Notes
122nd Boston Marathon.
Weather: 40 degrees, warming up to 45 degrees, light rain, 26 mph wind east. Bouts of heavy rain and stronger wind gusts.
Extremely nervous beforehand/upset about how terrible my training went. Didn't want to take the bus alone so went with Rob to Boston to meet up with the GBTC men at 5:55, leaving house @ 5:30, waking up @ 4:45. Packed 2 bagels with PB and a water bottle. Wore old running shoes, brought change of socks + racing shoes. Everyone trickled in and were slow checking bags + taking bathroom breaks so boarded bus ~6:30. Ate bagel #1 on bus. Got to Hopkinton ~7:30, early enough we got a spot under the tent to sit and relax. Snacked on bagel 2, eating about 1/2, drank some hot water and regular water (and some cookies lol). Boys left at 9:20, I left at 9:40 to walk to start line. Last bathroom stop before walking down to the start wanted to make a 2nd stop at the bathrooms by the start line, however after waiting until 7 mins before the race went off I decided I didn't have time. Took GU ~5 mins before. Started pretty far back in corral 7, took 5 mins to cross start line and first 2 miles were very packed and slow. After 10k the crowd was thinning out making it easier to run my goal pace. Took GU throughout the race every 45mins-60mins depending how my stomach was feeling. Took liquids at almost every water stop alternating water/Gatoraide. Saw Rob's dad at mile 13. Was feeling good until I hit the newton hills with the headwind/ rain and it was tough to stay motivated and run strong. Not as many people out as I had expected originally which was understandable. I was also getting upset that I missed seeing my parents and Rob's mom. Once I made it to the top I told myself to toughen up and not to run the down hill too fast (save those legs!!). The last 4 miles were so tough and I was counting down the seconds to the finish line. When I saw the Citgo sign through the rain/fog I was so happy/ relived, but unfortunately the finish was still a surprisingly far distance away. Powered through the finish line and immediately started crying because I was so overwhelmed with all the people all day and missing my parents on the course. The walk to get dry clothes was so unbearable, thankfully all the volunteers were so nice and helpful and I ran into Rob right after the walk!! Changing was tough being so cold and wet with exhausted muscles but it worked out and then we began our slow and wet journey to get to lunch to celebrate...
All in all 3 mins slower than I wanted but I am happy all things considered, emotionally and physically such a long day