This was my second marathon distance, but my first stand alone marathon. When I did IMWI, I did not care how long it took me to finish the run, just wanted to finish. This time I had a time goal in mind. I wanted 4 hours. This was a lofty goal and one I was not willing to admit to anyone who asked. I could run a sub 2 hour half, but could I sustain that pace for twice as long? Adding to the drama, was the fact that I've had several nagging foot issues. I carry my little spray bottle of bio-freeze on all long runs in case my feet act up. Plus, the fact that I have colitis means that my guts can act up. (Read my IMWI race report and the 8 porta-pottie stops on the run).
However...the insides behaved very nicely due to careful pre-race eating. I was concerned about the cold so I had worn an old sweatshirt over my running shirt which I ditched at mile 4. (and off to the the side so the people behind me wouldn't trip on it) The first 6 miles flew by due to excitement and the fantastic crowd. I was on pace at a 9 minute mile. At the half I was still on pace and feeling OK. The feet were a bit uncomfortable but able to push through it. By mile 15 the miles seemed to take forever, although I was still on pace. Mile 20...seems as though I must be running a 15 minute mile, but I'm still on pace. Mile 22...I hit the wall. Ironically it's not the feet or the tummy that has me down, it's my old friend the IT band. I hobble on and then I have to stop. I spray my knee, take a motrin and attempt to continue. The next mile or so I'm probably at a 10 minute pace. I pick it up. At mile 24 I realize I can still get that 4 hour goal if I pick it up. Mile 25 I'm at 3:51. I'm going to have to really dig deep to make it. I don't know where I found it, but somehow I found the strength to run faster. As I hit Mile 26 (on that lovely uphill) I was running as hard as I could at that point. FINISH 4:00:33!

Went home and found out that I qualified for Boston by 27 seconds.
Signed up for that the next day and I'm eagerly awaiting the letter that indicates if I'm actually in.

Nothing! I'm ecstatic over my race.

Drank some water, but couldn't eat. Retrieved my stuff for gear check and called my husband. He was trying to make his way from mile 25 to find me. He and my son me 3 times at different points, but I never saw them.


Did the best I could.


Very exciting and well run. Will do it again in a few years.