Boston Marathon 2010

I did it! I ran the Boston Marathon!!

It was not with out opposition as 3 weeks before the marathon on my last 21 miler, I injured my hip/leg and really was not sure if I was going to be able to pull it off. I had to change my expectations and just go wit the flo. I threw my hopes of getting a PR out the window and hoped that I would be able to run and not be in pain the whole time. I really just wanted to enjoy the marathon, I had worked hard to get there and now I just needed to take it all in and enjoy the experience.

The expo was so fun and so big!!!! I could have spent all day there.

The energy in Boston was amazing, so many runners so excited about the race. I was more anxious/nervous that I thought I would be, I think because I was beginning to realize that this was a big race and I was so blessed to be there.

As usual I laid out all my gear the night before and realized I did not pack the top I wanted to wear, this of course threw me for a loop but I just went with what I had and made the best of it.

Race morning came after a pretty good nights sleep which was surprising, I usually toss and turn all night. Boston starts at 10am which is a little tricky. It is hard to figure out what and when to eat. The other thing is that it starts at 10am but the runners are bussed to Athletes Village at the start line 2 1/2 hours before the marathon starts.

My brother and I just before I got on the bus to go to Athlete's Village.

It is an amazing site, I thought I would have an idea of what 26,000+ runners looked like, I did not! It was beautiful out but it was not warm. Luckily I discovered that they were offering pre-race massages inside the school, so I decided to get in line and stay warm. It was a great idea!!! I got a little massage and just in time got done, headed to drop off my bag at the busses, and then Wave 1 was called tot he start line.

I can not describe how amazing the energy was, it was a great experience. Everyone was so excited to get started. I lined up in my corral for the start gun to go off. As I was standing there I looked ahead and recognized Candice (sister of marathon mommy Cal). Let me just say that she was an inspiration!!! (Cal I would love to know how her race went, if you read this I would love for you to comment!)

The gun must have gone off because the crowd started moving. It took about 12 minutes to get to the start line, crazy. We started running and the adventure continued! The crowds were amazing, there really are people lining and cheering all 26.2 miles. There were kids high fiving, people handing out water, oranges, licorice, bananas, popsicles. It was awesome!!!!

Miles 1-12 flew by and then my leg started to hurt. I knew that I could push threw the pain but how long could I hold out was the question. The hills were coming but I just tried to take everything in and be distracted by everything going on around me. I passed Team Hoyt around mile 15, that was an inspiration!!! I passed military men running in full gear with their packs, that was an inspiration also.

The Newton Hills (miles 17-21) were pretty tough but as I crested Heartbreak Hill (mile 21) the real work began. Miles 21-26 were tough!!!!!! I just kept on thinking" I am running the Boston marathon, take it all in." As I turned the corner onto Boylston Street and saw the finish line the energy of the crowd gave me energy to power through the finish. I was so happy to be done!

I started to tear up, I had done it, it hurt, and it was over! Not my fastest time but I was happy especially considering that I was not sure if my leg was going to cooperate at all :)

You can probably tell by the look on my face that my legs are killing me :)
Meb Keflezighi Police coming out to line up right before the elite runners finish The giant screen at the finish line showing the coverage of the race