Notes
sparknote version: Knew from the start that goal times were out of the question. Took what i though was easy through the first half, but got swallowed and spat out by Boston during the second half. Wasn't prepared for the heat, but most importantly finished the race.
Long Version:
We had been warned over the last couple of days that the weather was not going to cooperate by any means and it wasn't really worth it to try and hurt yourself for a PR. I felt like i was in great shape coming into the race, but I knew that i lacked any heat training since the Maine weather had been much colder than 50 degrees for the most part of my long runs. I had my fingers crossed 5 days before the race, just hoping it would change over. I never did, which in the end cost me from getting a fast time, and possibly a PR, but i learned some valuable lessons.
Race morning:
Nice easy taxi ride from Framingham hotel to the State Park (I highly suggest this as you don't have to get up at 5am for the busses from Boston and it's a much shorter ride) than just a quick jump to Hopkington itself. Athletes village on the other hand was a sold 1/2 mile walk up the street away from the start line, which makes sense, but dam..why could we just have been dropped off there. As i met up with Matt, Tim and a few other local guys, we chatted and made our way to our corrals. Probably 70 degrees or so by this time.
Fast Start for a lot of people, but i went in knowing that i should hold back some and it was true as i started chatching farmiliar faces from my Corral. I shortly saw Matt, Gary, Roger and a few other friendly faces, but upon looking at the results learned that most of them destroyed me. At the midway point i knew sub 3 was out of the question and I was starting to loose it fast. The Wellsely Girls had given me a second wave of energy, but i knew that I couldn't push it hard if i actually wanted to finish, and That was my top goal TO FINISH. By mile 15, i told myself i need to start walking in order to finish, which i did so, and my time suffered from there. Not pleased with walking so early. The spectators, and volunteers were amazing. Ice, Popsicle, frozen sponges, sprinklers, and wet towels were being handed out, and by god did those feel good. I think around mile 23 i started having cramps/knots in my calves and knew i had to play it smart so i didn't come out injured. Finished with the 3:29 (slowest of the 3 so far) but proud to finish. Close to 83-87 degrees at the end. Never want to "race" in those conditions again. I've heard GCI is like this every year though. BRING IT!
lessons:
1. know the course: I knew there were lots of downhill running in the beginning and lots in the end, but i really didn't think it was that bad. I wonder if the weather will cooperate with me next time if can go out faster at the start and still be ok by the end.
2. hydrate/nutrition properly: Although this was a unique case, i still don't know my optimal hydration and food intake for running this long. By mile 17 i was experience cramps in my stomach, and i certainly didn't have this during my 21miles a couple weeks back. I did take 3 chocolate gu'S ( next time bring a variety DAMIT!) Gatorade is good, but too much it of it sucks, water it down.
3. I puked at the end, but i think i understand my body a bit better after this. I don't want to sip on highly concentrated Gatorade such as the protein formula they handed out. It's way to sugary for the end of the race. Sip water and watered down gatorade for 2-3 hours post race, than take bread, pretzels, crackers in.
4. the Boston 26.2 beer was/is amazing.
5. Bring Brittany as post race masseuse. I feel 75% better after a post race massage the next morning