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<p>Every now and then, an opportunity comes up that you just can't pass up. DH had an invitation to a business trip in Boston, and asked if I might like to come along. Well, I said, that depends. How can we make this work? Well, it turns out the hotel was covered, DH would be reimbursed for his travel, and we could get a "companion fare" to cover my ticket. Cool! The icing on the cake? A chance to meet up with some of my good frens in the Boston area, meeting new frens, and scoring a new marathon state with the New Hampshire Manchester City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 7. Cool. Find me a downside; sign me up!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We left at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday morning, and ended up in Boston around 4:30 that afternoon. ProFromDover picked us up at the airport and it was so good to see him again! We headed to our hotel, checked in, then DH headed off to his reception and I went with Pro to dinner at Lucky's for beer and one of the best burgers I've had in awhile! He dropped me off at the hotel afterwards and I trundled off to bed. Next morning, DH got up early for meetings and I had basically a series of "play dates" all day! I tried to connect with irunmike, but it wasn't a good day. I really needed more rest, it was raining, and Mike had meetings later so we just agreed to meet at another time and life went on. I then hit the treadmill in the hotel for a 4+ mile progressive pace run while watching life go by on the streets outside. Back to the room, quick shower and off to LaTortuga's on the Red Line. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>After a boisterous greeting from Little Walter, and a hug from La Tortuga, we piled into the jeep, grabbed a sandwich at a nearby shop, and headed off to Walden Pond. I've heard so much about her swimming at WP over the years, I really wanted to see it. Even with all the rain, it was beautiful. We walked around the trail circling the lake, and headed back up thru a road to the parking area, and a replica of Thoreau's cabin (I couldn't believe how tiny it was!).</p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62692/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="WaldenPond_View.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14907" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14907/width/625/height/500" style="; width: 625px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's LaT with Little Walter</p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62723/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0912.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14914" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14914/width/375/height/500" style="; width: 375px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>When we got back to LaTortuga's, Deez4boyz was waiting for us. After quick hugs, we got ready to head off to Derry NH for our haircuts! I've loved Denise's haircut since Boston in April, and we'd agreed to go get haircuts when I was in the area. I needed someone to make the appointment for me and go with me so I wouldn't chicken out. Denise needed a trim. It was perfect. Here's the before shot:</p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62695/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0911.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14908" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14908/width/640/height/480" style="; width: 640px; height: 480px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And the after shot! I need to get a better side and back shot, but this is after we got rained on and all:</p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62697/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0917.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14909" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14909/width/640/height/480" style="; width: 640px; height: 480px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>After haircuts (which were up in Derry, NH, by the way), and some shopping, we got back to Boston (Somerville) a little late to meet others at Redbones for dinner. It was La Tortuga (Kirsten), Deez4boyz (Denise), Robin, Marj and Henry for barbeque and beer and a lot of fun. I didn't have my camera (oops, left it in the car), but we sure had a good time. I love getting together with all these friends!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next day DH and I had time to wander around Boston and see some sights we've missed in the past. We stopped at a new restaurant called "Pasta Beach" that looks like a really nice pre-Boston marathon pasta dinner spot! Then headed off to get our car and head to ProFromDover's house, where we'd meet up with Econo (an unexpected surprise,she was there for a conference), Orapin and her DH Ben for a great stir fry dinner and companionship. Here's a shot of pre-dinner prep, and other than a nice call we got from Hally, that's all I'm saying about this night!</p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62699/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0919.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14910" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14910/width/640/height/480" style="; width: 640px; height: 480px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next morning, Pro and I went for a nice 5k run from his house to shake out the legs before getting ready for our trip up to Manchester. He sure has a nice 5k route right out his front door! Then, after visiting a bit, checking the race route and elevation again, DH and I got ready for our trip up to NH. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>We got to NH, checked into our hotel then hit the Expo for bib pickup and to meet Lamerunner (from RA). Nice expo, low key but fun and interesting stuff, then back to the hotel to get initial race prep done, check e-mail, watch Zenyatta lose the Breeders' Cup by a nose (rats!), then off to dinner at Lamerunner's. No pictures, but suffice to say she has two gorgeous kids, a very cool and interesting DH, and 3 absolutely stunning Siamese cats. I love cats, and these three (mom, dad and son) were beautiful cats. I think my cat outweighs all 3 of them, but oh well, who's counting, right? A nice pasta dinner, lots of good talk about politics, society and the upcoming race, then we were off for our hotel. I was wiped out and crashed pretty early (for me).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Up early to eat my bagel with almond butter, banana and coffee, then just did whatever I do to get ready for the race (where does the time go?). My chip was embedded in my bib number (a brilliant idea, btw) and I packed my post race chocolate milk, banana and protein bar for after the race (we'd stopped at the grocery store the day before). Headed off to the start, and ended up tracing part of the course and saw some of the hills I'd be facing in the first half. Oy. And they were the small ones. