Run to Remember - RunHalf Marathon

When I signed up for this race, the original goal was for a buddy of mine (Don) to run this with me, we were both going to train with the single purpose of a sub-2 hour race. We did this race last year and both had miserable races, this was going to be our year w/ sub 2 PRs.

Several things happened on the way to the forum. Don forgot to train on a regular basis and I accidentally PRed sub 2 in a "B" Half Mary race in April (and then ran the first half of the Boston Marathon in sub 2). I also hadn't trained as well as I would have liked for this race.

So there was definitely a lack of a true mission for this race. I had previously set a goal to run 1:55 range, hoofing 8:45 minute miles. But when it came time to line up for the starting line, I really didn't want just abandon Don. Honestly, I was torn. I knew I could have selfishly PRed this race or I could make it a mission to get Don in as fast as possible. With Don agreeing to try, we decided to push for a sub 2 together.

Again, 2nd year in a row, not a cloud in the sky. The temperature wasn't bad, but the sun was relentless. We go off and fight the crowds for the first 2 miles in Boston. It was very frustrating because we were really having to bob and weave and the first few miles were a little on the slower side - but we were running very controlled, so there was nothing to worry about. We had the whole course to make up a few measly seconds. After 2 miles, we were 15 seconds behind pace.

Into Cambridge, I set an 8:45 pace and did my best to keep Don moving along. Even into Mile 4, Don seemed to be laboring a little, so I started talking about how we can manage the pace. We were putting pace in the bank and earning a recovery mile. I have to admit, at this point I was getting nervous because every time I turned around, he seemed to be a few steps behind me, but he was keeping up like a trooper.

We pulled through mile 5 in a 9:04 and Mile 6 in 9:13. These were delicate miles as a couple inclines did their damage to Don. For my race, I was very relaxed and running well within myself. I knew if we could keep Don moving at this pace, we would be good.

And then, the wheels came off the bus. We hit the turn around and a water stop. I lose Don. I actually stopped running and jogged back towards the water stop and after about 30 seconds, find him. Prognosis : not good.

Aside from grabbing his shirt and pulling him along, he was in trouble. We slow the pace and decide to take this as his "easy" mile. Mile ends, clock beeps 9:49 and the legs just weren't moving back to the needed pace. We exchange a few more pleasantries, and Don concedes. Upon his blessing, he wishes me well. According to Don's take, it was at the 7.2 mile point, I then ran my own race.

I fumbled for a few strides to get my iPod on, but away I go. Next mile at 8:32, but was more accurately closer to an 8 min. mile b/c the first .2 were spent not really moving forward.

At this point, I start taking a little inventory of myself. I'd honestly spent all my effort focusing on Don, I began to realize a few things. One, I had MAJOR GI Issues and Two, I was unbelievably thirsty.

Oh yeah, I also realized the sun as relentless in the open pavement.

Next few miles, I settled myself into 9 min. mile pacing, doing the math for sub 2 hours. I realized my Garmin was off by .1 mile, so I needed to account for another approx. 50 seconds of time.

I also was in a strange predicament. My GI issues were getting very painful and I was dying of thirst. But when I drank water, that made my GI issues more painful. (walking that TMI fine line here).

At mile 11, near Boston Commons, I knew I needed to get this race over because I had stopped sweating. My shirt was bone dry. My face was bone dry, except for salt. My mouth was Sahara-ish.

In taking water, I would rinse out my mouth and sip a little - but anything beyond a sip and my stomach would revolt.

Keeping everything in mind, I just pushed to do what needed to be done. I realized upon hitting the 12th mile, with the Garmin distance being slightly off, I had to motor to go sub 2. I didn't full out sprint, but I definitely knew I was not leaving much on the course for the last mile.

Cross the finish line at 1:59:48, mission accomplished.

Don was also able to PR coming in at 2:07.

Not sure because everything seemed to be on track. I should have trained more consistently, but in terms of HOW I ran the race, I have no complaints.

Sip water, take care of GI issues, GULP water, slowly get some food in my system, GULP more water and hang out with some buddies.


GI issues. Don't have an answer for this one though...


Probably be the last time I run this race. I enjoy the festivities and I love the city of Boston, I just really do not like the course, being exposed out there in the sun on Memorial Drive. 2nd year in a row this has been a problem, the sun bearing down on you.