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Boston Marathon - RunMarathon


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Boston, Massachusetts
United States
Boston Athletic Association
93F / 34C
Sunny
Total Time = 5h 14m 49s
Overall Rank = /
Age Group = W45-49
Age Group Rank = 0/
Pre-race routine:

It was an epic day, one that will stay in the history books! I'm very glad, actually, that I didn't take the deferrment. I think I would have spent a long time thinking that I should have ran, that it couldn't have been that bad. I AM so disappointed in the day, but I know that while I made some critical mistakes out there, it wasn't lack of effort on my part. It was a combination of factors that I couldn't control - like the weather annd my back, and my knee, and mistakes that I made in execution - concious decisions that were wrong, but I apparently need to learn this for myself. Ha!

It's the most amazingly well oiled machine, the BAA, no complaints. However, it's one long day. Out of the hotel at 6:30 to take the shuttle to the Boston Commons. Line up with zillions of other runnners/families. 45 minute wait to get on a school bus - one of HUNDREDS - and then almost an hour to get to Hopkinton.

Rolled into Hopkinton at about 9 - stood in line for a porta-potty. a LONG line. They had lots of shade set up, but way more people than cover. So, by 9, we were in the full sun. It was already 80, they told us. So, drinking water, gnawing on a bagel, applying sunscreen, seeing friends, taking pictures. and being HOT. They started us toward the corrals at about 10. Partway down I realized that I had forgotten my inhaler in my clothes bag. Ran back, very nice volunteer helped me to find it. Walked the mile to the corral - had a quick, unnecessary potty stop. I took a hit off the inhaler, and we were off!!!

Event warmup:

On my feet for hours - in the sun - couldn't have been any warmer!!
Run
  • 5h 14m 49s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 12m 01s  min/mile
Comments:

Starting with the multiple e-mails from BAA - DON'T RUN! - everything had to change. My goal of running a 3:42 (after a Big Sur 3:49)didn't look to likely. I'd been dealing with some knee/leg pain for the last week, but figured adrenaline would carry me through it. My plan - and this is where I just made one bad decision after another - was to 'hang on' to my goals until I couldn't any longer, and then slow down. I wanted to run 8:30, was willing to accept 8:45. The e-mails that we got from BAA were very specific - they strongly suggested that we DON'T run the race at all, but if were were going to anyway, add a minute or two to your pace. HA! I said. Pshh....I won't need THAT much more time.

Wellll........they may have had a point. I'll need to look at my Garmin when I get home for details. I didn't push it going out - I gotta tell you, the heat, combined with all of the bodies, was beyond stifling. My fist mile was about 8:45, second about 8:40....third 9:00. Uh-oh. Well before the 10k I knew that my 8:45 pace was gone, and unles it started to rain, my 9:00 was gone too.

So......leg was sore from the beginning. Having dropped my inhaler right after the start, I was missing the inhaler by mile 10. (worrying about missing it by mile 2). Started getting seriously light-headed, (and cold flashes, how weird is that?) and dizzy by mile 16, couldn't talk. Didn't recognize MightyMom at mile 13! She hugged me anyway!! Jeff was waiting at mile 16, it was a nice hug/kiss, but I didn't want to go back out. Really wanted to quit. Walking way more than running at this point. Mile 21-22, I puked. Would have been humiliating if so many others weren't doing the same thing. Carnage. However, I did keep moving! Mile 24ish, something popped in my knee. OMG, daggers in the back of my leg with every step. Still don't know what it was/is. Still pretty darn painful. Last 2 miles - about 30 minutes.

Finished, waved off the wheelchair because I knew if they took me to medical, I'd get an IV and I'd never make it to the airport. I got offered medical multiple times down the chute and the exit area. SO TEMPTING. Got my medal, picture, clothes bag, water....found Jeff. Layed down on the sidewalk. With many others, may I add! Finally made it to the corner....got a cab. This whole time, Jeff's on his phone trying to change our flight - we'd missed it. He was able to change it - of course the new one was delayed, so we had to wait at Logan for 2 hours, and then take the 4 hour flight. Got to the hotel in Ft. Lauderdale at midnight, left for the Bahamas at 5:15 in the morning. Rolled into the lobby here at 9.......aaaaaah.
What would you do differently?:

Jeez. Listen to the pros, start off SLOWLY. Don't underestimate the heat. Believe the flashing highway signs on the side of the road that said *HEAT ALERT* *HYDRATE* *SLOW DOWN*. Don't lose the inhaler. Never plan an early flight. Don't assume adrenaline will fix a knee issue. Bring more GU!
Post race
Warm down:

Stagger through the finisher's area. Find Jeff. Get a cab to the hotel. 15 minutes to final pack and shower. AAAKKK!!! Chafing on the back - need a new sportsbra. Sprint to the airport.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

I don't care waht the offical # was - it was 93 in Wellesley and I'm guessing closer to 100 on the pavement, in the pack. ARG.

EDITED AFTER DOCTOR APPT: Torn gastroc, strained hammy, extension of sciatic nerve pain. No s/b/r for at least 2 weeks. Well, at least it's an explanation.




Last updated: 2012-04-23 12:00 AM
Running
05:14:49 | 26.2 miles | 12m 01s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 0/
Performance: Bad
Course: The most amazing volunteers ever - the official ones, and the neighborhood ones. THANKS FOR THE ICE!!! Love the fire hydrants. Love the sprinklers!
Keeping cool Bad Drinking Not enough
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall:
Mental exertion [1-5] 5
Physical exertion [1-5] 5
Good race? No
Evaluation
Course challenge
Organized?
Events on-time?
Lots of volunteers?
Plenty of drinks?
Post race activities:
Race evaluation [1-5]

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2012-04-23 2:20 PM

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Master
2621
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Almaden Valley, San Jose, California
Subject: Boston Marathon


2012-04-23 3:08 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Extreme Veteran
668
5001002525
NW Georgia
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
GREAT job pushing through some tough conditions!  And you'll never have to wonder "what if?"  Besides, last I heard you were an Ironman. 
2012-04-23 4:38 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Master
2501
2000500
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
You already know how highly I regard you and how incredibly strong and tough I KNOW you are -- mentally and physically... But it always bears repeating. YOU ARE AWESOME!!! AMAZING!!! Truly inspiring, my friend!! Way to hang in there through all sorts of adversity. This Boston will definitely be one that is talked about for years to come, and you were there!! Cherish it all!! And get your knee checked out!! Love ya!
2012-04-23 5:16 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Royal(PITA)
14270
50005000200020001001002525
West Chester, Ohio
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
You literally gutted through a very tough day.  Horrible circumstances.  Congrats on not quitting and pushing through.
2012-04-23 5:32 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Expert
670
5001002525
metro west, MA
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
Ditto Kyla, 100%!!! Sorry it didn't turn out the way you wanted. That just means you'll have to come back!
2012-04-23 5:33 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Master
1497
1000100100100100252525
Maryland
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
Linda you are amazing! To keep on going after being sick and hurt is way past TOUGH!! Very inspiring!


2012-04-23 6:08 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Champion
7163
500020001002525
Verona WI--Ironman Bike Country!
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon

You did it!  You learned a bunch!  You'll be back for some revenge very soon.

Get the knee figured out, order another inhaler and then get training!

2012-04-23 7:29 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Elite
3395
20001000100100100252525
Raleigh
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
There are things you cannot control. Way to push through. Mental toughness personafied!
2012-04-23 7:35 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Veteran
336
10010010025
Yorktown, VA & Langley AFB
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon

WOW, what a day!  One you will never forget Wink

Such strength and mental toughness to finish it out.  You are such an amazingly strong athlete, very inspiring!!

2012-04-23 7:48 PM
in reply to: #4168251

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Master
2621
2000500100
Almaden Valley, San Jose, California
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon

mighty mom - 2012-04-23 3:32 PM Ditto Kyla, 100%!!! Sorry it didn't turn out the way you wanted. That just means you'll have to come back!

Well, lunch turned out the way that I wanted!!!

2012-04-23 8:36 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Expert
653
5001002525
Henderson, NV
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
Linda, Congrats on running the Frickin' Boston Marathon!!  You will always have it and it may mean more now that you had to work so hard to get it.  Nice work.


2012-04-23 8:49 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Champion
5312
5000100100100
Calgary
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
one to remember for sure.
2012-04-23 9:38 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Expert
1038
100025
Noosa
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
What an experience! 26+ miles in the heat is brutal, but you took it on and did it, well done, hope the vacation was great!
2012-04-24 11:08 AM
in reply to: #4167734

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Champion
6973
500010005001001001001002525
marietta
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
awesome job, linda!!  a little cooler than you want but still a good training run for IMTX. 
2012-04-24 11:35 AM
in reply to: #4167734

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Extreme Veteran
347
10010010025
, Utah
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
26 miles in Brutal heat. You are amazing. 
2012-04-24 11:45 AM
in reply to: #4169732

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Extreme Veteran
333
10010010025
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
Holy cow.  Amazing fortitude in spite of the conditions.  Way to go.


2012-04-24 12:03 PM
in reply to: #4169767

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Champion
9060
5000200020002525
Charlottesville, Virginia
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon

What a crazy day, it sounded and looked brutal, congrats on the finish,  that in itself is an accomplishment on a day like that.

2012-04-24 2:52 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Master
2005
2000
Silverton, Oregon
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
Congratulations, Linda! Way to finish the toughest Boston ever! You are a ROCKSTAR!!!
2012-04-24 3:21 PM
in reply to: #4167734

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Elite
4108
20002000100
Calgary,AB,Canada
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon

Wow better you than me!!!

That sounded crazy but you gutted your way through it. Nice work Linda.

Only pansies take defferals.

2012-04-25 4:40 AM
in reply to: #4167734

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Master
2621
2000500100
Almaden Valley, San Jose, California
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon
EDITED AFTER DOCTOR APPT:  Torn gastroc, strained hammy, extension of sciatic nerve pain.  No s/b/r for at least 2 weeks.  Well, at least it's an explanation.
2012-04-25 6:16 AM
in reply to: #4167734

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Master
1557
10005002525
Maine
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon

And I thought I had a rough day .  Very impressive performance for you.

I should have set up a BT area inside the tent at athlete's village. I arrived there around 7 and had plenty of room on the cool, shaded grass .



2012-04-25 8:52 AM
in reply to: #4167734

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Master
1946
100050010010010010025
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Boston Marathon

(((hugs))) and CONGRATULATIONS..

Was for sure a disappointing and humbling day for many of us...reading your report kind of rehashed the day for me..very similar kind of day..without the travel (or the vacation..lol!) As others have said..you did it..and avoided the medical tents, the hospital & the DNF or DNS..and for sure took away some good stuff for the NEXT challenge.

Maine Rob is right we really should have had a least a blanket zone at Hopkinton ..in that sea of people I spent the entire (LONG ) day having 15 second conversations & exchanging looks with 27,000 others in the same boat, but really by myself..

Speedy recovery.....

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