Subject: Race Report: 105th Boston Marathon
...not my 105th, that is. It was my 4th in as many years, and it was as
good
as any. And I never thought I would say that, especially about a 4-hour
race!
Many of you have patiently put up with my moaning about injury (bursitis
in
my right hip) and watched me cease running (in favor of competitive
eating!)
over the past couple of months. Problem was, even with PT, stretching,
strength training, and rest from running, I didn't seem to be getting
better.
The doc and therapists were encouraging, but I didn't feel any progress.
When
they suggested running Boston - slowly, and for fun - I was really
confused.
I waffled on whether or not to skip Boston 2001 and defer my number (2878,
the result of a 3:02:47 PR at Chicago '99), knowing that it was possibly
the
lowest number (and closest to the elite field) I would ever get. But to
not
run Boston? While friends suggested volunteering as an alternative, the
only
option I saw was eating ice cream in the basement with the lights out. I
was
really depressed. Running races for fun seemed an oxymoron, except for the
times I've enjoyed pacing others. So I started thinking (usually dangerous
ground), and decided I'd pace the two first-timers (one a cancer survivor)
running for our club, the Winchester Highlanders.
Marathon weekend included Highlander parties, Dead Runner Society dinners
(and Dead Ken Cotton and family visiting from Maine) and a Sox game
Sunday.
By Monday I was more excited than scared. Upon arriving in Hopkinton, Ken
and
I walked past corral #2 (where he and I were supposed to start), just 40
yards behind the elites. But on this day I was much happier starting in
#12,
with our 8-minute walk to the start and easy first miles. The weather,
comfortable during the long wait in the Athletes' Village, was warmer
racing
weather than I like, but after training all winter it felt just fine.
Carl, Jen and I kicked off the race with fellow-Highlanders Donna and
Lisa,
planning a 4pm arrival in Copley Square. Our first 10 miles were 8:30's
(where we ran with Dead Connie Chan, Live-ly Joni Fournier and
Winchester's
Matt and Robin Stone). Jen was full of adrenaline, and more than once I
had
to sprint after her to reel her back in to pace. Eventually we lost her
for a
long spell. It was exciting to see the race from their eyes: the
tremendous
crowds (both in the race and on the sidelines), the cheering at Wellesley
College, at the Newton fire station and in the hills. Taking a picture of
Carl with his proud family at Route 128 was a thrill. And after our solid
hill training, these guys ate up Newton (including Heartbreak) for lunch;
we
slowed a bit, but we never lost our rhythm.
Until Brookline. Such a beautiful town, but always the ugly part of the
race.
Coming over the hills and down into Cleveland Circle, the quads tend to
break. From here to Kenmore Square is a dull, straight shot and the body
is
tired, the head woozy. I didn't know then if we could make it. Carl became
very quiet, and Jen was beginning to snap at my encouragement. My retort
was
that for all I cared, they could die in 20 minutes, but that we had an
appointment worth keeping. They responded to the final challenge. Turning
onto Hereford Street and then to Boylston, finish in sight, we picked up
the
pace. It was 3:58+, and I was with two new marathoners!
Marathon running is really something. So many dimensions, and I keep
learning
so much. Pacing others is such a fine way to appreciate how lucky we are
and
share our enthusiasm for the sport. The speed of this one was just right,
and
I am now confident that my healing butt and hamstring will allow me to run
faster races again soon. Maybe that sub-3 is still possible, but for now
I'm
smiling over a 4-hour finish.
Final Note: I'm finishing this on the flight to Amsterdam, where I'll be
working for a few days. My kids and I just met Elija Legat (2000 winner),
Joseph Chebet (1999) and Joshua Chelang'a (3rd this year) as the Kenyans
are
flying with us on their way home. What to say to them? I got their
autographs, told them I'd finish closer to them next year, and that they
should check out the Dead Runners' website.
Happy running to all,
Andy