Notes
Margo drove Robert, Pick, Wolfgang and me to the EMC parking. We took the bus to the start and went to the Tumbleton's. It was about 50 and felt comfortable but predictions were to get up to 70s. I was in the last corral of the wave. When the gun went off, we barely moved and just started walking. It took almost 5 mins to get to the start and even then, hard to get into any stride. I decided to run conservatively, especially on the downhills. The sun was beating down and it was starting to get hot. I took water and or gatorade at every stop. I settled into a comfortable stride not trying to pound on the downhills. After about 10 miles, could feel the quads starting to tighten and decided to settle back. I could see many people were already starting to have problems and as the race went on I was picking off a lot of runners. When I got to Newton Lower Falls, people were really cramping but I just kept my pace and felt OK going over 128. I took a Cliff Shot at 11.8. It was very thick and hard to swallow. I took another at 17. Turned at the fire station ready for the 2nd hill. My quads were starting to hurt but did not feel like I had to stop. Many more runners walking or stopped. I saw Tim walking ahead just before the 30K. He looked in bad shape. Saw the SRR tent and high fived them all. Passed Paul, Doug and Chris and 19 and gave them a big wave. Just after Walnut I saw the family. This all gave me a big boost and kept me going to conquer the next 2 hills. At heartbreak, I just put my head down as I passed many more walkers. This was the story the rest of the way. Started to feel a head wind the last few miles. Almost felt like a relief from the heat even though it was slowing me a bit. I passed Keiran on the way and he looked to be in deep trouble. He really cramped up. I started counting each mile and knew that I was getting progressively slower but never felt the need to stop or walk. Saw the Citgo sign up ahead and knew that I was almost there. Over the Pike, underneath Mass Ave. Then the right on Hereford and Left on Boylston. I could see the finish line up ahead and tried to pick it up, but was really drained. I tried to take in the atmosphere. Counted down to the finish line and I was there. It was pretty windy at the finish. 3:10:52. It was my slowest yet, but given how hard the conditions were, I can't say I was disappointed. Many had bad races. Robert ran 2:45 for the AG win.