Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon, 3:33:57

I had an absolute blast!!! The marathon was almost secondary to the fun I had with my friends and my mother-in-law. Colin's parents live in Weston, which is about 20-30 min outside of Boston. It was so relaxing and stress-free. We ate the most delicious food. It was nice just to chill out and get to know my mother-in-law more. I just had the best time.

I also managed to hook up with two friends from high school, one at an Irish restaurant in Boston and the other at a pre-race meal in Weston. We ate sushi, salad, edemame, ravioli and ice cream. A weird combo, but it was delicious!

My ONLY goal for the race was to not feel like complete garbage at mile 16, which is where Colin's mom was going to meet me.

I ate a tiny piece of steak, some potato casserole, and a tiny piece of pizza for breakfast. The morning started out very foggy and cool. We drove to the state park where the buses were waiting, which is the best place to be dropped off. I hopped onto a bus and rode into the village. I just relaxed, applied sunblock everywhere, and kept warm. Then I walked to the start MUCH earlier than I normally started walking. Good thing I did! I was in the 2nd wave, and we didn't have much time to get to our corrals by the time our wave started.

My plan was just to lay low, relax, and conserve energy for the end. I just wanted to feel good at mile 16. The smartest thing I did for my training this season was to run up and down my hill for my long runs. My hips were strong, and the downhill wasn't nearly as punishing as it was every year prior.

I made it to mile 16 smiling! Then I just decided to cruise on into the finish and maybe try to sneak in under 3:40. The hills were a million times easier due to my training also. I became pretty tired toward the end, and my right knee was acting up, but my fastest miles were the last few.

I had a GREAT time!!! The best marathon experience I have ever had!

Splits
9:01 (hit my watch a bit early)
8:18
8:24
16:30 (oops)
8:12
8:11
8:10
8:10
16:32 (oops again)
8:08
8:03
:53 (1:48:21 half)
7:04 (7:57 mile)
8:05
7:44 (mile 16!)
17:17
7:41
8:01
8:20
7:31
7:48
7:41
8:04
10:14 (1.2 miles, 8:37 pace, stopped to talk to Colin's mom)
Total time 3:33:57, 8:10 pace
First half 1:48:12, second half 1:45:36