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>DH and I arrived at the start, he parked and started up my Garmin while I headed off to do a little warm up run. Met him down the road, then we headed to the start. When they called for all runners to head up to the start, we shared a good luck kiss and he headed down the course a bit to see the start. The National Anthem was sung (sort of sounded like Alvin and the Chipmunks, but hey), then the obligatory marathon start song was played:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA" target="_blank"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA</a> and we were off!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I just tried to keep a good steady but more-or-less easy pace the first few miles, but it was flat, then downhill, then uphill, then downhill, then flat, then uphill, then a bit down, then up, etc, etc, wash, rinse repeat. The whole race felt like up and down, up and down, up and down, very little flat. Oh well, I was pretty much expecting that. The temps were good but the wind was more than I liked. I don't mind temps in the 30's, in fact I love it... but throw in the wind with gusts, and I had some issues with cold hands and runny nose. But still, it was good, and I was having fun. Lots of people passed me the first few miles but that's ok. All the relay runners and half marathon runners started at the same time, so I just figured it was those short timers running the first few miles fast (as they should). </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mile 4.5 saw the first "peak," and true enough the next couple miles were level or downhill. Mile 6 was awesome! The first half was downhill, the last part was on a nice trail around a lake. I wasn't expecting that, and it was a really nice stretch. I took water at almost every stop, and Gu at miles 7, 14 and 21. Mile 21 was the first time I walked thru a water stop, and that was partly because I needed a break, and partly because at the last stop, all the water went up my nose and I coughed the whole next couple of miles!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I started feeling really tired at mile 22, and the cramps in my calf started then, too. I didn't have any S caps with me, but figured with the cold temps I wouldn't need them. Ha. You'd think I would've learned from Equinox in September (same problem, same temps). Oh well, it is what it is. I ran on, a little slower, and took just a couple of walk breaks the last couple of miles. I passed a lot of runners in the last mile and a half though, and once I passed the 26 mile mark, I think I passed 5 runners with my final kick. Once I crossed the finish line, I headed off to the medals and food stations, looking for DH. Little did I realize he was on the other side. </p>
<p>Here's me at the finish, I'm in the yellow shirt. </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62701/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="100_0179.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14911" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14911/width/640/height/480" style="; width: 640px; height: 480px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Then I headed off to the potato skin wrappers, hot chili, hot chocolate and soups area. Met up briefly with Lamerunner (she was on the organizing committee and very busy), shared some thoughts about the race and headed back to our hotel for a quick shower and late checkout. Drove back to Boston, turned in the car and headed to the airport. Got there in plenty of time to have a glass of wine/beer before we got on our plane. Incidentally, the weather, which had been pretty good for the race had steadily gone downhill throughout the afternoon. ,We were glad to be leaving when we were, as the temps were steadily going down, wind picking up and snow/rain in the forecast. Home late Monday afternoon to clear skies and the setting sun.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Final time 3:41:51</p>
<p>122 / 496 overall; 2 / 15 in the 50-59 age group, and 22 / 156 women</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We left at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday morning, and ended up in Boston around 4:30 that afternoon. ProFromDover picked us up at the airport and it was so good to see him again! We headed to our hotel, checked in, then DH headed off to his reception and I went with Pro to dinner at Lucky's for beer and one of the best burgers I've had in awhile! He dropped me off at the hotel afterwards and I trundled off to bed. Next morning, DH got up early for meetings and I had basically a series of "play dates" all day! I tried to connect with irunmike, but it wasn't a good day. I really needed more rest, it was raining, and Mike had meetings later so we just agreed to meet at another time and life went on. I then hit the treadmill in the hotel for a 4+ mile progressive pace run while watching life go by on the streets outside. Back to the room, quick shower and off to LaTortuga's on the Red Line. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>After a boisterous greeting from Little Walter, and a hug from La Tortuga, we piled into the jeep, grabbed a sandwich at a nearby shop, and headed off to Walden Pond. I've heard so much about her swimming at WP over the years, I really wanted to see it. Even with all the rain, it was beautiful. We walked around the trail circling the lake, and headed back up thru a road to the parking area, and a replica of Thoreau's cabin (I couldn't believe how tiny it was!).</p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62692/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="WaldenPond_View.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14907" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14907/width/625/height/500" style="; width: 625px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's LaT with Little Walter</p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62723/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0912.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14914" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14914/width/375/height/500" style="; width: 375px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>When we got back to LaTortuga's, Deez4boyz was waiting for us. After quick hugs, we got ready to head off to Derry NH for our haircuts! I've loved Denise's haircut since Boston in April, and we'd agreed to go get haircuts when I was in the area. I needed someone to make the appointment for me and go with me so I wouldn't chicken out. Denise needed a trim. It was perfect. Here's the before shot:</p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62695/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0911.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14908" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14908/width/640/height/480" style="; width: 640px; height: 480px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And the after shot! I need to get a better side and back shot, but this is after we got rained on and all:</p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62697/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0917.