2008 Boston Marathon

We were up at 5:00am, out the door by 5:30 and on the bus by 6:00. We rode out to the starting line at Hopkinton and waited…and waited….and waited. Three hours is a long time to wait around at the starting line for a race to begin. It also gives the weather plenty of time to change from what it was when we got dressed at 5:00am. As I was sitting on the bus thinking about the day ahead of me, I saw Sandy and Cheryl outside the bus window. I ran out to say “hi” and wish them luck and then they were off to find their bus. The day started out cool and cloudy. About an hour prior to race time, the sun came out and it warmed up to the mid 50’s. Perfect weather for a marathon. I had to fend off all kinds of comments about how I was going to be too hot in running tights and a long sleeve top. However, experience has taught me that even though everybody else is comfortable in shorts and a tank top, I still need several layers.

The first wave left at 10:00am. This included half of the runners and most of the men. This left a plenty of time for wave 2 to easily access to the port-a-potties prior to our trek down to the start. I’d actually recommend submitting a 3:30+ qualifying time to take advantage of this if it’s an option. Walking from the waiting area down to the starting line was the first time it hit me how organized and streamlined this process is. The corrals were strictly controlled which made for a very smooth start. The crowds at the starting line were unbelievable. The first few miles are just packed with spectators and although the crowds lighten up at times, they are spread out every stretch of the course.

The first few miles are all downhill and I had been warned to take it easy on the downhills. First 5K time: 24:20 (7:50 pace). Regardless of my conservative pace on the downhills, my left quad started tightening up at mile 4. UGH! I still have 22 more miles to go. I wondered if it would just go away after while and I tried to focus on my hydration and sodium. I decided this was a good opportunity to see what I was really made of. My plan was to take Gatorade at each aid station, and every 5 miles I would take a gel and water instead. I stuck with this plan until mile 20. 10K time: 48:51 (7:51 pace).

Before the race, I had been tipped off to go to aid stations on the left side of the road because everybody else goes to the right. This was a great tip, but I was beginning to wonder if the bank in the road was causing the pain in my left quad. I decided to switch over to the right side of the road around mile 9. This could have been the cause of my pain because shortly there after, my right quad starting tightening up as well. Not really the result I was looking for. Now I was in serious pain on both sides and not even to the ½. 15K time: 1:13:20 (7:52 pace).

At this point, I wasn’t too sure I was going to make it all the way to the end. I had never been in this much pain before in a race, especially not with 16+ miles still to go. 20K time: 1:38:10 (7:54 pace). I had a nice surprise just before the halfway point. I saw Ryan on his bike cheering me on. This was perfect timing. I needed something to take my mind off my pain. He was up and down the course for the next few miles on his bike cheering for me. Half marathon time: 1:43:25 (pace 7:54).

Just after the half, I could hear all kinds of cheering and screaming in the distance. I wondered what was ahead. I had already passed the 1/2. What could be bigger than that except the finish line? The answer: Wellesley College. These girls were the best part of the course. You could hear their cheers for what seemed to be a mile away. It was very motivational and a very nice distraction.

I had heard all of the warnings regarding “Heartbreak Hill,” but that certainly wasn’t the most painful part of the course for me. The downhill between miles 15 and 16 was very steep, long, and painful on my quads. It’s a sure sign that things are bad when the downhills are more painful than the uphills. Since there are NO flats on this course, an uphill stretch was the best I could hope for. 25K time: 2:03:00 (pace 7:55). With that behind me, I start looking for mile 18, which I consider the real halfway point in a marathon. 30K time: 2:29:28 (8:01 pace). Now my pace is really starting to fall off. I don’t dare let myself think about how many miles I have left. I focus on getting to mile 20, knowing that once I get to mile 21, Heartbreak Hill is behind me. Finally, mile 20, the climb starts. The crowds were amazing. Runners were slowing to a walk. I just kept plugging along knowing that after this, it was all downhill.

I finally crested Heartbreak Hill and only 5 more miles to go. 35K time: 2:56:57 (8:08 pace). I notice that my pace is falling off pretty quickly and I wonder how much longer I can hold off slowing to a walk. I need to get to the finish line soon if want to PR. Ah! Mile 22: this is where I always wonder why I keep signing up for marathons and promise myself to NEVER, EVER do this again. Winding through the last few miles to the finish is kind of a blur. All I could think about was how good it would feel if I could just stop and walk, just for one little second…..but I don’t dare.

I didn’t want to think about hydration or nutrition any longer. I missed a few aid stations in the last few miles, simply because I didn’t notice them until I was running through the aftermath of crushed cups. 40K time: 3:24:19 (8:13 pace). I have 13 minutes to run 1.4 miles if I want to PR, but the pain in my quads was excruciating. I remember seeing the sign that said “1 Mile To Go.” I wanted to stop and I really didn’t know if I could make it another mile. I had to focus on the fact that I had already run over 25 miles instead.

Finally, I turned a corner and saw the finish line. I wanted to cry! I was so happy to see that banner. The final stretch seemed to last several minutes. Then, I spotted Ryan hanging off a street sign and waving to me and yelling “GO AMY!” which made me laugh and gave me a much needed boost. I did it! I crossed the finish line in 3:36:14 (8:15 pace), a new PR. Now I can finally say, “I RAN THE BOSTON MARATHON!!” I wonder what I could have done if my quads weren’t hurting. Forget about all that stuff I said at Mile 22, I have to sign up for another marathon to find out! :o) Who wants to do Boston next year???