Hi everyone,

Thank you all so much for all of your support; and, for listening to our Boston tales last Thursday night. B'Ann did an awesome job at capturing our adventure. So I won't re-tell the story, but only add some tidbits...

The Boston marathon experience was more than I had ever imagined or dreamed it could be. I was very nervous going into this marathon... I think perhaps more nervous than I had ever been for a marathon. Not exactly sure why, but I think it was because it was the prestigious Boston marathon, and I would be surrounded by amazing athletes. I decided to run with B'Ann and Cheryl as I was advised by many Boston veterans to go to my 1st Boston and savour it, not for a time --- it was to be my victory lap. I am so glad that is what I did. I have never had so much fun at a marathon in my life. Running the marathon with Cheryl and B'Ann was so special. We started running at the same time in 2003, have shared many amazing experiences over the course of our friendship... but, I must say that sharing Boston with them was a highlight.

I feel like we were very well-prepared for the hills, at least the ones from miles 16-21. The course was challenging, as it rolled up and down for the entire way. As B'Ann mentioned, I felt my quads quite early as well... but, I must say I was happy to learn that I indeed have quad muscles! :) 

The one thing that the marathon does is humbles you every time. You know you can do the distance and finish, but you never know what the race will throw at you. With my last two marathons I encountered calf muscle cramps in both legs from about 32K onwards. Therefore, this time I really focused on my hydration and nutrition during my taper, and more specifically the days leading up to the race as I was determined not to cramp. Oh yes, and one of my marathon goals for Boston was to pee on course - then I would know I drank enough. Sure enough I stopped twice to pee... and never cramped. I was thrilled. I now know it was a dehydration issue in previous races, but one that can be prevented. 

At about 34K or so (I think) my right IT band started killing. It never bothered me all training, but again you never know what "the day" will bring. I had a plan going into the race for everything that I thought could go wrong - one was a plan should one of my ITs act up. I went into the first medical tent I saw, asked for gauze and tape, and taped my IT so that I could still run with minimal pain. Well, it worked; but, the sweat made the tape fall off so I had to stop again to re-tape. Again, a problem that could be solved. I did not panic as I knew what I was to do should it happen. Can you tell I was a Girl Guide in my earlier years? ...be prepared! :)

I finished the race feeling really strong. My last 2.2K were my fastest. Well, there was lots of gas left in the tank, which I know means I did not run it as fast as I could have. BUT, that was not my goal for Boston 2008... my goal was to run it with my very good friends, and savour every mile. The on-course photos of us show how happy we were, and how much fun we had. I would not change a thing. As Steve mentioned, you never know when your last marathon will be so I am so glad that Boston was as amazing as it was. I am still smiling!

Mare

Boston 08

Thanks to everyone for all their encouragement and support, it really means alot. And a special thank you to Dr. Steve for making me a stronger and more confident runner. (OK so it didn't reflect in my time, but we HAD FUN!!!!!)

The expo was great. I spent almost as much as last year and we even found shorts that matched our outfits that we were wearing. Yes a major faux pas, we wore new shorts on race day and had no chafing!! Saturday we watched the women's Olympics Trials. All I can say is WOW!! The core work out starts tomorrow!!!! Very inspirational to watch them run and even more amazing to watch two of them have a conversation while they were running.

The Race

This year was extra special because I got to run with Cheryl and Mary Lynn who I started running marathons with over 5 years ago. We agreed to just have a good time and not stress to much about pace this was to be our 26.2 mile victory lap. We never made it to our corral as it is just a sea of people walking almost a mile to the start line. When we finally crossed the start line there was no way to hit our pace it was just too crowded so we just enjoyed ourselves. We had to be very careful not to get stepped on or fall. Mary Lynn almost got taken out by some guy who decided to bend over and pick up his gel that he dropped, but I think he got the worst of her foot in his backside. By about 13k we had run out of fluids and were forced to the water stations. The sun was alot hotter than anticipated. I also don't remeber the course being quite as hilly as it was but I think when you are running with others and they are telling you that it is you tend to remeber more. I could feel my quads quite early on but it didn't become a problem until the last few miles where I took out the walk breaks. I think the stopping and starting was harder on me and when I ran straight through I had no problem. I also had a headache that was worse when I walked than when I was running. Once I took out the walk breaks I felt quite strong. I tryed to pick it up a bit but it was pretty crowded and I didn't have enough to weave in and out of the crowds. I finished looking up, which I never do (I am usually looking at my Garmin) and I felt great. Unfortunatly soon as I stopped running my head started pounding and I started feeling sick. Nothing major, I suffered mild dehydration. Cheryl, Mary Lynn and I were able to meet up a few minutes later at the finish (thanks to the matching outfits) for big hugs and pats on the back.

Things I would do different

When the sun is beating down on you, drink more even if it isn't your brand of Gatorade. It beats missing your celebratory dinner plans because you are sick.

Don't write your name on your leg (mine anyways) no one can pronounce B'Ann!!!!!

I think I am done with walk breaks, I think they are too hard on my body, but I will let you know. Look for the tears during my first long run of the next clinic!!!

Not stop to pose for that guys picture!! (I missed my BQ by 22secs).

Things I will do again

Train with Dr Steve!!! He has helped me to be more confident about my ability as a runner.

Matching outfits. If you want fan support definatly the way to go.

Train and run with my friends because it is the only reason that I do this.

The long winded B'Ann

Great work guys and girls!
we are all very inspired! :) Can't wait to hear all about it.
One day my age and my speed will meet, I have faith!

thanks...

... to the Boston runners for giving me the opportunity to live vicariously through you.
In my imagined participation I'm still not as fast as Richard, Joe, Mario and Karen :-)
And, whenever I see Macrosty fly by me with a cast on, my aches don't feel so bad.
Looking forward to the battle stories over "liquid carbs"

Boston Runners....Congratulations to all of you! I hope you are all feeling great.
LG

Bring Those Gold Medals Home!

Hey Boston Runners,

Just wanted to congratulate you all for an awesome performance! I look forward to hearing all the stories (except for Joe's...heard it to many times!!). Have a safe trip home and enjoy some time off as you all deserve it.

Cheers!
Chris

Boston has been taken over by the Canadians!

Wow. What a superb performance had by all. I can't wait to hear the stories and see the medals.

Congratulations everyone, we are all so very proud of you!

See you on Thursday night, and while you were gone I've added 3 more steps to get into the office. Or at least that is what it might feel like to you!

Be proud of yourselves and know that very few have accomplished what you have just done. Also remember that the happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. So when someone asks you how it went, you focus on the positive!

Enjoy the special moment that you have worked through this nasty winter to experience.

Signed,
A very proud Dr. Steve

Congratulations to All

Below are some of the results from this years Boston Group - Way to represent!!

Go Get Em!!!

OK, you've done the hard part - you qualified for Boston, and you've done the training. Now get out there and enjoy yourselves on your 42.2km victory lap.

Best wishes to everyone - Yes that means you Karen M, Mario, Joe, Richard, Cheryl, B'Ann, Eileen, Mary Lynn, Karin H.

Please keep us posted on how things go. I'm very excited for you all.

Carl

Boston Runners 2008 Welcome

Hello everyone. Good luck to everyone running the Boston Marathon on Monday.

If you are running Boston, please feel free to post your thoughts, perspectives leading up to and after the race. We would love to share in your experience.

If you are part of Connor's Runners but not running boston, please feel free to share any encouragement an/or advice with the runners.

Thanks