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14909" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14909/width/640/height/480" style="; width: 640px; height: 480px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>After haircuts (which were up in Derry, NH, by the way), and some shopping, we got back to Boston (Somerville) a little late to meet others at Redbones for dinner. It was La Tortuga (Kirsten), Deez4boyz (Denise), Robin, Marj and Henry for barbeque and beer and a lot of fun. I didn't have my camera (oops, left it in the car), but we sure had a good time. I love getting together with all these friends!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next day DH and I had time to wander around Boston and see some sights we've missed in the past. We stopped at a new restaurant called "Pasta Beach" that looks like a really nice pre-Boston marathon pasta dinner spot! Then headed off to get our car and head to ProFromDover's house, where we'd meet up with Econo (an unexpected surprise,she was there for a conference), Orapin and her DH Ben for a great stir fry dinner and companionship. Here's a shot of pre-dinner prep, and other than a nice call we got from Hally, that's all I'm saying about this night!</p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62699/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0919.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14910" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14910/width/640/height/480" style="; width: 640px; height: 480px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The next morning, Pro and I went for a nice 5k run from his house to shake out the legs before getting ready for our trip up to Manchester. He sure has a nice 5k route right out his front door! Then, after visiting a bit, checking the race route and elevation again, DH and I got ready for our trip up to NH. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>We got to NH, checked into our hotel then hit the Expo for bib pickup and to meet Lamerunner (from RA). Nice expo, low key but fun and interesting stuff, then back to the hotel to get initial race prep done, check e-mail, watch Zenyatta lose the Breeders' Cup by a nose (rats!), then off to dinner at Lamerunner's. No pictures, but suffice to say she has two gorgeous kids, a very cool and interesting DH, and 3 absolutely stunning Siamese cats. I love cats, and these three (mom, dad and son) were beautiful cats. I think my cat outweighs all 3 of them, but oh well, who's counting, right? A nice pasta dinner, lots of good talk about politics, society and the upcoming race, then we were off for our hotel. I was wiped out and crashed pretty early (for me).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Up early to eat my bagel with almond butter, banana and coffee, then just did whatever I do to get ready for the race (where does the time go?). My chip was embedded in my bib number (a brilliant idea, btw) and I packed my post race chocolate milk, banana and protein bar for after the race (we'd stopped at the grocery store the day before). Headed off to the start, and ended up tracing part of the course and saw some of the hills I'd be facing in the first half. Oy. And they were the small ones. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>DH and I arrived at the start, he parked and started up my Garmin while I headed off to do a little warm up run. Met him down the road, then we headed to the start. When they called for all runners to head up to the start, we shared a good luck kiss and he headed down the course a bit to see the start. The National Anthem was sung (sort of sounded like Alvin and the Chipmunks, but hey), then the obligatory marathon start song was played:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA" target="_blank"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA</a> and we were off!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I just tried to keep a good steady but more-or-less easy pace the first few miles, but it was flat, then downhill, then uphill, then downhill, then flat, then uphill, then a bit down, then up, etc, etc, wash, rinse repeat. The whole race felt like up and down, up and down, up and down, very little flat. Oh well, I was pretty much expecting that. The temps were good but the wind was more than I liked. I don't mind temps in the 30's, in fact I love it... but throw in the wind with gusts, and I had some issues with cold hands and runny nose. But still, it was good, and I was having fun. Lots of people passed me the first few miles but that's ok. All the relay runners and half marathon runners started at the same time, so I just figured it was those short timers running the first few miles fast (as they should). </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mile 4.5 saw the first "peak," and true enough the next couple miles were level or downhill. Mile 6 was awesome! The first half was downhill, the last part was on a nice trail around a lake. I wasn't expecting that, and it was a really nice stretch. I took water at almost every stop, and Gu at miles 7, 14 and 21. Mile 21 was the first time I walked thru a water stop, and that was partly because I needed a break, and partly because at the last stop, all the water went up my nose and I coughed the whole next couple of miles!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I started feeling really tired at mile 22, and the cramps in my calf started then, too. I didn't have any S caps with me, but figured with the cold temps I wouldn't need them. Ha. You'd think I would've learned from Equinox in September (same problem, same temps). Oh well, it is what it is. I ran on, a little slower, and took just a couple of walk breaks the last couple of miles. I passed a lot of runners in the last mile and a half though, and once I passed the 26 mile mark, I think I passed 5 runners with my final kick. Once I crossed the finish line, I headed off to the medals and food stations, looking for DH. Little did I realize he was on the other side. </p>
<p>Here's me at the finish, I'm in the yellow shirt. </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/62701/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="100_0179.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14911" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14911/width/640/height/480" style="; width: 640px; height: 480px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Then I headed off to the potato skin wrappers, hot chili, hot chocolate and soups area. Met up briefly with Lamerunner (she was on the organizing committee and very busy), shared some thoughts about the race and headed back to our hotel for a quick shower and late checkout. Drove back to Boston, turned in the car and headed to the airport. Got there in plenty of time to have a glass of wine/beer before we got on our plane. Incidentally, the weather, which had been pretty good for the race had steadily gone downhill throughout the afternoon. ,We were glad to be leaving when we were, as the temps were steadily going down, wind picking up and snow/rain in the forecast. Home late Monday afternoon to clear skies and the setting sun.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Final time 3:41:51</p>
<p>122 / 496 overall; 2 / 15 in the 50-59 age group, and 22 / 156 women</p>
