Good morning, TEAM LIT!
Y'all, thanks for tracking and good words at yesterday's Boston Marathon. I actually had a great race, ran really smart, and didn't slow down all that much. The dead legs were apparent when I just couldn't move them any faster even though I was not hitting the wall. That's what you get for having this condition AND not training specifically for a marathon. Usually I do all of my long runs with quality in them; this year I could not do that, so I didn't bother pushing, instead just focusing on getting my legs back as best I could. Either way, Boston is such a remarkable race to finish the final 5 miles feeling strong. After I made the turn at the fire station at mile 17.5, the stretch from there to up and over Heartbreak Hill went so quickly -- not pace wise but just by feel. Even on years I didn't race, where I had more energy, that stretch never felt as if it went that quickly. That's how within myself I was. Mind you, I was pushing as hard as I could considering the distance left, but I am stronger than the dead legs limit me, so I actually was so in my element and aware of everything through that stretch. The bonus was seeing so many friends. I probably lost a full minute doing this but it was worth it. Good race for me. Not great. But solid with the goods I had. I really ran such a smart race. I never felt smooth but just kept myself under the wire of doom. Crowds were really small once the rains came, but still, this is Boston, and the crowds, even if smaller than normal, are unmatched in kindness, knowledge of the sport, and passion.
As for the stats, I clocked 3:18:01, which nets me my first two of four goals, which is a qualifier for Boston 2016 by 7 minutes, and a sub-3:20. The two goals I did not reach, one of which I knew I wouldn't even though I was ultimately trying for it, was 3:10 and 3:15. I was on the wire for a 3:15 but the hills in Newton and the final stretch took away seconds here and there to put me over; that plus the stops to see friends and it wouldn't happen. And I'm good with that!
Me...
1 mile keep the streak alive run.
Good day!
