Wk of April 27 - WISH Walking/Running Club

[Jen117]

Craig - If Carrie needs help, I can grab your other leg and pull!!!

 

[postesf]

Greetings Racing Team -

Totally OT but remember last week, my funny about the gas price being $3.59? Today is was $3.87. Not so funny. That was mighty quick.

Wow Judy! That is HIGH gas prices! I cannot believe how quickly the price has increased. We're still around $3.55-$3.60...For now anyway.

Stacie

 

[postesf]

Wow. Did I scare everyone away??? HHHEEEELLLLOOOO out there!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Debra - You totally crack me up! Thank you for the smile! I really needed it after I saw DS14's cell phone bill -- how the HECK does someone send 592 text messages in one month?

Apparently if you're 14, or 17 for that matter, it's not at all difficult! Didn't bother me when her boyfriend was with Verizon, but the new one isn't, so they're not free any more...

OK so did not find foam roller tonight, but did not work out and did stretch so far, so good!!!!

YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!!

Kevin - Actually haven't watched this week's episode yet. Am afraid to look in the DVR - our power went off multiple times between 10 & 11 Sunday night, and I have no idea how much actually recorded! LOVE the picture of Chance.

Judy - Last night DD was following me home, and she calls me to say that she's totally freaked out that gas is almost $4.00. Yep, it's $3.59! Needless to say, I cracked up!

No training to report - unplanned trip to the doctor with DD17 yesterday (along with a 30 minute evacuation for the fire alarm while at the doc's office), marching band meeting last night, migraine today, "Riverdance" tonight. There's been a 12 mile bike ride on the schedule since yesterday morning, but Monday's rest day keeps getting longer and longer.

REMINDER: Baskin-Robbins 31 cent scoop night 5:00-10:00pm tonight

Jackie

 

[deekaypee]

Tons of posts recently are cracking me up. You're all so witty--or I'm on something. Take your pick!

Shan: Life's a series of checks and balances, right? So Lean Cuisine seems to b a fair trade-off for the ice-cream cone. Maybe not as tasty, but whatever it takes to greenlight the sweet treat.

Aloha Jeff: Here's a quote for you, one that was sent to me by a famly friend in honor of my 40th birthday:

The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been.
-- Madeleine L'Engle

Thanks for the heads-up on free WiFi. Now I know we can expect to hear from Scott with hourly updates. Oh, and your running group really earned your Ben and Jerry's. The flavor?

Angie: I'm just imagining my fellow WISHers chasing after you with a rolled-up piece of paper, trying to tap you on the nose! Yeah, I think you better rest & take it slow!

Cam: 592 texts in a month? I can barely remember to carry my phone with me! WTG with the double-dipping on the exercise AND for completing W2D2! I'm not hearing a big thumbs-up for TAB as a sports drink, though!

Vic: FLBill is looking goooood. Although I'm not quite sure it wasn't you who enjoyed one too many Buds with your Talladega buds.

NE Pats Bill:

As to **Original Bill**, at least it looks like he brought an ID with him for a change. Of course, if that's similar to his running attire, no wonder police are stopping him at 4:00 AM and on college campuses.

How could I forget about that one?! Maybe it's all the drink, and Vic's filter won't tolerate me either.

FL Bill: So...are the giant M & Ms edible. Just curious....
(I hope the family gets healthy, all at the same time, soon.)

TXAng: Sure, laugh at the tragic victim. That's what I'm here for. Speaking of laughing, this made me snort (not attractive, but hey, it's an honest laugh):

Notes from the "well, duh" chronicles: cheese fries and Coke are not the pre-workout meal of champions.

I'm also glad to hear that there's a little healthy competition between you and DH. Of course, WE know you're the runner in the family. He'll just have to try and catch up.

Liz: I promise to eat some Ben & Jerry's on your behalf sometime in the near future. (And Mickey bars are better than Ben & Jerry's anyway. )Have a great time at the Minnie!

Frank: You, an a$$? Not seeing it. It looks like I'll be moving into a neighborhood with lots of college students, young professionals, and academics, so it's kind of like I'll be living next to you! I WISH. You could teach me the ins and outs of Italian wine/soccer, let alone unplanned naps. Ahhh, makes me want to pay less attention to EPL. Oh, and this:

Second, in Italy EVERYTING goes with wine and EVERYTHING goes with soccer…case in point, the owner of A.C. Milan is now Prime Minister…again.

And if you could, talk to me a little bit about Zinc-Oxide and blisters. I'm very prone to them, and I haven't tried this solution yet.

MSDave: And what was your free scoop flavor, you ice-cream instigator you?

