Cool Running :: A treatise on lipstick in the Boston Marathon

> home > community > discussion forums > boomers and beyond > a treatise on lipstick in the boston marathon (Page 1)

| > rules | > faq | > e-mail to a friend | moderator: hally, hup

A treatise on lipstick in the Boston Marathon

Topic is 4 pages:
1 2 3 4

> next newest topic | > next oldest topic

Author	Topic: A treatise on lipstick in the Boston Marathon
rtravers Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 06:58 AM "By now, I'd thrown away my top sweatshirt and my hair was flying. I didn't try to disguise my gender at all. Heck, I was so proud of myself I was wearing lipstick!" --Katherine Switzer, regarding her historic Boston Marathon run in 1967 Fast forward to 2007. 40 years of women running in the Boston Marathon! Paying homage to this act, I spent a good long time picking out my lipstick choice for this race. Months of training: check. Weeks spent researching strategies to avoid last year's terrible fate: check. Hours spent scrutinizing the apocalyptic pre-race weather reports: Check. But what lipstick to wear? Earplugs gave me a wonderful night's sleep the night before the race, so that I wouldn't be awakened by winds a'gusting and icy rain a'pelting on my windows. I slept soundly and popped awake when my alarm went off at 5 AM. I pulled on my CW-X tights (that "exoskeleton" design just makes me feel fast!), 2 long-sleeve tech shirts, the top one being the bright orange Adidas Boston Marathon shirt, and my Sugoi Hydrolite rain jacket. I put on my sparkly crystal orange earrings that I bought at a little cheapie jewelry kiosk located outside of the runner's expo for good luck. Topped it all off with a bright orange running cap, black ear warmers, and a few quick prayers to any weather gods and goddesses who might be listening. Now, on to lipstick choice. Something subtle, but sparkly. Protective from the elements and, perchance, any sun that might show up en route. I selected Neutrogena Moisture Shine Tinted Lip Balm in "Glow". My sister, Karin, came to pick me up in the torrential horizontally driven rains. She was 15 minutes late because of an accident on Route 2 while she was coming to get me. She described the drive as "white-knuckled", poor thing was shaken. I piled in and she took off, trying to get me to my bus on time. No problem 7 minutes to spare...thanks, sister! More on her help later on in the day... I arrived at the Wellington T-station at 6:20 AM, where the Somerville Road Runners had chartered a team bus. I had a nice comfy seat up in front, and we enjoyed a leisurely drive out to Hopkinton. The charge for this bus was $25, a mere pittence for the luxury it afforded: comfy seats! on-board potty! shelter from the raging storms! Other runners were not so lucky. They arrived in Hopkinton via schoolbuses and were left to carve out their own shelter for the next several hours. We parked in Hopkinton and waited out the next several hours. The main activity on the bus was to sit in your seat and hydrate and then join the long line for the potty. When a bright band of weather passed overhead, our moods brightened. When it darkened once more, our moods turned cloudy, too. I did try to get out of the bus to stretch my legs when the weather permitted, and I took a few photos. Here's the Korean team bus again! I swear, I see them everywhere I go! They were getting massages out in the rain. (Backtracking here, but I happened to notice in this shot of the Hynes Convention Center for the expo, that the same bus was there!) The Wave 1 runners disembarked from the bus, suddenly making it much easier to move around. Final clothing choices were made, numbers pinned on, and we were off to the race. IP: Logged
rtravers Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 07:01 AM Here are some photos I took of the walk to the start: A camera? I had a camera? I feel I must explain before 'Ribs head explodes. I carried a cell phone with me. A slim, lightweight phone that also takes pictures. Last year, I didn't carry one, and I had some disasterous medical issues on the course. I couldn't reach my family to let them know what had happened. I wanted to ensure that I had some means of communicating with them. Like bringing an umbrella with you ensures no chance of rain, I was hoping that bringing the emergency cell phone would ensure no chance of needing it. But it took a few good pictures! The policemen looked sodden and chilly. I found my corral! And what's this? Were the skies brightening a bit? I could scarcely think about it... And here I am looking back in my corral at the sea of runners behind me. As the starting time ticked closer, folks began stripping off layers, and the roads were strewn with jackets and trash bags and rain ponchos. I tucked my camera into a baggie and in my pocket at this point. All of the rest of the images in this RR are lifted from others! One more coat of "Glow" and I was ready to run. IP: Logged
