Boston Marathon - RunMarathon

After driving the course on the bus, reading about it and hearing about it, I decided I needed to run conservatively through the race with an even pace. I wanted to enjoy the Boston Marathon, run good, and feel good at the end of the race. When the gun went off, it took me about 3 and 1/2 min. to cross the start line. The first 4 miles are a lot downhill and my goal was just not to run too fast. After mile 4 I wanted to keep at an even pace so I would be strong when I got to the hills of Newton from mile 16 to 21. There were so many fans along this course, they treated the runners in Boston like royalty. It was a big giant party. Getting into Wellesley, the girls were screaming loud and so cute. They had signs like "Kiss me I'm a Freshman" or "I major in kissing". They were awesome and I high fived some as I ran through and recieved some motivation. I took gels at mile 9, 15 and 18. I drank Gatorade and water as often as I could. At mile 16 we arrived in Newton and the first hill began, ok, not bad, longer than I thougt though. Second hill was steeper, then some flat ground before the 3rd steep hill. Ok, I thought, the famous Heartbreak Hill is next and I am ready right? I run in the hills of Western Maryland so this should not be bad. I started up Heartbreak and I was passing a wheel chair runner being pushed by another runner with his head way down looking at the ground with 3 support people around them. I realize this was Team Hoyt, Dick and Rick Hoyt! I was running up Heartbreak Hill and passing 2 people who I have known about and been inspired by ....wow! I looked over at them and told them they are awesome. The fans were going crazy, I had the biggest smile I ever had as I climbed Heartbreak Hill. I knew that I was going to finish this race and feel good about it. Around mile 22 we ran through Boston College and they were much roudier than Wellesley. I had police motorcycles on my right with sirens on for a mile to keep the rowdy drunk students off of the course. I high fived many students here and received more motivation. Around mile 23 I saw the Citgo sign. We descended into Boston turned at the sign, and passed Fenway Park. The fans were insane. When we made the final turn onto Boylston street and I could see the finish line, I became so happy. I was about to finish the Boston Marathon! I never dreamed I would be running this. This was one of the best experiences of my life and I feel very blessed: )

Run faster before the hills.

Got my blanket, medal and a kiss from the nice BAA volunteer, food bag, Gatorade, retrieved race bag from the school bus. Found my husband.
I told hubby that I did not want to sit down, I said I needed to keep moving. We started walking and met some nice Boston people. I walked the 3, yes 3 more miles, back to our hotel. Took an ice bath and went out to dinner.


None, the best race experience is Boston!


The Boston Athletic Association has this race organized to a T. It is amazing how well...from the school buses shipping runners to Hopkinton, to all of the volunteers, and the finish line. I am very impressed with the quality of this race. I can't wait for next year!