Hey, where did that filter come from? I'm catching up on weekend digests and am thrilled by everyone's accomplishments. Barri great job. Bruce good job on the new distance covered. Rietta congrats on your second place in the 1/2M. I know there are many of you who ran races or ran training runs and didn't post. Congratulations to all of you.

Here it comes, those of you tired of hearing about the B***** Marathon might want to hit delete now.

What a weekend. Saturday I raced all over town preparing for my race, finishing my taxes and food for the brunch. I decided to go to one of the Adidas discussions about the future of the marathon. Being early, I caught the tail-end of the previous session and Johnny 'The Elder' Kelly was on stage signing autographs. I sneaked into line and he signed my race T-shirt and bib number. Made me happy. Amby Burfoot (Runner's World) was the moderator for the next discussion. The panel included Todd Williams, Grete Waitz, Kristy Johnson and Joe LeMay. Todd stole most of the show with his humor, but I was surprised that Kristy was willing to discuss the Women's U.S. Olympic Trials. An emotional topic for her to cover, she 'took the high road' when discussing the trials outcome and her fate. Grete discussed why she thought the Kenyans were at the top of distance running.

Dinner was fun. The food was plentiful this year. Once again, the location seemed to work for everyone. Thanks to Robin Cain, who organized the event. I was thrilled to meet many Deads I did not meet in Tucson. Sunday brunch also worked out well. Glad that everyone fit into my apartment. There were only 8 bagels left when it came to clean up. Amazing, considering we started out with 4 baker's dozen, fruit, cake, cheese, crackers, etc. Thanks to everyone who donated chairs and food. Thanks to Mike Sheldon for lending us the Tucson video and to Kevin Holley for the great Grand Island, NY mug.

The Race: It was chilly. I am lucky to be member of a club that keeps two busses in Hopkinton until the start. I hibernated for a while, then ventured out to go to church. (I could use all the help I can get) Afterwards, I checked out the Athlete's Village in hopes of finding a few Deads. All of you must've been under Jim and Teresa's tarp. I decided on a long-sleeved coolmax shirt under my singlet. It was a smart move. We stood in the corral for only 15 min. but I was freezing. It took about 10+ min. to cross the start line and then we came to a sudden stop. [For any future B***** Marathoners - The race director told my running club last week, the future plans are to narrow the corrals in hopes of avoiding the traffic jam during the first few miles of the race. A big benefit of using Chip technology.] I passed Adrianne Forsythe (and friend) we wished each other well. Soon after a Tri-DRS member stopped on his way to chat about the lists. I heard a lot of funny remarks about the 'Carpe Viam' on my back. Until mile 6 I was able to stay with five of my friends, then I acknowledge the need to stop. There was no way I was going to wait for a Porta-Potty. My running friend Mike, kept saying, 'We'll stop at the next available spot." Ugh, hello, Mike this is the B***** Marathon. Lined with people from Hopkinton to B*****. We are going to have to create an available spot off course. We did. The miles passed relatively quickly. Wind blasted into our faces, but I trained in worse weather on this course. Felt great coming into Wellesley. THE Anne Wynn was waiting for us at the mile 12 water stop. I didn't take any because I carried my own, but was thrilled to see her. That's when I heard it. If I was listening I could've heard the roar from further back, but I was concentrating on the next step. The Wellesley College women were great and the crowd in Wellesley Center was large. The next water stop I lost Mike. Figuring he went ahead, I kept moving and prepared myself for the big downhill. It wasn't bad; my hip didn't hurt at all. Since it was an overcast day, there were many people standing on the overpass and my dead zone soon fell behind me. Stopped before the first turn at mile 17.5 to hand my Camel Bak to Mike's wife. No sign of him.

Time to run my race up the hills. I slowly caught my friend, Jack. He looked great. I told him I was scared to run the hills, he suggested I walk them. I laughed and all my fears vanished. The spectators were great. I heard a few, "Go Dead Runner!", the local running clubs were out with a vengeance and so was the Hash House Harriers. The last climb to BC was a bit tougher than expected. I knew my quads were tight so I didn't push too hard. Behind me I heard spectators yelling, "Go MJ". I thought this can't be 'MJ from Maine'. Chances of that happening were too slim. MJ recognized me and called my name. We stopped and hugged. I wanted to run with her but we were at different paces. Coming off the hill, my second wind kicked in. I knew I was only a few miles away from finishing. Rich Lerman was watching in Brookline, my roommates were waiting for me at mile 23. They were hysterical. Drunk from their morning/afternoon brunch they were going crazy. I got their attention and I thought Tyson was going to jump in the street. He had a big sign with my name and number. I can't tell you how great that felt. My own family has never supported my running like that. The last two miles were tough. I wouldn't let myself stop for fear of not starting again. Doug Dodds at the last incline that brings us into Kenmore Square. Once I read the letters painted on the ground, "One More Mile To Go" I knew I was home. 4:28 official and 4:20 chip time

After I crossed the finish line I met Bob Lennon. I was freezing and was stiffening up. As I walked I noticed how heavy my feet became and each step became unbearable. A volunteer came up to me offered me help and then told me to keep walking to the end. I wanted to kill him but I was in so much pain I cried instead and hobbled away. I somehow made it to the massage area. I was wrapped in two mylar blankets but we had to wait outside the building. :-( Once I got on the massage table life was better. I wanted to go dancing but couldn't drag myself back into town after a shower and dry clothes. Not my fastest marathon, but my best overall experience. My recovery has been amazing, just tight quads. It's almost suspicious. I think the longer and multiple 20+ training runs, Succeed vitamins & pills made the difference. Thanks to everyone who took the time to read and help me train through all the stuff I've been going through since October. We did good.

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