Well, I have to count myself either blessed or just lucky to have a good day.
Even though I did not run a PR, I was very happy with my time (3:54:28 chip
time), considering I was so undertrained due to an injury (sciatica). I
think my longest run was 16 painful miles and that was about two weeks ago!.
I told myself I was going to enjoy this marathon no matter what happens for I
had done my time and put my effort into qualifying for it already! I really
did not think I was going to break 4 hours and was content to just finish the
race. I'm really pleased with my result and it was just an awesome
experience to say the least!!!! Just prior to the start of the marathon, we
happened (Alex Nunez and I) to run into Nangel at the runners village that
morning (girl! You look skinny to me!!) it was great to see her and chatting
with her, even though it was for just a moment. I think that trip to the
dentist might have affected her running that day. But hey, you finished
Nangel! and that is an accomplishment in itself! I hope you are feeling a
lot better now . At the expo on Sunday evening, we also ran into Mike
Sheldon, he was meeting connie to help her with one of those big posters that
featured her picture on it, plus he was to be her bodyguard to protect her
from all that paparazzi! ;-) he! He! He! Anyway, we got to chat with mike
for a bit and wished him good luck on his run and hoped we would bump into
him again perhaps before, during or after the race.. Well lo and behold! we
managed to bump into each other again at the village and then right after
finishing the marathon we ran into him along one of the streets where the
buses for the bags were!!! What are the odds in that!! It was great to see
you again Mike :-) I had alot of fun chatting with other runners from
different parts of the U.S. and It was interesting to hear all the different
methods and training regimines that each runner has to train for a marathon.
As for the marathon itself, I think the crowds just carried me through each
mile because I just felt their energy and it helped me get through the
weather and the hills. I even had the honor of running alongside the famous
"Connie Chan" for at least half a mile or so!!.you looked great connie!!! It
was sure great to see you :-) I was so amazed at the crowd support
throughout the race, especially at Wellsley Colllege....wow! those girls are
just awesome!! I tried high-fiving as many kids as I could and also thanking
all those others who kept cheering us on! I slowed my pace just a bit once I
hit heartbreak hill and little by little I managed to overcome it! Once I
hit Mile 21 I figured it was downhill after that. I could not believe I was
feeling relatively okay and my legs were still willing to pick up the pace a
bit. I told myself, I might as well get this over with and give it all I've
got and before I knew it, there was Mile 24! Two more miles and all I could
see were thousands of people just cheering and yelling and it felt great!
Once I turned on Boylston I figured this is it!!! I've done it ! I wish I'd
had the strength to do a cartwheel as I came across the finish line but I
just could not and probably would have really injured myself if I had
attempted to do it. I was just so happy to be there and being part of this
big event. I sympathize with those runners who were having a hard time
with the heat. I know how it feels because I've been through that experience
myself. However, what counts is that you attempted, you conquered and you
finished no matter the time!!!! I applaud each and everyone of you that ran
this "mother of all marathons" and I feel proud that I was part of it. :) I
must say Boston has some crazy weather!!!! One day it's sunny and chilly,
another day it's really warm and yet the next day it's pouring rain!!! I'm
sorry I was not able to attend any of the encounters but perhaps next time.
Good luck to you all on your next marathon feat!!!
Sore but content :-)
Maria Echeverria
In a not so sunny La La Land