Boston Marathon - RunMarathon

No nerves at the start of the race at all. First 14m went exactly as planned around 8:13 pace, cramped up hard around 15m mark and it was at that point, I had to reevaluate my goals. I was tiring and it was early in the effort. I Knew a PR was out the window the farther I went so focused on requalifying. Stopped to stretch calf and quad cramps several times and had to walk most of heart break hill (which was heart breaking - I was looking forward to conquering it!). Last 10K I knew I would be close the the qualifying goal and gave it all I had, praying the last 4m I could run with cramps. Shortened my stride and hunkered down.

Even though I followed my typical fueling plan it was not enough. At one point, I wiped the sweat of my face and realized how salty/crusty I was. It suprised me. Normally I ingest about 64oz of Infinit/560 calories whic is perfect, but more liquid would have been appropriate given the sun and slightly warmer temps. I started drinking plain water at about 23m and it tasted great.

I also believe the late start was a problem. I probably should have drank more prior to the start of the race while at the Ahtletes village.
It took 64 oz of water and 6 hours post race before I went to the bathroom. Never went on the course.

Lastly, I let the voice of doubt creep in my normally tough exterior. I think I should have tried harder earlier to push through the pain.

Slowly walked to get my chip cut and my medal. Cramped up so bad before getting my checked bag, I couldn't move. The medics wanted to put me in a wheel chair, but I had no interest in sitting with little chance of getting up on my own. One of them worked my calves enough so I could walk to the famiy meeting area to catch up with Paul, Greg and Michelle.


Fluid intake. My husband also promised to shout HTFU at 16m if I started failing, but he saw how miserable I was (or was it panic?) and didn't. Maybe I will blame him? :) JK.


Even though this was a tough race for me, the experience of getting to Boston was a dream come true. The Olympic trials the day before, the bus ride, the athletes village and walking to the corrals was pretty amazing. I thought it might be a hassle, but it was great. Talked to so many cool people with goals of their own. Cannot wait to give it another try next year! Time to strategize.