I am excited. I am nervous. I am ready to rock. My next and last entry will be post race.
BOSTON BOUND BABY!!! 2 MORE DAYS TO GO!
So, we will see my friends. I am hopeful. I am excited. I am nervous. I am ready to rock. My next and last entry will be post race.
BOSTON BOUND BABY!!! 2 MORE DAYS TO GO!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
What's done is done!
Yesterday I had the opportunity to run 3 women that I don't see too often. It was great to catch up a bit and share about our lives. I am pretty certain that most men's jaws would drop if they were to hear what women talk about when they are shoulder to shoulder for hours at a time. Anywhere from babies, sex, bodily functions, you name it...except maybe polities and religion, I don't think we ever go there. :) I mean if it comes up some how we may discuss it briefly but nothing too in depth. Anyway, it was a great run. We ran around the Whiting Reservoir in Holyoke. I have only run there once and it was right after the October storm so it was more like a crazy adventure run, running under down trees ect. This time the path was cleared, it was a sunny, blue skied day and was beautiful! I really liked it there. I liked that there were a few little climbs to keep thing interesting. We ran 12 miles and chatted the entire time. When we finished, I felt this wave of excitement and anxiety. That was it, last official training run, what is done is done. Now I have 8 days to sleep, eat right, keep the legs awake and stay positive.
8 days till Boston...I am definitely envisioning the course and crossing the finish line, but you better believe I am also envisioning my post marathon meal!!!
8 days till Boston...I am definitely envisioning the course and crossing the finish line, but you better believe I am also envisioning my post marathon meal!!!
Monday, April 2, 2012
2 weeks from today...
2 weeks from today, Perseverance, Passion, Discipline, Determination, Grit, Focus, Joy, and Iron Will, will be toeing the line at the Boston Marathon.
27,000 people who have trained day in and day out. Some of us through a cold dark winter, others maybe in the heat of their State or Country. We all trained, all worked incredibly hard, we all had to have all those things listed above to make it to the starting line, ready to rock out.
I am for sure feeling nervous and excited. I have had some awesome runs and some runs where I struggled. When I get to the line I can't think about what I could've, should've, would've but what I did. I have to focus on the fact that whatever happens on April 16th, my training alone, is something I should be proud of. The time that I run is just a number, the things I've learned about myself and life on the journey to the start line are what will last a life time. Of course I want to do well, I want to be proud of my efforts out there! What runner doesn't obsess about numbers? I'd be lying if I said I didn't. It's just that this year, I really have no idea, and maybe that's a good thing. My only option is to go out smart, keep my head together until miles 17-21 (which to me is the most exciting and my favorite part of the race, I love the climbing) and then hopefully the last 5 miles actually run it in instead of the marathon-death march.
Marathons are no joke. 26.2 miles are serious beasts.
2 weeks today, bring on the beast!!!!!!
27,000 people who have trained day in and day out. Some of us through a cold dark winter, others maybe in the heat of their State or Country. We all trained, all worked incredibly hard, we all had to have all those things listed above to make it to the starting line, ready to rock out.
I am for sure feeling nervous and excited. I have had some awesome runs and some runs where I struggled. When I get to the line I can't think about what I could've, should've, would've but what I did. I have to focus on the fact that whatever happens on April 16th, my training alone, is something I should be proud of. The time that I run is just a number, the things I've learned about myself and life on the journey to the start line are what will last a life time. Of course I want to do well, I want to be proud of my efforts out there! What runner doesn't obsess about numbers? I'd be lying if I said I didn't. It's just that this year, I really have no idea, and maybe that's a good thing. My only option is to go out smart, keep my head together until miles 17-21 (which to me is the most exciting and my favorite part of the race, I love the climbing) and then hopefully the last 5 miles actually run it in instead of the marathon-death march.
Marathons are no joke. 26.2 miles are serious beasts.
2 weeks today, bring on the beast!!!!!!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
23 days to go!
22 days from now, Boston will be swarmed with runners from all over the WORLD! Last year walking around the expo seeing all the people from all over the place was one of the highlights for me. There is a mix of excitement and anxiety for sure. The air is filled with this crazy buzz! People are kind of shuffling from one booth to the next, trying things, asking questions, but really the entire time my guess is we are all thinking that we are staring down the barrel of 26.2 miles and trying to keep our emotions in check (aka not hitting the freak out button) for the big day.