Carrie: Whew. For a minute there you had me worried. I thought you'd actually turn down free ice cream. Tell you what. When we meet IRL, I'm buying you a cone just to make up for the fact you missed the B & J Day. (And yes, orange WISH shirts. I don't think the lime green is vibrant enough.) So happy to hear the yoga helped and that you're going to be well-rested & not hurting for race day (regardless of whether you run tonight). You can always go through a couple of Chi drills, too.

Kevin: All About ME!! Hey, that's something I say! (Not the same context, though.) Looks like I'm going to have to do some serious speed work to match your slowed-down pace. You'll hold up for me, right? ALL the scenery on your run sounds great--besides the men in uniform, what did you like about the route? Did it have a nice breeze to offset the heat? Have a great weekend--it sounds like it's going to be filled with friends.

Oh, and Chance is sleek. What a shine on that coat.

CB Michelle: Oh, the hydration thing is such a big deal. If I were to channel Cecilia (and I'm a poor substitute for her experience and wisdom), she would say that's one of the first things to consider if you're feeling fatiqued and sort. So I'm sure that had an effect. And don't forget to fuel. (I think runner's legs are sexy, no matter who they're on!)

Huh. I wouldn't have thought DVD could smell of smoke (not a smoker). I learn something new every day here on the DIS.

Claire: You? You of 1000 smilies? An all or nothing type of person? Wouldn't have guessed? But hey, when you do so many things so well...I'll add horseback riding the list. As for the third-free-scoop today kid, you should see how many free samples people can consume at our local Paneras. Why buy the whole cinnamon roll when you can just eat 20 or so 1 inch squares? (They'd love the burnt part of the brie, too, if it were free.)

Craig: *Sigh* Sir Laurence. He and Kenny could hash it out in a Celebrity Deathmatch, and I'd be happy if either one won. (I probably just ruined all my lit cred. with that statement.) I might think myself accursed in a couple of days, seeing as I'll be absent from the festivities. I'm sure you'll be one of the many "men" of honor at the Minnie. Good luck and good hunting that PR. Even if the weather is a tough foe.

Allyson: I didn't know you were a dog lover! WTG with W5D1. I knew you could do it--it doesn't look that scary anymore, does it? Good luck on Friday, but I don't think you need it. You're running!!!!

Dana: Good luck--I'm going to cross my fingers for some unseasonable cold weather with cloud cover for you all. If it's "taper madness" without the taper, aren't you just left with....um....never mind.

Kim: How's C25K coming???

Stacie: Cheese fries? Who said cheese fries? Remember, you have to earn them by doing, oh, a race or something. I wonder when you'll have time...

Judy:

The road to the Minnie is paved with good intentions. I turned off the alarm this morning. Alrighty then.

Alrighty then? Hah! What's not so funny--you're right, the gas prices. They're seriously going to curtail our summer traveling plans. I'm sorry you're missing Davy Jones--maybe Kevin will serenade the women?

Jen: That's you, always willing to lend a helping hand. And if Craig implodes, there might be a shovel involved.

As for me: For once, a post that's not all about me. Nothing quite so exciting as the Minnie in my life. Just a quick WO this morning, with some extra biking miles to dedicate to Cecilia this weekend & the SuperGoofs. For those who don't know, Cecilia (Cruella de mom) will be spending time with her dad, who's at Johns Hopkins undergoing chemo, and understandably will not be logging miles for the Team Challenge for the next couple of weeks. She's asked for a substitute for the challenge while she's doing far more important things.

Anyway, I'm egregiously stealing PrincessRunner Lisa's idea, and donating some miles to her--just to let her know I'm thinking of her. I'd ask those of you who feel comfortable doing so to consider donating some of your miles too.

 

[andromedaslove]

Don't worry... I'm still here. I can't seem to tear myself away for long. Although I did spend about an hour doing yard work today!! I guess that's better than nothing when I didn't want to leave the computer at all. I also succeeded in taking a shower. We are supposed to meet the in-laws for dinner at 6, and I haven't even convinced myself to start getting dressed yet. Goodness, how am I gonna get through the next 2 days?!

Dana

 

[keenercam]

Jackie – Tell DD that one of the qualifications for all future boyfriends is unlimited texts & cell minutes!

Stacie – I was worried for a while there that you’d murdered the thread. I think everyone got busy for a while! LOL!

Kevin – Chance is absolutely precious!

Debra – I must speak up in defense of the TAB energy drink. I like how it tastes and it really did boost my energy level. I found myself chattering away on the TM, caught myself sounding like a magpie and then realized it was the TAB! LOL! But it couldn’t do anything for my sore muscles. Actually, I must confess. My family doctor and the head of my former cardiology team asked me to PLEASE not use anything like that because no one wants to take a chance on a spark reigniting the heart situation, but it had been more than a year since I’d had one and thought I’d give it a try. Remarkably, my heart rate on the TM was really right where it should be! Oh, and what a DARLING you are to donate miles to Cecilia.

