Notes
This ranks as one of my toughest marathons. Was having hamstring issues over the weekend and tried lots of massaging and icing. Was very nervous with all injuries. Slept pretty well the night before and got up around 5:30. Taped both Achilles and hamstring. Left the house around 7:10. Margo drove me to Hopkinton (EMC) from where I took the shuttle bus to the Athletes village. Sat next to a guy from Atlanta and we started talking. His time was similar to mine. Security very tight both getting on the bus, athletes village and the start. Walked my way over to the Tumbletons. Weather probably in the 40s at this point. Did a warmup with Reno, Juan and Helen. Got to the corral where I saw Kevin from work. Plan was to run 6:45s. Took about 1:30 to get over the start line. As usual felt OK the first few miles and probably ran faster than I should have (I don't know why I always feel I have to use the downhills to my advantage. At around the 10K, I could tell that this was going to be tough. Kevin caught up and went ahead. I didn't try and stick with him. As I got to Wellesley college, I could tell I was starting to cramp up (right quad) and adjusted my pace. But the half, I decided not to look at my watch and just hope I could get under 3. Jim Garcia and I passed each other several times during the race. At around 14, I could see Reno ahead and he looked to be struggling. I was him pull to the side and tried to plough on. Going down the hill in Wellesley, both quads were cramping. Having been through this several time, I knew I would have to slow down if I were to make it through the Newton Hills. I put my head down and focused as I went over 128. Grabbed a power gel at 17. Tried to drink at most of the stops since it was a warm day. Got to the second hill which was tough, and going up and down was causing more cramping. Got to 19 and Walnut where Margo and Mara along with friends and neighbors were, slowed down so Mara could take a picture. I knew that if I hadn't stopped I had a good chance of finishing. 2 more hills to go. The first wasn't so bad but Heartbreak felt long and tough but I was at mile 21. At this point many runners were walking so I was motivated even though I was getting passed a lot. The downhill to the Reservoir didn't feel easy, but I just had to focus. Passed Tom Giardino who was walking on Beacon. I had another 3 miles to go when I got to Washington Street. I just didn't want to stop or walk. I counted to each miles. 2 miles to go at Coolidge Corner. Passed a lot but many were walking. Dave yelled out and I could see the Citgo sign. Over the Mass Pike, into Kenmore, to the 25 mile mark. Got to the Mass Ave tunnel with a sign saying 1K to go. I knew there was the small hill going up Hereford but made it up without walking. Turned onto Boylston where I could see the finish. It seemed so far away. Dave Oliver caught me and said "Run with me Ephraim", we stuck together for a little and he went ahead. The finish line was approaching, this was one I really worked for. I raised my arms in the air for the camera. Talked to Dave who also was saying he had cramping in his quads. I really didn't care about my time, just happy I finished. Walked to Boylston station to get on the T. A student offered me her seat. People very friendly. Got off the T the guy from the bus from Atlanta also got off. Alfonso picked me up and we gave he and his friend a ride to Homer since they had to get to a friend on Comm Ave. An emotional day in more ways than one.