This morning I opened up my race packet and it just kind of hit me really hard that it's go time. I have to run my own race, tune out the other 25,000 people and just go and do what I do. It is very easy to start stacking yourself up against the others that will be there but your just setting yourself up to be trapped in self doubt. This year my training has been incredibly different. 2 days consistently aqua jogging and on average 45-50 miles over 4 road running days. My hope that even though I didn't reach the 60 miles mark for weekly mileage on the roads that my consistency will pay off when it's time run in Boston.
This year my goal for Boston...it's not about a record time...of course that would be awesome...but I want to start strong and finish strong.I would like to have enough gas in the tank to rock out the last 5 miles! My hope is there will be no falling and no ankle twisting.
Tomorrow the last big push, 24 miles. Then it's time to....taper....23 days baby! My stomach just flip flopped typing it!
This morning I opened up my race packet and it just kind of hit me really hard that it's go time. I have to run my own race, tune out the other 25,000 people and just go and do what I do. It is very easy to start stacking yourself up against the others that will be there but your just setting yourself up to be trapped in self doubt. This year my training has been incredibly different. 2 days consistently aqua jogging and on average 45-50 miles over 4 road running days. My hope that even though I didn't reach the 60 miles mark for weekly mileage on the roads that my consistency will pay off when it's time run in Boston.
This year my goal for Boston...it's not about a record time...of course that would be awesome...but I want to start strong and finish strong.I would like to have enough gas in the tank to rock out the last 5 miles! My hope is there will be no falling and no ankle twisting.
Tomorrow the last big push, 24 miles. Then it's time to....taper....23 days baby! My stomach just flip flopped typing it!
Friday, March 16, 2012
1 MONTH till Boston!
Every time I wrote the date today that's all I could think about..1 month from now we'll be toeing the line in Hopkinton.
This week, started with the beautiful, fun filled run/adventure in Boston which was a great way to get amped up for the race!
Aqua jogged Monday 1 x 12 repeats 20minutes warm up/cool down. Wednesday I decided to push myself a bit and do the 3,2,1 ladder with 30 second pushes in between. I dread this work out because it's tough but it's definitely good!
The rest of the week running was pretty good. I had a good tempo run, I need to figure out the exact distance but it was good to get moving!
The one long run I did, was in the pouring rain and felt like I was moving like a turtle. Today I enjoyed connecting with some of my dear running buddies over a few miles too!
I am so looking forward to 1.sleeping in tomorrow...6 days of before 5am wake up has been killer this week and 2. running in the day light on Sunday!!!
I am looking forward to this marathon,I am nervous and excited. I worry and have some doubt if I have done enough but at this point, what's done is done, now alls I can do is stay healthy and fit and get ready to do my best! Happens what happens, Boston will be a party!!!!
This week, started with the beautiful, fun filled run/adventure in Boston which was a great way to get amped up for the race!
Aqua jogged Monday 1 x 12 repeats 20minutes warm up/cool down. Wednesday I decided to push myself a bit and do the 3,2,1 ladder with 30 second pushes in between. I dread this work out because it's tough but it's definitely good!
The rest of the week running was pretty good. I had a good tempo run, I need to figure out the exact distance but it was good to get moving!
The one long run I did, was in the pouring rain and felt like I was moving like a turtle. Today I enjoyed connecting with some of my dear running buddies over a few miles too!
I am so looking forward to 1.sleeping in tomorrow...6 days of before 5am wake up has been killer this week and 2. running in the day light on Sunday!!!
I am looking forward to this marathon,I am nervous and excited. I worry and have some doubt if I have done enough but at this point, what's done is done, now alls I can do is stay healthy and fit and get ready to do my best! Happens what happens, Boston will be a party!!!!
Monday, March 12, 2012
5:00am departure on day lights savings.
Which really made it feel like a 4 am departure with a 3:30am wake up call...but when you have the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon course, you don't think about it, you just get up, and go.
Off we went...Vanessa and I headed out(with one important pit stop for an XL coffee, Gatorade and water) to meet with Karin at her house. We could have met somewhere in the middle but figured it'd be more fun to just to all go together from the start.
5:31 we were at Karin's house and on our way to Boston. Our plan was to take the t from South Station to Framingham which is right around mile 6 of the course. We made it to South Station, found parking with literally 2 minute to spare. Parking was an adventure all on it's own because the door was closed to the lot but thankfully when we pulled up, it opened! So, we parked and scurried to the train as everyone was boarding. The train ride was about 40 minutes long but seemed to go by quickly. We made it to our correct stop hopped off and searched out a bathroom. After many oz of water and coffee we all needed a pre-run pit stop!
With our eyes fixed forward off we went. When we first started our teeth were chattering but by mile 1 we had stripped off hats and gloves and were fully enjoying the warm sun and blue skies.