Dana – Right with you sweetie! Hope your dinner is wonderful!


Oh, and how outrageous is this? Gas was $3.759 when I filled my car last night. Last I figured it out, Howard and I are spending nearly $500/month on gas right now.

 

[angietuck2]

GOOD EVENING TEAM!!

Wow this resting thing STINKS!!!!!! So on top of my back/knee pain I have the WORST fever blister I have EVER gotten. and I have some bad ones. For those of you out there thinking fever blister - big deal this is bad, literally my whole top lip is swollen (very embarrasing at my new job)

On the positive side; I JUST BOUGHT MY DISPOSABLE CAMERA for my princess pictures. And I got snacks and gatorade and toys for my kids to terrorize everyone at Coranado's pool all weekend. DOES ANYONE HERE LOVE DISNEY AS MUCH AS ME?????

So not to scare anyone but supposed to be 88 here Friday

Can't wait to see you guys. By the way, I bought a really cute running princess shirt marathon weekend and I was thinking about wearing it for 5k but wouldn't that be kind of dumb to wear that when I am walking with my mom? Just wondering??

 

[angietuck2]

!


Oh, and how outrageous is this? Gas was $3.759 when I filled my car last night. Last I figured it out, Howard and I are spending nearly $500/month on gas right now.

I know it's horrible isn't it??? Because of how far I drive to work, that is how much I spend by myself and then Bobby spends even more in his gas guzzling big old pick up!!!

 

[dsnyfan21]

Hi all...
Forgot to post my walk from yesterday. I went Mt. Trashmore. As I pulled up to the parking area and reached into my bag......I realized I forgot my GARMI!!! Ugh, I have a hard time functioning without it. I guessed a route that was about 3 miles and didn't really focus on time, just did my trash hills! HAHA.

Debra and Scott: Is LOST on this week??

Aloha Jeff: Just wanted to show you some pics:

Does it look good?? (Did you notice my license plate??) Thanks, I love it.

SOLOTraveler (neighbor) Hey I guess I won't get to meet you this weekend. I am leaving Friday morning and coming back Sunday evening - have to work Monday. Too bad I won't get to meet you in Orlando. (even though you live in the same county). I love the photo of your dog, he's beautiful. Here is my little one.

I have a 4 miler scheduled for tomorrow night and then nothing until Sunday's 15K. Getting alittle anxious here.... ugh!!

 

[TXAng]

Frank – Zinc oxide for blisters? More details, please! Does that mean that I can steal some of the baby’s diaper rash cream if I get blisters? I’m pretty sure that’s made of zinc oxide.

Aloha Jeff – Ice cream at the end of a run. Perfect!

Carrie – You could have done what I did – go to the grocery store and get a pint of B & J’s. You shouldn’t get left out of the ice cream fun just because you don’t have one there!

CB Michelle – Sorry you were feeling under the weather on Monday. I wish I could forget to eat sometimes, even though I know it’s not good to do so. Glad you’re feeling better! Also, you are going to post a photo of the dress once you’ve decided for sure, right?

Claire – Bummer about the brie – but I bet it was tasty anyway! How’s the horseback riding going? Less sore?

Allyson – Soda is my biggest weakness. I’ve tried SO many times to kick the habit, but always end up going back to it. Good luck with your 8-minute runs – I’m sure you’ll do great!

Solo Kevin – Aww, what a sweet dog!

Stacie – Yup, it’s called parenting, not babysitting. That’s one of my pet peeves! Did you get some cheese fries, or were you able to resist the urge? Cheese fries (heck, anything covered in cheese) are my second biggest weakness – right after soda!

Debra – I laugh at you, you snort at me – sounds like a pretty fair trade off to me! I think that’s awesome that you’re donating miles to Cecilia.

Cam – Holy cow, that’s some expensive fuel. Ours is sitting right at $3.50 right now. Well, at least it was this afternoon – who knows, it could have gone up again over the past couple hours.

Angie – Glad to hear that you’re actually RESTING. I think your running princess shirt sounds cute – why not wear it to walk the 5K?

Tracy – Amazing how we get hooked on our technological gadgets to go running, isn’t it? Super cute little dog!

Me - Eh, a big fat nothing for me today. I had a grand plan to actually inflate the exercise ball that's been sitting in a box since the baby was 6 weeks old. There it sits, still in the box. Can't imagine why I still look pregnant, what with my total lack of core workouts!

Going for W3D2 tomorrow!

 

[mkymsehi]

Aloha Jeff: Just wanted to show you some pics:

Does it look good?? (Did you notice my license plate??) Thanks, I love it.

