This was my 3rd Boston, so I felt like I had the process down. I was feeling very relaxed even though we had our first rain shower as soon as I got off the bus. I used the porta potty first and there were no lines. As time went on the lines got longer, but I planned to wait until we got to the corrals where there are additional potties. I managed to get a seat leaning against the school and was quite comfortable. There is about a 3/4 mile walk to the start where you get in your corrals. I actually made it before the start this year! It isn't a big deal if you miss it, but I liked having a rest before the gun went off.
Hopkinton- Natick, 1st 1/2
I was determined to not go out too fast, and in corral 6 (out of 8) it would have been extremely difficult anyway. It was very crowded. I planned on a 2-3 minute positive split knowing the course. My first mile was a 7:56, second a 7:37, and the rest fell b/w 7:20 and 7:37. It is really hard to get even splits with the elevation changes and crowds in your wave, so I don't bother. My half time was a 1:39:39. Slower than my 2011 Boston time and slower than MCM which were both 1:38. At this point it was raining hard and breezy, and I thought a PR was out.
Wellesley and Newton (13-21)
(7:35, 7:34, 7:21, 7:43, 7:42, 7:35, 7:45, 8:05) I think you can tell where the hills were there. I felt pretty good, and really love those Newton hills. They aren't that big, but it is a bunch in a row before Heartbreak Hill, plus mile 20. The crowds are very supportive here and it was a reminder to take it all in. It was hard with the rain and wind to focus on anything but the person in front of me, but the spectators and volunteers are insanely awesome. To be out there in the cold, windy rain? They make this race what it is.
Brookline and Boston (22-25 and change)
The best part of Heartbreak hill is the way down. Wee. 7:18, fastest mile of the day. Boston was great as always, but the course thins and it was pretty crowded. I was weaving between people and puddles, and the winds were worse here. 7:40, 7:39, 7:28, 7:50. I didn't feel really exhausted and done until that last full mile. I trained my ass off to get where I could say I didn't feel completely spent until mile 25. This was my best marathon. I knew it whether the PR was there or not.
Right on Hereford, left on Boylston
Unbelievable. Always. I am happy jordylee and theoriginalbean got to experience it this year, and am so excited for all our racers next year. You've earned this. The cheers, that finish line. Make it yours. I didn't know that PR was happening until the 26 mile marker. 22 seconds. Hot damn! Mile 26-26.52 (7:33) 3:21:12 (7:40 pace, 7:35 on Garmin). I grabbed my blanket and medal and went to the family meeting area to meet up with my H and DD1. She had a great time hanging out in the city!
Thanks again for all your well wishes. I felt like you guys were all with me, especially on the last challenging miles. I love our board!
Great recap and great race! You earned that PR big time. I was so I'm pressed with the crowds given the rain, wind, and cold. Boston spectators are like no others!
I am so damn happy for you. You have fought so hard for this PR. And to do it back in Boston? Especially after last year's race? Perfection! Enjoy that post marathon PR afterglow. You're so bad ass.