Notes
I haven't posted yet because I haven't been sure what to write. Since my finish it has been a roller coaster of emotions.Going into the marathon there was a sense of speed in the air with good weather and a very fast field from front to back. I could almost touch the optimism in the air and felt like a race horse. Being in the third corral was a first for me but thought it good to go out at a reasonable pace. Being surrounded by Ephraim and Helen brought some comfort from the thousands of unfamiliar faces but companions ready to conquer. I eased into the pace staying comfortable but a little stiff. The miles went by with ease but somewhere around 6 or so I could no longer see Ephraim or Helen. I started to hit some tough miles where I just didn't feel smooth, but I knew this happens and just mentally let it go. Around 16/17 I felt the lightness coming to my body and told myself this is it! I started to race and go after runners in front of me. Hearing my name being called sent chills through my body.Don't let anyone ever say Boston fans aren't the best! For a split second at 18 I questioned myself did I go to early, then it was gone and I was hunting again. I must have passed a couple of hundred runners over those miles. At about 23 miles I caught E-j Hrynowski. We were running into a strong breeze and he attached himself to me. I said good to myself in the last two races he had done the same to me and had run way from me in Victory. Around 25 I didn't hear him, thanks to E-j I never let up. With one mile to go sign I took a second to feel relief that I was almost home then picked up the pace! Coming up Hereford and making the turn and seeing the finish while hearing the crowd brought tears to my eyes. I had gone into this race with 2 goals: top 3 in age group my last in the 50's and a sub 2:50. Seeing the clock I had a sub 2:50 the next question a top 3? I felt really good after I finished and hung around the finish line waiting for Ephraim and Helen but they had us move on through the shoot. I then saw my support team with big smiles. We looked at results on the phone and saw I was 2nd in age group and decided to head home cleanup and come back for awards. Going home and watching TV we saw the bomb go off... Everything since then has been a blur with sadness and accomplishment going up and down like a roller coast. Tuesday at work was tearful at times looking at the Facebook posts about the bombing and support, but seeing that support was so positive and soothing. As runners we must never forget to thank those that support us! All that gave their lives and were injured were there for us to cheer us on. All runners should stop and cheer those that support us, give them the medal and shirts because without them we would not have a race...