Tuesday, April 17, 2007

The excitement in Boston.

Weather forecasters called it, "Nasty in New England", or "Monsoon Monday", to describe the kind of day it was in the Boston area. Needless to say, the weather conditions did not favor the marathon runners. I did not want the talk of the crummy weather from the dramatized weather reports, and even from fellow runners to scare me or deter my plans of running well. Running well was what I trained for. As someone once quoted, "I bring the weather with me", and that was my motto for the weekend.

...This sculpture is a dedication to the spirit of everyone young at heart.


The crazy weather didn't hamper my fun or excitement of running the world renowned marathon. There was 20-30 mile per hour wind gusts, and downpours during the run. I remember having to tuck in behind runners when the winds would try to push us backward. And the rains were on and off in the early miles of the run. It didn't matter what the weather was doing, it was the crowds along the course who were cheering for the runners that made for all the fun of running the marathon.

The Wellesley girls got high fives from me but my family got hugs and kisses from me.

The most excitement came from the college girls of Wellesley. As we were approaching the half way point of the race you could hear the cheers and roars of the girls, even though you couldn't see them. I was awestruck by the sound. I remember looking over to another runner and was about to say something but he was plugged into his ipod. I thought how could you listen to that thing and miss the great sound of 'many waters'. The girls were all that they were promised to be, including giving out kisses to some of the runners. I gave as many high fives to as many girls I could while passing them at a 6:40 pace. But the highlight after the girls was meeting my family where I stopped to give them hugs and kisses. They were surprised I stopped to show my affection and appreciation.















I continued to run well, feeling confident of maintaining, what I thought, was a comfortable pace but something began to happen after 30 Kilometers. It may have been the cold, windy, rainy weather, or the majority down hill running, followed by hill climbs between 16 to 21 miles, whatever it was my mind was telling me I could still finish the last 12 K fast enough to come in under 3 hours. But my legs couldn't keep up with my mind. I had to find a way to survive and push to the end. The last few miles the crowds were really cheering the hurting runners on to, 'keep up the pace' and that, 'you're almost done you can do it'. You almost feel not to let the crowds down by walking because of the well wishes and encouraging words. It's OK to walk the aid stations which I did from the very beginning of the race. I just had to walk a lot slower near the end of the race and somehow get my legs moving to run to the next aid station. And then to the finish line.

I would have liked to run 13 minutes faster but so would have a lot of other people, so I will not let it bother me and remember the enjoyable time I had with my wife, son, his wife, and the crowds along the Boston marathon course.

Results can be views here by entering my bib number 3160.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

awsome additude!!

Lloyd said...

Great report, Lou. I wish I were there.

Despite the weather, congratulations to you for racing your heart out.

I too have only one Boston experience. IMO, it's not an easy course to figure out.

I'm glad you enjoyed a family weekend. Recover well.
~Lloyd

JeffM said...

Great report!! That's the attitude that makes reading your blog so good and makes you such an amazing runner.

Brian said...

You did great Lou! The weather slowed even the elites down quite a bit. I think Boston is a course that takes a try or two figure out. In the end, you qualified for Boston at Boston! Awesome!

Janet Edwards said...

Lou, you totally rock both in attitude and that amazing time on such a tough course in those conditions!

I tracked you and several others on Monday and it seems everyone's paces slowed when yours did. You made us all proud back here in Cleveland, qualified again for Bsoton and even found time to show your appreciation to your family. Spectacular!!!!

Anonymous said...

Great report! I tracked you towards the end and saw the amazing time you had! Woo hoo

Trisaratops said...

Congratulations--a very inspiring race report! Sounds like you'll be back next year--hopefully someday I can get there too!

E-Speed said...

You did great out there Lou! The Boston Hills eat up the best of runners! You kept a good attitude and ran tough! We are all so proud of you!

The Salty One said...

Great job Papa Louie! I can say pretty much the same thing. The wind really picked up in Newton just as we were gearing up for the hills and was relentless the last 4 miles. What a tough day, but you're tougher and you did great hanging in there!! And wow are those Wellesley girls awesome for coming out in that nasty weather. I think I smacked every hand out there. AWESOME!!!

Iron Eric said...

Way to go! Thanks for the awesome race report. It is good to see that you ran well despite of the weather.

Blaine Moore said...

I was thirteen minutes slower than I wanted to be as well. It was still worth running, even if I did miss my slowest goal by a couple minutes.

Tri-Dummy said...

Well done, Lou!

Cory said...

Excellent job!!

Unknown said...

You're an inspiration. I'm gonna have to make sure to come here more often!

GP said...

Many, many congratulations and thank you for the great report! Way to push through that weather and have a great Boston.

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

What a great attitude. That's what running is all about. How inspiring! Great run. No doubt you would have broken 3 hours in better conditions.

JenC said...

Congratulations Lou and fabulous attitude! You'll get that 3-hour mark next time (maybe at Boston - didn't you qualify for it again there?)

Mike said...

Lou- sorry we didn't get a chance to meet...that weather sure didn't help things on Sunday eh?

Congrats on your race...that 1/2 mary split of yours makes my quads hurt- you were flying out there! I had a tough day out there but that's boston for you- not sure if I'll ever figure that course out.

Joe said...

Good story, great finishing time!

Charlie said...

Great Job.

Paul said...

Amazing run in some crazy weather! Thanks for the recap.

Paul

Unknown said...

Thanks for the note in my blog.

Congratulation for your Boston Marathon.

Mario.