Holy smokes, that got there FAST! 5 days and it's already on the car. Looks great on your car! Is Mickey sweating because the dog is chasing him?

I'm just about to put in for my new plates. The Princesses have to vote on their favorite. Will post soon what I end up with for the truck. (I just reserved "MKYFAN" for my ride.)

Since someone already stole my "MKYMSE"

 

[Cruella de mom]

Just poking my head in to say thanks for the thoughts and hugs. I hope all the Minnie Runners have an awesome race. I can't wait to read all about it.

I was the local hero today since all the doctors and nurses here know about me and many have donated to my races in the past. That was fun, especially telling them about Goofy. But let me tell you, These people know all about endurance.

When you are standing there, ready for the race to start, take a moment and soak it in. Be grateful that you are there. Its as good a place to be as the finish line.

Cecilia

 

[MiaBanda]

Tracy & Aloha Jeff - Where did you find the awesome window decal? I need one too!

All Minnie Racers - I am so jealous! But I will be thinking of everyone and cheering you on! Have a great time!

I did my own little version of a tri tonight. 35 min swim, 8 mile bike ride, 5k run/walk. I say that now, but I sure the reaction tomorrow will be more of

 

[keenercam]

Cecilia -- Sending you a huge hug, sweetie! And truckloads of and prayers!

Not much new here except that at this time tomorrow I'll be at the airport. I am having horrible allergy symptoms and was up all night. Trying to figure out how to be in the best possible condition to fly tomorrow considering all this congestion. I've never fully regained hearing in my left ear from my mid-March flight to Denver and all the ear problems I had subsequent to that, so I am pretty nervous about flying congested and with the continued fluid in my middle ear.

Off to the gym in a while for W3D3 of C25k. Will be glad to have that behind me. Then on to a weight watchers meeting where I'll freak out about gaining 2 pounds this week, notwithstanding more than 10 hours of working out. Somehow, I don' t think the leader will "get" tapering and carb loading. I think I'm skewing our meeting numbers, and yet I just bought a size smaller in pants. The scale really should be going down instead of up, right?

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Greetings Team: I have training to report! OK, I did run 4 miles on Monday, but yesterday I did 4.5 miles in 40:53 min/9:04 mpm pace. I'm trying to get back on track with my training.

Tracy- I'd love to know where you got that running Mickey window decal too. I'd love to have one for my car as well...

Cecilia- I'm sorry I don't know what's up with you. I hope everything is OK. Do you mind sharing again? Feel free to send a PM if it's easier. All my best.

Debra- Free scoop was, Coconut Almond Fudge (or something like that), it was good. Not a flavor I would normally get, but I decided to get something different since it was free. Yum!

 

[Space Ranger]

Cecilia -- Sending you a huge hug, sweetie! And truckloads of and prayers!

Not much new here except that at this time tomorrow I'll be at the airport. I am having horrible allergy symptoms and was up all night. Trying to figure out how to be in the best possible condition to fly tomorrow considering all this congestion. I've never fully regained hearing in my left ear from my mid-March flight to Denver and all the ear problems I had subsequent to that, so I am pretty nervous about flying congested and with the continued fluid in my middle ear.

Off to the gym in a while for W3D3 of C25k. Will be glad to have that behind me. Then on to a weight watchers meeting where I'll freak out about gaining 2 pounds this week, notwithstanding more than 10 hours of working out. Somehow, I don' t think the leader will "get" tapering and carb loading. I think I'm skewing our meeting numbers, and yet I just bought a size smaller in pants. The scale really should be going down instead of up, right?

Hey Cam,

How are you doing?

Are you guys on Southwest 7:00 am flight out of Philly? That is the flight Karen & I and on. Maybe we'll see you there.

Later,
John

 

[solotraveler]

Good Morning All!!

Potessf-- Shucks...seems I'll be missing loads of folks this weekend. Well there's always marathon weekend!

Judy-- Fleet Week runs through Sunday... though I haven't seen many sailors in town. But absolutely... please PLEASE call my GM and complain about the occupancy load and scheduling.... wait, that's me. Never mind.

Judy Part Two-- Yes, that's Chance in the moving truck... and no, he did not get to Florida that way!!! Chance got a little.... "strange" as I packed up to move. His previous owners had to move and give him up when he was 10 months old, so I'm guessing with all the packing and moving he got a little concerned... so it got to the point where he would not let me out of his sight and then sometimes, plant himself in the truck.

Deekeypee-- Sleek!?!?! Not a chance!! But the route was very very nice. It follows the beach the whole way, so there's tons to look at and it goes by really quickly. I was lucky the other day since it was overcast, but usually it's several degrees cooler out at the beach then it is just a couple miles inland.... so I think I've found my FTL running route.

