Notes
Forecast got worse and spent a lot of time trying to figure out what to wear in a cold, wet and very windy day. Headwind the entire course with speed of 15-20mph. Max drove Pick, Noah and me to Hopkinton and we took the bus and walked to the Tumbleton's house. Just as well, it was very cold out. Went to the Corral for the start and started stripping of the layers. Finally took off Poncho when race started. We were all huddled and shaking at the start. The first few miles felt OK, but hands were already cold. I started really feeling the cold more as the rain and wind picked up. At points it would come down in huge buckets. There were ponchos and other clothing all over the course. There were so many of them, was hard not to trip. I got to about 10 and tried to find other runners to draft off but my pace started dropping. As we got to Wellesley college, I was so cold I couldn't even look, but it was still amazing how many Welllesley girls were out there screaming. In general, I couldn't believe that spectators would come out in this weather. As for the volunteers, they must have been more miserable than the runners, but at least they could wear full rain gear, something that I did not have. Things went downhill from there. Hands were too cold to even take out a gel and decided not to stop for water, it was so cold. The crowds were thinning out. Going down the hill towards mile 16 Lower Falls, I knew I was in real trouble and just focused on getting to 19. I went up the first hill but didn't even register exactly where I was. I was getting passed by a lot of people. I remember after the fire station, I was staggering and another runner passed and said "watch out!". I don't know how I made it up the second hill. Heard people yelling my name but it didn't register, I was really miserable. I heard Paul Hammond at 19 and looked over and everything just went to pieces. I stopped on the side then went over to Paul. He took off his jacket and wrapped me in it looking for a med tent. I told him Margo was just up the street and we walked over to her. She, Mark and Jean held me walk and we headed home. Cynthia got the car. I got my clothes off and was shaking for about 30 minutes, wrapped in blankets. Finally started to warm up and take a shower. This was a day to remember and to forget. The worst conditions I have ever raced in. Another DNF and the end of a 6 year streak. I have regrets about not finishing, but I can blame myself for not planning to wear better clothing.