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