Cam-- Nice to see you!! Precious yes... also, dumb as a sack of hammers sometimes... See you Sunday!!!

Tracy-- Darn, I'm going to miss you too! I'm sure they'll be another Disney race to meet at soon! By the way, they just released the date of next year's A1A.... I was all set not to do it, then I saw the picture of the medal you posted... I'm torn. Especially since I officially become an "old man" the day of the race....

All about ME!!!-- No running to report yesterday. I was dead tired after MMA class (nothing like getting shoved up against a cage several times to tucker you out...), so I just bagged my short run. Still feeling pretty sore this morning, which I'm hoping clears up before my evening run....

Safe travels for all those leaving for Minnie today! Hope to see lots of you Sunday evening!

Kevin

 

[gatorphipps]

Hey guys! I just wanted to post this race report from a friend. I know it is long and I know there is a thread for the RRs...but it is worth reading and not everyone goes to that thread.
Josh (a fast friend) is an awesome runner...he has also done IM events. I sometimes start to believe I am a fast runner, then I read something like this and it puts me in my place. I think his effort at Boston is worth reading....Enjoy!

Boston 2008

Introduction

It’s been a long time coming, but after a seven-year absence, I found myself in Boston for the 112th edition of their “little” running event. Why this year in particular? It seemed like a good idea just over a year ago when, as a Charlotte resident, a couple of running buddies were thinking along the same lines. It would be the 10th anniversary of my first Boston Marathon, so good symmetry there. That, and my previous running in 2001 did not go as well as I would have liked it to. I ended up with a 3:04:20, a PR at the time, but those hills did get the best of me. I was hoping not to repeat the same experience.

Training

I started to ramp up the miles back in December, just as the weather here in Boise started to turn less than desirable for long distance running. Granted, it was never really all that cold, but we certainly did get our share of precipitation. But I can say I was consistent in my mileage, even breaking into the mid 50 miles per week on a regular basis. My schedule was pretty well set with a Sunday long run, Tuesday speed/strength session (hills, tempo, and track work), Wednesday easy, Thursday double (morning hills, evening easy), and Saturday trail run. I also worked in three days of swimming per week and the occasional weight workout. The mileage portion of the training schedule was a little heavier than previous strong efforts, but not significantly so. I was able to handle much of it pretty well, avoiding any significant injuries or lapses in time on my feet. I can thank some of the folks around here for the motivation on those cold morning hill repeats.

The Goal

I was certainly hoping for a strong showing in Boston, much like the other 22,000 folks who would toe the line on that mid-April day. I didn’t run many races in the winter or spring, but I was able to run a fairly challenging half marathon near Chicago five weeks prior to race day to gauge my fitness. Ironically enough, this race was my first half marathon 14 years ago and was also part of my racing schedule in 2001 for my last Boston attempt. I ended up running 1:20:22 with a not quite all out effort, my second fastest half marathon ever. This was a good sign, proof that those hard Tuesday morning efforts were paying dividends.

I had my goal set on 2:50 as a “reachable” target. I felt 2:48 could happen on a good day, while 2:46 was possible if I was hitting all cylinders (and possibly a significant tail wind at the same time). Having run 2:52:15 in Myrtle Beach in February 2007, I didn’t feel any of these were out of the realm of possibility (though that 2:46 would be a tough one to reach).

The Trip - Friday

Boston is such a tremendously historic city; I felt like John Adams or Paul Revere could be sipping a pint of ale in any local brewpub I might happen to walk into. Still, Logan Airport is not the cheapest place to fly into, particularly if you are coming from across the country. So I flew into Providence, RI instead, a slightly grittier, if not also historic city an hour to the south by commuter rail. The Providence Biltmore is where I stayed Friday night, an historic hotel (built in 1922) right in the heart of downtown. After a short swim at the local YMCA, I found some dinner at a local eatery and headed back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. Or, considering the time difference, a rather fitful sleep.

The Trip - Saturday

A short run on Saturday morning brought me by Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (affectionately known as RISD). Brown certainly is your prototypical Ivy League campus, with large old buildings surrounding a tree-shrouded quad. It was a mere three miles, but it felt good to get out and stretch the legs a bit.

A short hour train ride on the commuter rail version of the famed Boston “T” brought me into Boston, where I met up with Mr. Scott Woodbury. He flew in from Charlotte and was able to squeeze in a couple miles before we headed out for some lunch and packet pickup at the Hynes Convention Center. What a madhouse! The 2001 version of the marathon had a mere 13,000 finishers; the 2008 version would have closer to 25,000. I’m not one for crowds (neither is Scott) so we made haste, acquired the necessaries (for Scott, that included the “necessary” Boston Marathon jacket) and made our way back to the hotel after a brief stop at the conveniently located Trader Joe’s right across the street.

