Notes
This was the second largest Boston ever with about 27000 runners. The weather was wonderful to start in Hopkinton, but got gradually warmer as we headed to Boston. It maxed out to about 65-70 degrees. The warm temps didn't bother me because the humidity was low.
I did the same as last year... carrying 2 Gu's and running with Cytomax, which I finished bottle one by mile 6. Eleni had a second one for me at mile 19.5 or so, which lasted until mile 22. The took the Gu's at mile 8 and mile 14.
I went out a bit quick, under 7:00 pace for the first 4 miles, so I backed off a bit because I didn't feel I could hold this pace. This was a smart move because by mile 14 I was starting to really feel tired and began slowing down.
I was right on goal pace for a 3:10 through the half, but I knew because of the effort I was going to slow down, so 3:10 might be out of reach. There were way more spectators on the course this year which was a nice boost. Their energy and positive vibes they send out is amazing.
As I was approaching the Newton hills I began to look out for Eleni, Barbie and the kids. When I saw them it gave me an energy boost. Especially when Eleni ran with me up one of the Newton hills! This was a special moment for me. :)
Because I got in more downhill training this year, my quads handled the downhills much better this time around. My finish was strong. Last 1.2 was in 8:44, ( 7:17 pace). When I saw the clock and had shot at breaking 3:12, I went for it with an all out sprint!
My hamstrings held up very well. The right one was a bit tight at times but manageable. The only problem I had was when I picked it up in the last 1.2 miles, my right heel started to hurt. After the race I was limping with a bit of plantar faciitis.
So I am very pleased with my race. I've never been able up to this point run a Boston close to my potential. Today I was only 1:30 behind my Boston best time set 15 years ago when I was much faster.
Next year I will miss my HB handing me my drinks as she will be running this historic marathon following the Boston footsteps of the legendary SK. :)
Cumulative Splits:
5k: 21:24 10k: 43:19 15k: 1:05:41 20k: 1:28:30 Half: 1:33:16 25k: 1:51:14 30k: 2:14:41 35k: 2:38:41 40k: 3:02:02, last 1.2: 8:44 (7:17 pace).
Individual 5K/mile splits:
5K - 21:24 (6:54), 10K - 21:55 (7:04), 15K - 22:22 (7:12), 20K - 22:49 (7:21), 25K - 22:44 (7:20), 30K - 23:27 (7:33), 35K - 24:00 (7:44), 40K - 23:21 (7:31), last 1.2 - 8:44 (7:17).
Overall 2708 out of 21963
Ages 50 - 59 140 out of 2800