rtravers Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 07:03 AM The first few miles were a giddy, happy blur. I felt terrific. The rain and wind and toads raining from the sky that had been predicted just seemed to peter out! My hands got too warm and I stripped off my gloves, never to have need of them again. I couldn't believe the spectators out braving the weather! I had been prepared for very little spectator support, but I was happily disabused of this notion! I slapped a few soggy high-fives! My strategy in the first few miles was thus: 1.Take advantage of the nicer weather and get some faster miles under my belt, because I didn't know how terrible the weather might get later on. and 2. During the more terrible weather sections, tuck in behind a bigger, taller runner to draft. These 2 strategies worked in concert to make my first 10 miles faster than they should have been. When it was becoming clear that the weather might actually hold out for longer than I anticipated, I forced myself to slow it up a bit, to save something to be strong in the later part of the race! There were puddles to negotiate, but the weather continued to improve. What rain there was actually provided some nice cooling. My double tech shirts were a bit much, but I was still fearful that the weather might turn foul before we got to Boston, so I didn't shed any layers. The fan support just went on and on and on. Cheering, hands clapping, COWBELL! MORE COWBELL! We entered Wellesley, and I became a little choked up. It was during these miles last year that I suffered the most. I kept asking myself, "How do you feel?" And my brain and body kept answering, "Greta!" I grinned like an idiot through the Wellesley Scream Tunnel, because I had been feeling so sick last year that I had no memory of it at all. I wanted to take it all in this go round! I happily skipped past the Red Cross Tent where I called it a day during my last attempt. IP: Logged
rtravers Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 07:05 AM The fans were still out in force. Amazing! And then we were in Newton! I felt like I was on home turf here, where I had done 8 training runs. Once I rounded that corner at the firestation, I knew I could bring it on home to Boston if I just took each mile as smartly as I could. Here I am at the 30K mark...I remember smiling on these hills, why doesn't it show? The fans continued to shout encouragements up these famous hills. And then I hit the Coolrunner's Boomer's waterstop! I spotted the sign and was going to stop, but Craig yelled, "Keep going, we'll send someone after you!" Well, that someone happened to be Dale, who I had never met before, but let me tell you, I'd follow that handsome grin happily up Heartbreak Hill! Oh, yes, the Gatorade Endurance was terrific. With a few E-caps in it, it tasted oddly salty, but it must have been exactly what my body wanted at that point, because I just guzzled it down. Up and over the hills, and into the downhill stretch. Which didn't feel so downhill, as my quads began to complain. The "haunted mile" past the graveyard was quiet, and I was happy to hear the cheering as we rounded the corner into Cleveland Circle. It was just a straight shot to Boston from here, and I knew I could make it. But could I BQ again? I was having a good race, a healthy race, a happy race. But not a fast race. My strategy was actually to slow down a little bit at this point, just to fend off any disasterous blow-up that might prevent me from getting under 3:50. A sudden cramp or a fatigue-induced slippery trip-and-fall from inattention would be more disasterous at this point, so I just slowed it up and made sure to tuck the miles under my belt slowly and surely. And then I saw the Citgo sign. And I just kept reeling it in. And then suddenly, I was on the underpass under Mass Ave, and the uphill seemed like nothing, because the finish line was so close! Some coworkers yelled from the crowds on Comm Ave at that point, and I grinned like a crazy lady! I turned the corner onto Hereford, and I knew that I'd see my husband and sister, Karin, there. Karin spotted me first and yelled. Good thing, because they were stylishly incognito in their subtle, tailored Mackintosh and trench coats! They each snapped a pic as I ran by. IP: Logged