Mr. Pete Kaplan was at the hotel upon our return, his flight from Charlotte right on time. Pete is a veteran of nearly 60 marathons and quite a few ultras with a marathon PR somewhere in the 2:28 range. One of his claims to fame (as if a 2:28 marathon isn’t enough) is that he says he has photographic proof that Rosie Ruiz’s infamous 1980 Boston Marathon “win” is indeed the hoax everyone knows about (except Rosie Ruiz, who to this day claims she is the rightful winner). While Pete is a bit removed from his fastest times, he is still someone I look to in awe for thirty years of very fast marathon times.

The Trip - Sunday

I woke up relatively early on Sunday for an easy two plus mile run (with a few 15 second pick-ups) around the Boston Common and Public Garden. Everything was set up for the Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials to be held that morning on a 6+mile loop course through Boston and Cambridge. We found a spot where we were able to see the leaders at least ten times through the course of the race and watched Deena Kastor catch Magdelena Levy, the leader for most of the day, and be the first qualifier for Beijing. It was a great day for racing, though a tad on the windy side, and a thoroughly worthwhile way to spend the morning.

After a nice lunch, we returned to the hotel to relax a bit after all the walking we had done that morning. Pete and Scott wanted to get a couple of easy miles in while I wanted to visit the former site of Braves Stadium, home of the Boston Braves until they moved to Milwaukee after the 1952 season. It is located on the Boston University campus, an easy streetcar ride on the Green Line. While the field no longer exists, certain elements were kept when Boston University build a soccer field around the old field. Some of the structures of the old right field bleachers still remain, as does the old ticket office, which now appears to be office space for the university.

No trip to Boston is complete (at least if you’re a runner) without a trip to the North End for some fine Italian cuisine. There was one major difference between this trip and the one seven years ago; the trip via subway seemed, well, different, as if something were missing. I then realized: where park and open space now exists used to be a hulking mass of expressway affectionately known as the Central Artery, or Interstate 93. The result of the “Big Dig”, this controversial $14 billion project created a tunnel underneath Boston to carry more than 150,000 vehicles per day. As a transportation engineer, I can certainly appreciate the complexity of such a project, even one that cost far more than anticipated and took a good deal more time to complete. On face value, however, from a pure design standpoint, the result is nothing short of astonishing in how it transforms the city.

After dinner and the obligatory bakery stop, it was back to the hotel for an early night and an attempt at a good night’s sleep.

The Trip – Monday (Race Day!)

Pete’s alarm rang about 5:30 am; mine sounded a few minutes later. Aroused from a decent night’s sleep, I dressed in the requisite “waiting attire”, ate some breakfast (granola, a banana, part of a bagel, and a surprisingly decent cup of coffee from the Flavia machine in the hotel lobby) and headed off to the meet the buses for the trip to the starting line. Scott found a decent hotel at a decent price (Chandler Inn), a six-block walk to the buses and a mere five blocks from the finish line. This made race day logistics a cakewalk.

At my previous Boston attempt in 2001, there were approximately 13,000 entrants. This year, that number would be closer to 25,000 entrants (with nearly 22,000 finishers). The folks running the show have 111 years of history to not only uphold, but also supplement according to the laws of accommodating hoards of anxious runners. Needless to say, they have this down to a science. A few changes have been made since my last running. First, the race now has two waves (not including the elite women’s race, wheelchair competitors, and physically challenged athletes). Second, the first of those waves now starts at 10 am, the second at 10:30 am. I like this change, it substantially truncates the amount of time one must spend in the mass of humanity waiting at the “Athlete’s Village” near Hopkinton high school. It also allows runners to avoid most of the warmest of the warm days that do occur in Boston in the middle of April.

It was a long bus ride out to Hopkinton, not made any easier by the traffic jam created at the rather rural interstate exit off of I-495. By the time we arrived in Hopkinton a good hour and fifteen minutes after departure (not including the 20-30 minute wait to get on the bus), many runners had bladders that were fairly strained, to put it mildly. The woods near the bus drop off provided instant relief, until the local law enforcement arrived. Officer not-so-friendly didn’t exactly approve of the natural fertilizer (free of charge!) and took some names (or, in this case, numbers). Not exactly a good omen, but it sure beat standing in the port-o-john lines!

