I spent Thursday - Sunday in Vermont visiting my family and friends. Unfortunately, Rachel had to cancel her trip to New England due to Milo's cancer (we put her down today, 4/22). It was the right decision to stay behind and spend the last week pampering the little purr ball. I picked up my race packet late on Sunday, met with my friend Franny from SF (PB of 3:27 for her, woohoo!!), then called Dick Dime and got the room key at the Holiday Inn. Had a great time with Dime before and after the race... great guy to hook up with.

I was unable to run during the month of March because of a calf and achilles injury, only had 1 long run of 17 miles in February, so Boston seemed like a pipe dream this year. My qualifying marathon in December allows me to run next year, so I was willing to pull the plug on this one. For whatever reason my injury improved at the beginning of April and I got in a 40 mile week with an 18 miler, so decided to line up and treat it as a long run.

Boston is amazing! The entire course is lined with screaming fans... unreal. I was high fiving kids and adults alike, feeding off their energy and hopefully they off mine. This really wasn't a "race" for me, but rather a Boston Marathon experience. My sister, niece and nephew came down from Vt & NH to cheer me on. It was great to see them on Heartbreak Hill!

I kept my heart rate in the low 160's with an average pace between 8:15 and 8:45 the entire race. The last 5 miles were tough and my quads weren't real happy, but my injury never really affected me. Still, I had no umph in my legs from lack of training, and the downhills after Heartbreak truly sucked (I wouldn't have it any other way).

I crossed the finish line very content, though I wish Rachel could have been there to experience this incredible venue. There's nothing like Boston!

One final note: I was flying out of Manchester NH on Tuesday and I had the pleasure of meeting Karen Smyers...very cool! We talked for a few minutes and she's a quality gal, and a great inspiration. Unfortunately, she's battling a bit of Plantar Fascitis and other foot maladies now, but she'll back racing soon. Heal well!

Nothing really. I played it safe and ran the entire course with the goal of not re-injuring my calf. Very happy with the effort and pulling in the reigns from the get go.

Got my medal, threw on some warm clothes, drank beer with Dime, Dills, Bridget and friends. Then it was off to dinner with Dime, Bridget & her friends. A bit of wine flowed and some general debauchery as well. I had a blast! You guys/gals RULE HARD!!!


Injury, 5 weeks of bronchitis, and genetics... but mostly genetics.


I coming back next year, hopefully injury free. I love this event!!