Boston 2010
Thanks for your support! On Monday I accomplished a 15-yr old goal – running in the Boston Marathon. It was the 114th running of this event that boasts the best-of-the-best and a 2010 field of approximately 25,000 runners.
Boston was abuzz – even cabbies and wait staff seemed to join in on our celebration. The week prior racers were stressed about 90-degree. Within hours of arriving the wind kicked up, alternating rain and hail, hinting at a frigid race. I gave Daryl the spring flu I picked up from my track kids so we spent way too much time in our hotel room. I considered calling the race director to ask him to postpone the race for 2-weeks or until my cold went away but considering no concessions were made for professionals delayed by the Iceland volcanic eruption I figured I was low on the priority list! We ventured to the expo and short outings for canolis from the Bova Bakery, chowder, and Italian food in the North End. On the race eve we were joined by my high school track coach, Donna Messenger (my inspiration for all my endurance adventures) & husband Bill and relatives, Shawnie & Brent. Donna & Shawnie qualified in Portland. One of my best friends, Erin, came down from Connecticut with her boyfriend to support me too.
Race morning arrived and the city was perfect. The skyline from the hotel looked like the opening scenes from Cheers. The sun was bright and any hint of a storm has dissipated. Donna, Shawnie & I went through our race routines – coffee, oatmeal, the ritual of pinning on race numbers and timing chips. We stepped out in the crisp 40-degree air and joined the thousands ready to take on a challenge many never dream possible. We waited in line for buses to take us to Hopkinton with 3-girls from Nashville & Denver, and guys from Seattle that are running Big Sur next weekend because they get a free entry with proof of Boston results. After an hour ride we arrived at the athlete’s village.
(yes- I know I look silly but who can resist a pix with Ryan Hall on the cover of Runner’s World!)
I love the eeriness of race mornings – you can sense the nerves, the anticipation, and of course, and U2 being played loudly. I ran into my college crew coach and a triathlon friend from Seattle. It was time to strip down to racing singlet and make the mile trek to the start line. My stomach continued to churn as it had the night before but I chalked it up to nerves. I felt very calm and ready for whatever challenges can occur in 26.2. We crammed into corrals I was thankful for all the bodies radiating a little extra heat. And finally the gun went off. Despite adrenaline I held in check, heeding the warnings of going out too fast. I crossed each mile marker in perfect pace. My sour stomach continued to agitate me but I knew I could manage a little discomfort… and my legs wanted to run! At mile-11, my stomach had a mind of it’s own. I pushed through another 2-miles right on pace but by now I was feeling mentally exhausted. I made a quick stop at the port-o-potty but that didn’t help. Around mile-14 I knew I would not run 3:12 and decided to enjoy the day. I dialed back the pace and fed off the energy of my fellow runners and the amazing crowds, including the 6’5” cross-dresser-cowgirl offering kisses as we entered Wellesley.
At mile-21, Erin & Kevin held a sign bearing “GO JULIE”…. and an opportunity to socialize mid-course. I chatted and then decided to finish well. With about 5k to go, my stomach relented a little and I forced myself back to goal pace. After all, it’s BOSTON and I wanted to cross that finish line in full momentum. I finished in 3:29:35.
Sure, at points I want to kick myself for not achieving a new PR but half of being in the race is telling that story of where you’ve been and where you’re going. I know my “bad day” was a day many runners dream of and regular folks can’t even conceptualize. And if we always had a perfect days, what would keep us coming back? It’s the mystique of a few great moments when body & mind work in unison, training has gone well, temps are ideal, and course suits our strengths. I’ve had some of those moments and I crave the next one. I know it’s within reach. As always, when I run I feel the most alive, oxygen filling my lungs, muscles working hard, heart beating strong, and sometimes other less optimal sensations of being alive like dehydration or a stomach ached. There were guys with calf cramps, the wheelchair racer with a mechanical, or even Ryan Hall & Meb K who had dreams of going 1-2 (BTW- they finished 4-5 and Hall set an American course record of 2:08:41) and thought – oh, geez, I had a great day! I feel blessed to share this day and run with others, the words of Eric Liddell (Chariots of Fire) always fill my head “I believe God made me for a purpose….and when I run, I feel his pleasure.” Now I’m looking forward to the rest of track season with Ballard High School, cheering on Daryl & Mark and vacationing in St. Croix, and in about 2-weeks will be itching to hit the roads again!