The earlier start meant that Scott, Pete and I didn’t have a whole lot of time to spare until we were herded to the start line. I made one more stop off for another nature call, wishing Scott and Pete a good journey to Boston (Scott would be in my starting corral, I would see him shortly). By 9:40 am, after dropping my finish line bag at the buses and a 0.7 mile walk to the start line, I entered Corral #1, right behind the truly elite athletes. My previous times here placed me in Corrals #3 and #4, so it was somewhat unique to be so far up in the queue with all of the truly fast people. The sun started to peak out from behind the clouds, though temperatures were very reasonable in the low 50s (they would stay there pretty much the entire run) with very little wind. So much for weather as an excuse for not running well…

A few minutes before the start, the elite athletes were led out in a line from their separate holding area. This included seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong (#100), whom I was barely able to catch a glimpse of. His goal was in the 2:45 range, close to mine, so I figured I might have a chance of seeing him on the course. This thought turned out to be more prophetic than I had planned.

A quick Air Force fly-over, the Star Spangled Banner, and at 10 am on the nose, the starting gun sounded and we were off on our way to Boston. We would pass through eight communities (Hopkinton, Ashland, Natick, Framingham, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and Boston) on our way and experience a 400-foot net drop in elevation, half of that coming in the first 3.5 miles. It is exceedingly difficult to restrain oneself from running too quickly in the first few miles on this course, as it has a way of coming back to haunt even the strongest and well-trained of runners.

Seemingly like a roller coaster, the first ¾ of a mile is very downhill, almost uncomfortably so. There is a slight rise before the one-mile marker, which I passed in 6:15, a little quick. Still mostly downhill, though not as steep as the first, mile two passes in 12:37, a little closer to the pace I hoped for. Though we are only 24 miles from the heart of Boston, Hopkinton and Ashland “feel” like quintessentially small New England towns, with Colonial style homes and cute as a button downtowns. Even at this early stage, spectators lined the streets. Even the local biker bar in Ashland had a cadre of well wishing men and women that just happened to be not-so-clean shaven (the men, mostly) and a bit on the burly side.

Mile three, still mostly downhill but starting to roll just a bit, passed in 19:00, 5K in 19:42. Beyond this point, I don’t really have exact numbers for my mile splits, as I was wearing a heart rate monitor that didn’t have that capability. Some I remember, but I will need to refer to the BAA website for 5K splits when I need an exact number (minus the 11 seconds it took to cross the starting line). Right around mile four, I’m wondering when my legs will come around. The pace doesn’t feel like I’m straining, though I feel a little sore and more tired than I should be at this point in the race. I keep telling myself they will come around; it usually takes an hour for this to happen from previous experience. I try to back off the pace slightly, aiming for miles in the 6:25 range, which makes for 20-minute 5Ks. This would put me right at 2:50, maybe slightly under. A good thought, but it was still early.

Cruising through downtown Framingham, passing by the fairly historic train station (a time point in past races before the advent of mile markers), the 10K mark passes in 39:44. The free-for-all madness of the early miles settles down as the course flattens and rolls ever so slightly. I’m no longer being passed like I’m standing still, but I do feel like I’m falling into a nice rhythm. Only twenty more miles to go…

Past Framingham, on the road to the wall of sound that is Wellesley, 15K is reached in 59:43, and I’m feeling good; actually I’m feeling very good, the best I’ve felt all race. I say a quick word of caution to myself, knowing that these are the “danger” miles, where one can find a false sense of self and pace. I try and maintain my current effort, and ten miles pass in just under 1:04. I strike up a brief conversation with Chris Toepfer, a runner from Chicago (I recognized his “Universal Sole” singlet, a Chicago running store). Chris is a great runner; I remembered his name from previous race results from way back in the day growing up in the area. Some quick post-race checking shows that he has run a 2:38 marathon as recently as two years ago (he’s in his mid 40s), so I’m not sure what he’s doing running back here. He was struggling a bit and dropped back around 11K, but it was good to talk with someone from the “home land”.

You don’t need a “Now Entering: Wellesley” sign as a reference to your progress on Patriots’ Day. You hear it, from up to a mile away. It is truly a “wall of sound”; you hear about it from previous race participants, you know it’s coming, but there isn’t much in the marathoning world that approaches it. For a good ½ mile, Wellesley College students line the road, four or five deep, providing a huge boost before you hit the 20K mark (passed in 1:19:30). Ears still ringing (not an exaggeration), I barely noticed that half of the race was behind me, 1:23:51 after I had started (somehow, my chip didn’t register across the mat). Under 1:24 was my goal, so things were going to plan up until now.

Looking at the course profile, one can’t help but be reminded that the lowest elevation before the finish in Boston is near the 25K (1:39:21, a PR for that distance). There is a sharp downhill before crossing the Charles River; of course, when you cross a river, invariably you must go back up. This is the first of the “significant” hills entering Newton that no one tells you about. It’s not all that steep, but it is noticeable, a sign of things to come.