rtravers Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 07:08 AM And that final turn onto Boylston...there is NOTHING like it! I didn't tear up as I had thought I might, I just grinned and grinned and grinned and ran and ran and ran as the finish line loomed closer and closer and closer. 3:46:08! A PR and another BQ! My mind immediately went to thinking of how to improve my training for next year! I hobbled down Boylston amid the sea of suddenly disabled, limping, shivering, cramped runners. How is it that we were running so joyfully not 2 minutes prior and were now reduced to a painful shuffle, some being carted off in wheelchairs? I whipped my camera out again. A kind race volunteer used a special tool to untie the forcibly cinched knot I had made to keep my chip in place. ...and then she fished out a medal for me! I shuffled off to my gym, which is located a mere 3 blocks from the finish line, where I met my husband and sister, Karin. With some help, I showered up (a HOT shower! Ice bath be damned!) and threw on a little makeup. I was shocked to discover that, while I had remembered to pack almost everything else, I hadn't packed PANTS to wear! My selfless sister offered me her own skirt! It was either that or go pants-less underneath my husbands Mackintosh! But no, my sister had on some exercise tights underneath a silky black skirt, and she simply slipped off her skirt and handed it to me! Here she is in her skirt: And here she is sans skirt: We should all have such generous sisters! Now, what color lipstick should I wear for next year's run? --Robin IP: Logged
vista129 Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 07:21 AM Wow.....what a NEAT report. This was extremely fun to read and view, giving an idea of the conditions you ran in. CONGRATULATIONS on the finish.....with a BQ to your credit. Thanks for the pictures and the fun story line. You were looking WAY too good for running a marathon, even with a "Queen wave" at the end for your sister and husband. Great job. Enjoy the accomplishment and the memories. ------------------ vista129 IP: Logged
kameele Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 07:29 AM My goodness, Robin, I can't imagine that I might be the first to comment on this wonderful report And under such pressure, I can't imagine that I'll do it justice. It sounds like you had a greta run and even more fun writing the report You have so many other talents than just runner and doc. (runner comes first on this occasion, I think) Anyway--Congratulations on a great race and the chance to do it all again next year . eta: I guess I typed too slow, but it's still a great report! ------------------ My Profile [This message has been edited by kameele (edited Apr-18-2007).] IP: Logged
tagcaver Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 07:40 AM Robin, You may have just set a new standard for race reports. A cell phone camera! That makes us all so much a part of the adventure. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. Also, you had a great race under some pretty tough conditions. I'd liked your positive outlook on the whole race. Thanks for sharing. ------------------ Tag IP: Logged
hally Moderator of Boomers and Beyond	posted Apr-18-2007 07:43 AM What a report and a PR!!! I have to say you were definitely most fashionably dressed of anyone I saw. When you came by I was thinking who is this, could it be Robin? But you had that cute, short haircut all covered up and for a split second I wasn't sure then when I yelled that's Robin the guys were off after you, happy to be of service. You looked so strong and when Dale came back he said you were feeling good and who wouldn't Love the pictures! It was greta meeting you and that adorable DS of yours at brunch and would love to see those pictures as well when you get the chance. Barb IP: Logged
eliz4015 Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 07:47 AM Fantastic report and more important, fantastic race. Congratulations. You may not have teared up as you approached the finish line, but I tear up almost every time I think about what all of you Boston Boomers accomplish. Thanks for being such an amazing inspiration. Eliz IP: Logged
dg9 Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 08:25 AM Robin, What a great report, what a great race. I couldn't be happier for you. Tear up? yes. ------------------ debbie IP: Logged
hopeful4ever Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 08:27 AM Great report Robin - I just love a picture book!! Congratulations on another BQ. I am so happy that you made it through this without any medical issues - must have been that cell phone. Super choice on the lipstick too. If I ever run a marathon I will consult you on just the right shade. ~Mary IP: Logged
