Boston Marathon...Check!

I did it!  I completed the Boston Marathon yesterday and though I've only run 2 marathons, it was by far my slowest with a finishing time of 5:00:19.  That's not the most impressive time but running yesterday's Boston Marathon, one of the hottest ever (temps in the upper 80s), I had no plans for a fast race. I'd characterize this as more of a training run/survival effort.  My goal, perhaps a bit conservative, was to finish and not hit the medical tents.  Goal accomplished!

Today I feel good overall; legs are a bit sore and stairs a little slower, some blisters that will disappear, but considering the difficulties and challenges that others experience in life, these are temporary aches achieved while doing something that I enjoy.  Running in the Dana-Farber singlet and everything it represents was the most motivating and memorable aspect of the day.  The entire length of the course people were thanking and cheering for me and other DFMCers.  The thoughts of those that I was running in honor of and in memory of spurred me on as much as my body would allow yesterday.

In addition to the DFMC experience, I tried to take in as much of Boston as possible. Aside from remembering the heat and large amounts of water that I dumped on myself, the many times I filled my hat with ice cubes and running through the numerous hoses, fire hydrants and other spray stations, I have many other positive memories that I'll carry with me.  The first 11miles of course were all new for me, and some surprising aspects along the way.  The biker bar in Ashland was an enjoyable sight at mile 1-2, the fan support as we hit Framingham and Natick and of course the girls of Wellesley College around mile 11-12.  I figured that it was only appropriate to get 2 kisses for the 2 marathons I had/hoped to have completed by the end of the day.  Really I was only going to get one, but the science geek in me wanted to make sure that the girl holding the "Kiss me, I'm a chemist" sign wasn't left out all day :)  Unfortunately no biologists were out or else a 3rd kiss would have been in order.  After that it was great to see the fan support throughout Wellesley and the familiar territory as we hit the roads we had trained on so many times.

Coming into mile 15/16 I felt pretty good and tackled the first hill (95 overpass) head on.  After that, I continued to feel good and made the turn at mi 17 to tackle the Newton Hills, which is where my energy waned.  I started to feel the exhaustion that comes with 3+ hrs of intense activity in the heat, sun beating down, etc.  I made it over the Newton Hills, though at a much slower pace.  Around this time is when I also got my first experience with beer during a marathon thanks to the Boston Hash House Harriers...A few quick sips and it was onward.  The sight of BC and approaching college kids was great; they were out if force supporting us runners. From BC onward, every time I slowed to walk, someone was cheering me on and trying to motivate me.  Honestly, by Coolidge Corner (mi 24) my brain kind of turned off and was on autopilot - yes I ran it, but I think my head was down most of the way and I was just trying to power through it all.  The best and most disappointing part of the marathon awaited me at mile 25.  As I hit the I-90 overpass, I was looking for the DFMC cheering section and saw some of it.  I was looking for my patient partner RJ and so focused on looking for my sign that I ran by RJ.  As I slowed to find him, his sister jumped out and said something like "Let's go Chris."  My first thought was "Great, Robin is taking me to RJ and everyone else" but as we ran off the bridge, I was confused and talking with Robin realized that I ran right by everyone.  I was so disappointed at 25.25mi with everything I had worked for, a difficult day and all the support RJ and others had given me.  As disappointed as I was, having Robin run 1mi with me spurred me to the finish.  Without her support, without thinking of RJ, my grandmother and everyone else that I ran in honor or in support of, the last mile would have been a mixture of running/walking and trying to survive but I finished the last 1+ miles running at a pace faster than I thought I could.  It was a very bittersweet ending, but the inspiration that I needed over the last 3+ miles to finish a brutal Boston Marathon.

Thank you to my family, RJ and his family, the 130+ donors, DFMC teammates and all who supported me and making my first DFMC experience possible!  Not sure if I have the "marathon bug" but I also don't want to finish my marathon career with a 5hr finish...hmmm, what to do? :)

E-mail from the BAA Today...

Oh joy!

 

The forecast for April 16th is calling for higher than normal temperatures on the course.  If a cold front does not come through the region by mid afternoon, temperatures are predicted to reach into the low 80's.  Combine these temps with a south west wind, you may be running in a moderate level of heat and in dryer than normal conditions.

All forms of heat illness (heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke) can be exacerbated by distance running in warmer climates.  Heat Stroke is a life threatening illness.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER (I selected only a few to share) 

• Hydrating properly is important...... But be careful; over hydrating can be just as harmful.    
• Heat illness is related to elevated temperatures, elevated humidity and to the speed of running.    
• Slow down.... Running in the heat should drastically change your pre-race strategy. Slowing down can significantly decrease many forms of heat illness. 
• Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature and the body temperature continues to rise. Symptoms of heatstroke include mental changes (such as confusion, delirium, or unconsciousness). Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency, requiring emergency medical treatment.  
• Run with friends so that you can keep an eye on each other's medical status during the day.  If you see a runner in distress, then ask for medical assistance.

3.5 days to go!

I commented on a facebook post from my sister earlier regarding the 1/2 marathon that we ran together Super Bowl Sunday and was a bit shocked to recall that that race was 2 months ago!  How time flies and what a difference between now and then.  Before the 1/2 in LA, I was running 35-40mi per week in just 3 runs and then shortly after, I developed quad/hamstring issues that forced me to cross train more.  Mentally this took a toll and has made me question how prepared I'll be on Monday.  I'm confident I'll finish the race, but less certain about secondary goals.  In Feb, the long run was 16mi and in 3 days, if my pacing is good and body feels up to it, after 16mi I'll actually be ramping up the pace to push for a 4hr marathon.  In early Feb I had just met RJ, now we'll be sharing Patriot's Day together and as I approach mile 25, I'll be listening for RJ and others along the course at the Patient Partner cheering section.  The weather has obviously changed a lot since Feb too, though less so than in previous years.

Thinking about this tonight helps me remember that come Monday, there will be so many things beyond my control and regardless of what my everlasting internet results are, the journey to the finish has been an unforgettable one.

As the weekend approaches, and additional sources of motivation are sought, I plan to turn to a classic.  We all know the song, but I've never seen the movie, so Chariots of Fire, we may cross paths...

One week to go...

Only 1 week to go now and it feels odd to have only run 10mi this past weekend.  That said, it was nice to be home and have my last training run be with my sister.  Luckily, the nagging injuries from the last month or so have been healing up and during the run I felt nearly 100%.  Hopefully come Marathon Monday, the weather is closer to Accuweather's forecast (61, partly cloudy) than Weather.com's forecast (80, sunny).  Of course, this is New England and the forecast is likely changing as I type this.

RJ & Me, DFMC Poster Party

With the marathon approaching, I reminisce of the journey to get to this point.  From applying to the DFMC team the day after I finished the NYC marathon, to accepting a team slot and knowing that I'd need to fund raise, to becoming part of the Patient Partner Program and being paired with RJ.  The entire DFMC experience has been incredible and will be culminating this weekend with several more activities.  As I prepare to add the names of those that I'm running "In Honor Of" and "In Memory Of" to my race shirt, I am reminded of how important this program is - from providing kids at the Jimmy Fund Clinic with an activity to look forward to while undergoing their own treatment, to aiding DFCI researches as they continue research to better the lives of patients.  I'm very thankful to have had this opportunity and owe all of the 100+ people that helped support the cause a huge amount of gratitude.  Thank you for supporting me and sharing your inspirations and stories throughout my training!!


Mile-By-Mile Guide To The Boston Marathon « CBS Boston

Mile 8 to Mile 9

This mile starts with a slight climb past some office buildings, a very large Planet Fitness gym and a car dealership. There’s another incline past Speen Street, but we’re talking minor uphills here. Overall it’s a pretty flat mile.

You’ll see a sign for the Natick VFW on your left, right around the 9-mile marker.

Mile 9 to Mile 10

This mile starts quietly. You’ve got train tracks on your left and Lake Cochichuate on your right, so not a whole lot of space for spectators.

It’s flat.

You’ll hit the 15k mark as you come to the end of the lake, and you’ll enter a historic district, which is a nice switch from the commercial and industrial landscapes of previous miles.

Think pretty, quaint Victorians as you climb at the half-mile mark toward the town center.

Mile 10 to Mile 11

Time for some big crowds. This mile takes you through Natick Center, past the fire department and municipal buildings. You’ll pass the First Congregational Church with its tall steeple on your left.

There’s a big green with a gazebo on your right – lots of room for adoring fans and kids with outstretched hands for a high five.

You should feel fresh here. If you don’t, dial down the pace a notch.

Mile 11 to Mile 12

This mile starts uphill, and after the first quarter-mile, rolls downhill until almost the 12-mile mark.

In the last half, it’s pretty quiet, with thick woods on your right side. For a quick spell, you’re left to your thoughts. But soon, you won’t be able to hear yourself think.

Mile 12 to Mile 13

As you come upon the main gate of Wellesley College, get ready for a sharp gain in decibels. You’ll hear it as you approach, and before you know it, you’re running through a screaming gauntlet of college co-eds.

The women of Wellesley are loud and proud… but here, they are mostly loud. Impossible to ignore. I remember American elite Ryan Hall playing to this crowd, putting a hand to his ear as he charged past. I actually think some men who are not trying to win the race slow down here. It’s a nice boost.

You’ll pass the 20k mark with a little drop, and then you’ll climb to Wellesley Center.