I’m still feeling pretty good, though not exactly “fresh”. I know my pace has held steady, still clicking off miles very near 6:30. Then, at about the 17.5-mile mark, you make the dreaded right turn where the race really begins. Stories abound of how race leaders make their move on the Newton hills, breaking their weaker competitors. In a race with a 111-year history, it’s not hard to find them. There are three hills of significance; all get your attention, though the second isn’t nearly as long or as steep as #1 or #3 (Heartbreak Hill). They arrive over a three plus mile stretch, and each is followed by a little flat or downhill reprieve. Once you get to mile 21, there are but five, mostly downhill miles to go into Boston.

The 30K mark is near the end of the first hill. I break the two hour mark (barely, at 1:59:51) which is also a PR for that distance, though I’m starting to realize and appreciate the efforts of the prior 18.6 miles. In other words, the pace is slowing. The next couple of miles are in the 6:40 range, and even though my pace is slowing, I’m not being passed by all that many folks. Mile 20 is very near the start of Heartbreak Hill, reached in just under 2:09. I came in with the thought that this would hurt a little at this point, so I was prepared for it, but getting past the crest of the hill would mean just 5+ miles to go, mostly flat and downhill. Mile 21 was my slowest of the day; I seem to recall near 7:10, mostly up the hill.

I thought once I crested Heartbreak Hill I would have sufficient reserves left over to bring it back to 6:30 pace or faster to the finish. This would get me the goal time of 2:50 I was seeking. It was a nice thought, though it didn’t quite happen as planned. Trying to get my legs to move much faster than about 6:50 pace was an exercise (no pun intended) in futility. My breathing was fine, but my legs were shot. 35K passed in 2:20:56, so I knew that my 20-minute per 5K pace was falling behind.

Even with four plus miles remaining, while your body is screaming “enough, already!”, it is pretty much a done deal that a finish is in the making. Truly, the mental marathon game is one that necessitates an open mind, where past experience becomes an enormous advantage. You’ve been here before, you will do this. A little slower than earlier in the day, but it will be done. I know there are cheering crowds as I pass by Boston College (drinks in hand…hey, is that water?) but I don’t really hear them.

I’m wearing my old Montreal Expos hat, an enormous advantage when I am seen on TV as Lance passes me just after mile 23. I must have passed him early in the race and didn’t even notice, though with the mass of humanity at the start, I’m not terribly surprised. He was in a group of about a dozen runners, though some may have been Lance’s “handlers”, to keep the riff raff away from him. I wasn’t too sure at that point, though I was hoping the curses I uttered under my breath as he passed didn’t show up on the live broadcast.

At 2:42:38 into the race, I pass 40K, just under a mile and a half to go, the Citgo sign in front of me, Fenway Park to my right. One mile to go; I need a 6:45 final mile to break 2:52. Under Massachusetts Avenue, right on Hereford, left on Boylston, and the finish is in sight. Gosh, it’s further than I remember, but no matter, enjoy the crowd. Mile 26 painted on the ground, the library, the Old South Church, and I’m there, finally, in 2:52:01 (by my watch), good enough for 543rd place (out of nearly 22,000 finishers). I see Scott; he’s run a great race, finishing in sub-2:48 fashion, though the hills took the same toll on him. Pete is just behind me in 2:55, same story. We grab our bags from the bus and head back to the hotel with stories to share.

Epilogue

Though I did not reach my goal of breaking 2:50, I still ran a PR by 14 seconds, and I just can’t be too upset at that. Still, I came into the race with reason to believe my training was there for a sub-2:50. I wonder what I could have done differently in my training to have skewed the odds a little more in my favor:

· I’m generally not a very good taperer, though this time I did cut my mileage appropriately while maintaining some “quality” in the final couple of weeks. I thought I did this well, I don’t see myself changing this aspect of training.
· Race day, logistically, also went well. No major stomach or GI issues, no unforeseen stops mid-race.
· More miles, or more quality miles? Maybe, though a snowy winter put a damper on a number of speed workouts I would have liked to have accomplished.
· Long runs? Those were definitely there, getting up to marathon distance twice and at least 3 other 20+ milers. I never felt like this was straining; I backed off when I felt like I needed to. I didn’t have any major (or minor) injuries nor did I have any lapses in training.
· Tempo/threshold runs? I think this is the key to my improvement. Marathon paced runs up to 15 or so miles, performed very three weeks or so, is one item of training I neglected. I may need to find additional training partners around here for runs like that; it’s hard to motivate yourself on one’s own.

I’m still confident there is room for improvement. Even though I am now 31 and have been running marathons for 12 years, the desire is still present to find a few more minutes to lop off that 2:52. Those minutes don’t get easier to lose the faster you get, but I’m willing to find out if it’s possible.

 

[Kristi1357]

Wow Christa - your friend is amazing! Thanks for sharing. I am so glad to hear the good news about your mom too.