The run was beautiful, the weather perfect! I found my pace and just went with it. The thing I love about the Boston Marathon course is the excitement of getting to the hills. I have to remind myself to keep my emotions in check and not get carried away with the excitement. I know once I get to the hills it's about 8-9 miles left which isn't so bad. I took the right at the fire station and powered up the hills. Thankfully a team had Gatorade out so I accepted a splash continued on. Everything felt great! I made it up heart break but couldn't remember if I had already gone up all 4 hills, I started asking people but of course the people I asked didn't know either. Once I came to the college, I knew I was done. It was time to get focused and try to crank down the pace for the last few miles. It was a little dicey with traffic, foot traffic and bikes but I made it! No ankle problems and ran for 20 miles in Boston and didn't get lost although I did have to ask a few times to make sure I was headed the right way!:) The funniest part of my run was I made it to the right street but I couldn't remember where exactly to find the finish line! I actually ended up running about 3 minutes past and finally asked in the store City Sports (which also gave me the opportunity to see the Boston Marathon Jacket...in a word:Bright!) So that was that, I ran back, found the finish line and then headed back to find my two other buddies. I ran it in with them and then we began the journey back to the car. It was a great run for all of us!
After about 15-20 minute walk we made it it our car and piled in, so relieved, tired, starving and chilled from our sweaty clothes. We paid and we're ready to pull out when the magical door that opened for us when arrived wouldn't open. Gasp. We called the number but could actually see and hear the phone ringing at the empty desk outside the pay station. What the..?? We paid again and tried again. Nothing. There were some choice words and some fists waving for sure. Stuck in an underground parking lot, what a nightmare! But thankfully there was a security officer in the lobby who let us out, we all smiled and waved at the camera as the electric arm came up and the door opened.
We were on our way home, sweaty, happy and totally satisfied after an incredible adventure!
35 DAYS TILL BOSTON!!!
Off we went...Vanessa and I headed out(with one important pit stop for an XL coffee, Gatorade and water) to meet with Karin at her house. We could have met somewhere in the middle but figured it'd be more fun to just to all go together from the start.
5:31 we were at Karin's house and on our way to Boston. Our plan was to take the t from South Station to Framingham which is right around mile 6 of the course. We made it to South Station, found parking with literally 2 minute to spare. Parking was an adventure all on it's own because the door was closed to the lot but thankfully when we pulled up, it opened! So, we parked and scurried to the train as everyone was boarding. The train ride was about 40 minutes long but seemed to go by quickly. We made it to our correct stop hopped off and searched out a bathroom. After many oz of water and coffee we all needed a pre-run pit stop!
With our eyes fixed forward off we went. When we first started our teeth were chattering but by mile 1 we had stripped off hats and gloves and were fully enjoying the warm sun and blue skies.
The run was beautiful, the weather perfect! I found my pace and just went with it. The thing I love about the Boston Marathon course is the excitement of getting to the hills. I have to remind myself to keep my emotions in check and not get carried away with the excitement. I know once I get to the hills it's about 8-9 miles left which isn't so bad. I took the right at the fire station and powered up the hills. Thankfully a team had Gatorade out so I accepted a splash continued on. Everything felt great! I made it up heart break but couldn't remember if I had already gone up all 4 hills, I started asking people but of course the people I asked didn't know either. Once I came to the college, I knew I was done. It was time to get focused and try to crank down the pace for the last few miles. It was a little dicey with traffic, foot traffic and bikes but I made it! No ankle problems and ran for 20 miles in Boston and didn't get lost although I did have to ask a few times to make sure I was headed the right way!:) The funniest part of my run was I made it to the right street but I couldn't remember where exactly to find the finish line! I actually ended up running about 3 minutes past and finally asked in the store City Sports (which also gave me the opportunity to see the Boston Marathon Jacket...in a word:Bright!) So that was that, I ran back, found the finish line and then headed back to find my two other buddies. I ran it in with them and then we began the journey back to the car. It was a great run for all of us!
After about 15-20 minute walk we made it it our car and piled in, so relieved, tired, starving and chilled from our sweaty clothes. We paid and we're ready to pull out when the magical door that opened for us when arrived wouldn't open. Gasp. We called the number but could actually see and hear the phone ringing at the empty desk outside the pay station. What the..?? We paid again and tried again. Nothing. There were some choice words and some fists waving for sure. Stuck in an underground parking lot, what a nightmare! But thankfully there was a security officer in the lobby who let us out, we all smiled and waved at the camera as the electric arm came up and the door opened.
We were on our way home, sweaty, happy and totally satisfied after an incredible adventure!
35 DAYS TILL BOSTON!!!
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