A humbling experience
So, it’s April 20 and that means the race is past. I have had so many different feelings about it since hobbling across the finish line. Let’s start with the positive. 1. I finished. 2. while sore, I am uninjured. 3. I didn’t get sunburned or chafed! 4. The crowds along the race course were amazing, calling my name over and over, high fiving me and offering oranges, popsicles and wet sponges. 5. I kissed three coeds as I ran through Wellesly (how can that be bad!), and 6. I finished.
On the less positive side, I was very disappointed with how I ran. The first 10K went great, even splits, I felt good, and was in a great rythym. But by the 10 mile mark my heartrate was very high, even when on a flat section or going downhill. I started to walk through water stations in order to get it under control, without luck. At mile 17 my legs started to cramp, first the quads, then my hamstrings. At that point, with 9 miles to go, I knew any reasonable time was out of the picture. The best part was seeing my daughter and wife at mile 21, and having Jenn run with me for a bit. It renewed me and I set a new goal of finishing in under 5 hours. Far below the time at which my training should have allowed me to finish, but the only option left at that point. And even that was not easy. I have to say, turning onto Boylston St and seeing the finish line was indescribable. Thousands of people were still there and as loud as if I were about to win the race. It seemed to take forever to finally reach the line, but once there I was met with a handshake and supportive arm around my shoulder by the President of Tufts. His excitement for me made up for any that I left out on the course. A very classy guy.
So I am now a Boston Marathon finisher. Though humbled and today a bit broken, I am incredibly thankful for the experience. I again thank all of you who have read this blog, offered your support, encouragement and advice, and your nice thoughts and prayers. I thought of many of you on the course.