runninlaw Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 08:35 AM Wow, Robin! I LOVE your race report. Good lipstick choice, Kathy should be proud of you! Next time I will have to do that too.... The pictures are amazing - I can't believe you captured so much of the race - it was so much fun seeing it all again! You ran a fantastic race and you look great in your pictures! Congratulations!!! A BQ and a PR are HUGE for that course and those conditions. Be proud!!! BTW - I saw your picture on the Boston Channel website a few days before the race (when I was obsessing over the weather) - very cool. IP: Logged
rbbmoose Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 08:47 AM Wow 3:46 and you took all those pictures? - Amazing run... Very impressive... I hereby dub you "The Woman of Steel". Ray IP: Logged
ugly man with beard Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 08:52 AM Awesome report and pics ! It was the next best thing to being there myself IP: Logged
hollys4874 Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 08:53 AM Robin � what a fabulous report! I found myself grinning ear-to-ear as your exuberance and joy conveyed itself through your words. The pictures are wonderful. Congratulations on your well-earned PR! Awesome!!! ------------------ Holly [This message has been edited by hollys4874 (edited Apr-18-2007).] IP: Logged
choover Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 08:54 AM Great report Robin -- thanks so much for taking the time to include all the photos as they really help us relive the magic with you. You are definitely more skilled at taking pictures with a camera phone than I am while running! I love that you start the report with a Kathrine Switzer quote too. I'm currently reading Marathon Woman and am thoroughly enjoying it. Congrats on a great performance! Glad you got to meet the Boomers at the Water Stop. ~~cheryl IP: Logged
tselbs Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 08:56 AM Fantastic job, Robin. After last year, you sure showed that course who was boss. The reoprt and pictures were great. Congratulations on your impressive race and BQ. TomS ------------------ My Profile IP: Logged
hermosaboy Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 08:58 AM Wow -- got chills reading the report and seeing the pictures. Great job! IP: Logged
perchcreek Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 09:12 AM Robin.. A Super Congratulations on your PR and BQ at the wet sloppy Boston! That was the most enjoyable race report. (I don't know how you got those terrific pictures while running a PR at Boston!?) Wet and cool must be alot better than sweat soaked hot . You are AWESOME! perch IP: Logged
seemomgo Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 09:12 AM Robin - this is really an awesome report. Thanks for sharing so much of your run with those of us who can only dream! Terrific job under terrible conditions. Your lipstick choice was perfect!! IP: Logged
runningindc Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 09:18 AM Robin, wow, I felt like I was there running with you. What a great RR and I am almost inspired to do another marathon, almost Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together. Congrats to you on finishing the marathon without medical issues!!! Oh yea, and great lipstick choice ------------------ Running in wellness Liz Lizs Profile IP: Logged
rasmussenmp Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 09:20 AM Robin, Greta race and report. I actually felt I was there running with you. I'm sooo glad you were able to put last year behind you and do so well this year. A PR and BQ in miserable weather. Simply fantastic. Rest up and get back to training for that next PR. ------------------ Good running!!! Mike's Profile IP: Logged
ksrunr Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 09:26 AM Great race Robin and rr as well. Really enjoyed the pics and your humor. Maybe next year you could run Boston with a small video in your stylish orange hat and we could monitor your race live? Enjoy your victory ksrunr IP: Logged
LeftRightRepeat Cool Runner	posted Apr-18-2007 09:31 AM VERY cool report, Robin! Congrats on a great run!! ------------------ ->>> John <<<- Go write something in the Newbie Wiki!! IP: Logged

All times are Eastern Time (US).	> next newest topic \| > next oldest topic Topic is 4 pages: 1 2 3 4
Administrative Options: > Close Topic \| > Archive/Move \| > Delete Topic Hop to: