posted Apr-19-2007 12:43 AM               

<long version>
This was my first Boston, and second marathon. I had given up running 2 Boston marathons after qualifying due to nagging, tight hip muscles issues. So this was inexplainably special to me. I didn’t have any specific goal, though I trained as if 3:45 was my target pace. The training went surprisingly well, following Pfitzinger’s 18weeks <40mpw schedule, considering all I could do was to walk in October of 2006. With once-in-20-years kind of storm in the forecast, all I wanted to was enjoy running out there taking all in. The minimum goal I secretly had in mind - 4:00 – was thrown out of the window by the time my family and I drove into the marathon town on Sunday (from Michigan!).

I met RunLin at Sheraton. What a pleasure to spend some time with her! I had a great time chatting with her while picking up my bib and visiting the expo. In the evening, my family and I headed out to the pasta dinner in spite of the cold, windy, miserable condition. Unlike the night before the other races, I was totally relaxed and calm. The TV and loud kids didn’t keep me from falling asleep instantly once we returned to our hotel and I completed stuffing an orange check-in bag with ‘extra’ clothes, shoes, socks, etc.

“The best $30 you ever spend” is what I was told by many Michigan runners about the buses arranged by one of the running stores here. That proved to be so true in a nasty morning full of strong wind and rain. The buses were parked in front of the Hilton at 6:30am. When I tried to cross the street from Sheraton, a gust of wind literally pushed/picked me up in the air for a few feet. I thought there was no way I could run against this kind of wind. A few people in the bus witnessed me flying in the air and we were all worried about what would happen in the course….. After arriving at Hopkinton, we were able to stay in the bus until the last minute. I ventured out to the Athlete village because I had nothing to eat in the morning before I left and needed a banana and a bagel. The sight under the tent was unbelievable – it was like a refugee camp.

After I left the bus, I decided to go again, lining up in front of port johns, though I visited a bathroom twice in the bus. My mental focus wasn’t there at all for the race. By the time I started walking toward the start line, it was already 10:30am. Yes, wave2 start time. And Oh my, people, people everywhere! I zigzagged passing charity runners with 2xxxx bib #’s and was getting nervous and panicky. At about 10:35am, I was still under the corral 21. Since it is chip time, it really doesn’t matter, but still, being packed with tons of charity runners wasn’t in my plan, well obviously I didn’t have any good plan. I didn’t warm up nor stretched. I don’t even know what time I crossed the start line. I welled up for this moment that I was waiting for a long time and pushed my watch’s start button. Here I go.

For the first few miles I just kept screaming and high-fiving lots of kids and just let my body take over. I felt good and the pace felt easy. So I said to myself, maybe just go with this, and I would have a decent race. I already regretted at this point that I wore a long sleeve shirt over a long sport bra plus rain/wind shell. The weather wasn’t as bad as everybody predicted. It was probably upper 40’s. Some wind but nothing horrible. I took off a long sleeve shirt (my bib# was on the shell) while running, that was a challenge (the split shows). To be honest, I don’t remember much of the course or scenery at all. When I approached about 11mile marker, however, I started hearing this buzzing noise. It took me a while to realize that was the noise from famous Wellesley girls! They were so loud and cheerful. What a great tradition!

<First half>
8:51
8:31
8:51
8:21
8:42
8:35
8:35
8:39
9:05 (struggle to remove a shirt)
8:38
8:41
:56 (1:53:48)

It felt long to get to the half point and legs already felt heavy and at that point I knew this wouldn’t be my day. I don’t know what it went wrong. My HR was just a 4-5 points below LT, which I thought too high for the above pace. Maybe I screamed and high-fived too much and used up my energy. Or 40mpw is just plain too low to run a decent marathon. Or a bigger, solid base period was an absolute must to build a marathon training upon. Or I did lose some fitness/edge during 3 weeks of extreme taper, or a lack of mental focus. Whatever. I still had sub-4 in me, I thought. Now I was heading to the longest run of my life….

<13.1 to 21>
7:44
8:55
8:52
9:56
10:19
10:32
22:37 (missed 20 marker)

About 15 miles, I spotted a brown/orange jacket – I doubted my eyes – is that my son? Because of the weather, DH and kids were planning to go see movies (I found out all the museums were closed on Patriot day). But after tracking me on-line and I was running well, they decided to come out and cheer!!! That was so great. I told my DH that I was already tired and this would be a long day. I saw them again about 18 miles then again after the Heartbreak hill. I planted a huge kiss on all of them and smiled for a camera.
My R hip – the side that forced me to stop running for some time – rarely bothered me during the training runs. It didn’t bother me during the race either. My L glute muscles sometimes got tight but they usually worked themselves out. I felt the L glutes were tightening up through the first half. Related or not related, I started feeling some pain on the side of the L knee. I stopped a few times and stretched out. A series of up/down hills from 15.5 to 21 mile really killed me. My legs were just not moving at all.

<to the finish>
9:14
10:31
14:09
12:01
14:38 (last 1.2m)

With finally the heartbreak hill behind me and a hug from my DH and kids, I got some rhythm back. But it didn’t last long. Or a few miles of another downhill further irritated my L knee. I surrendered to a walk. It is just painful to look at the split now. I just couldn’t do anything about the excruciating pain to the knee. (After the race, I figured out where the origin of the pain. If I stopped completely and access the situation, tried to pressure the pain point, it might have helped. Who knows.) I thought, I had a strong enough will to dominate the pain. I couldn’t. I couldn’t run. I wanted to cry. But there is no crying in running, I told myself. This is a part of the whole deal. So I kept hobbling and moved forward no matter how slow and squeeze some smile out of me. I wanted to run the last mile no matter how slow. A strange thing was if I forced myself to run, the pain subsided for a while. And I ran, I ran to the finish on Boylston St. It was a bitter sweet finish.

The finish line to the chip removal/medal receipt area then to the bag pickup was awfully long and painful. I was so close to planting myself on a wheelchair.

This was very humbling experience. I didn’t respect the distance. I got overconfident. I decided to race though I wasn’t mentally prepared at all. And I paid for it big time. Also I have a renewed appreciation for things having worked out well at my first marathon.

Well, I feel I have an unfinished business in Boston and I have to redeem myself. But at the same time I am scared to run another marathon because of the on-course injury like this. For those who ran multiple Boston marathons, please tell me you got burned in your Boston debut, too. For those who keep going back to running a marathon even after a bad experience, please give me your strength and tenacity not to fear a bad outcome.

Ok, enough said, drama queen.

Yoshiko

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posted Apr-19-2007 06:29 AM               

First of all, congratulations on becoming a Boston vet. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? I've run some pretty tough mountain marathons and I rate Boston as a tough course. You'd think that 17 miles of mostly downhill leading up to the hills wouldn't be that bad, but I learned this week that they can be as tough as the hills. But you gutted it out, and that says a lot about the person you are. Don't underestimate just finishing that race.

I do think you can train for a marathon on 40 mpw. Looking back at my schedule, I only averaged around 45 mpw in my Boston effort, with a long week of about 60 miles. However, my 45 mpw was on 3 to 4 days a week of running. So my long runs were as long as 23 miles and my shorter days were 10-12 miles of hill repeats or speed workouts.

Of the 8 marathons I've run, 4 of them have been without adequate training (okay, little to no training). Every single one of those hurt. Really hurt. I walked significant parts of all of those races. I was in pain after each of those races. For some time. But I went in knowing that was going to happen (cept maybe the first one). I've used them as a springboard for future training. When it was cold and snowy outside and the warm bed beckoned, I remembered how much I hated walking during the race and how much I pain I'd been in. And I would get up and get out on the run. I don't recommend this method for anyone else. But now that you've experienced that, use it. Remember how it feels and tell yourself that you don't ever want to go through that again. And think back to your first marathon (I'm hoping that went better) and compare the two experiences. Use those emotions whenever training isn't going well.

And finally, remember the good things about the race. Seeing your family. The crowds. Wellsley. Think about how great that experience would be if you could couple it with a strong race. Take it from someone who did have a good Boston this year - it is an awesome feeling. Tell yourself that you want to experience all that Boston has to offer and make it one of your goals.

Mike

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posted Apr-19-2007 07:18 AM               

Second -
Ok, so you learned some stuff. It means you'll be stronger and smarter. Remember, you fought SOOOOOO hard just to get here. Boston is just meant to chew you up and spit you out, period. Just think about 1 year ago. You couldn't run. At all. Now you did Boston, hip wasn't bugging you either!

So don't be so hard on yourself, you're still an amazing and gifted runner. Could you do better? sure.. but that's part of what drives us all to go back in and do it all over again!

So CONGRATS! ENJOY your recovery time....

then go get your b*tt back on the bike!! hehe

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posted Apr-19-2007 08:26 AM               

------------------
->>> John <<<-
Go write something in the Newbie Wiki!!

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posted Apr-19-2007 08:28 AM               

Congrats on finishing, anyway. Did you ever have a bad race before? If not..consider yourself still way ahead of the game.

Who *doesn't have one of those "I started out on pace for X:xx but wound up with XXX squared " marathon battle stories? I truly believe that a wretched marathon is a rite of passage. There, you can get a tattoo now. Heidi

PS, those were some really tough and discouraging conditions. I have a few friends who made the trip over there with a family in a hotel room in the rain. One day you will REALLY laugh about it.

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posted Apr-19-2007 08:30 AM               

From what I hear Boston is tough to prepare for and you gave it all you had on the day. Relish your achievement and pick your next goal. The next time around you will crush it!

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posted Apr-19-2007 08:57 AM               

You did such a great job. And you will do an even better job next time. One thing I've learned about you over the years I've been posting here is that you are a disciplined student. You will take the lessons from this experience and you will squeeze every bit of information from those lessons, and you will apply that information to your future training.

Congratulations on your Boston debut!

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posted Apr-19-2007 09:52 AM               

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posted Apr-19-2007 09:57 AM               

Lots of great responses here, especially from RonBo. I don't know that I can offer anything more, but let me try to help you see exactly what you just achieved.

You just legitimately ran a marathon -- and in a good time -- that many runners the world around work very hard to qualify for but never quite get there. But you did.

Marathons are tough. That's why not everybody is doing them. Granted, it's getting more popular, but still, they required a special gift, unparalleled commitment, and pointed determination. And even so, the event itself is never, ever a given.

Now take Boston. The reason Boston is, well, Boston is because you have to qualify. It is the common-runners Olympics. The cream of the common-runner crop is at Boston. But you know what, it is also so popular and prestigious because of its course. Boston is among the tougher marathons. Take to heart what MPlatz says about the downhills. Do not underestimate them. They tear you up perhaps moreso than uphills.

An unspoken victory of running Boston for most runners is, Did you qualify for Boston AT Boston? Many runners do not. In fact, many runners run minutes SLOWER at Boston than in their qualifying event. And it's because Boston is very tough. Couple that with how most people do not train for the course (how many people train downhills?), and you quickly realize that your time is seriously outstanding.

You learned a few hard lessons. But you also just experienced the most magical 26.2 miles in marathons. You were there. And you'll get back again. And next time, make sure you take those early miles slow; ask Boston vets for tips, and take them to heart. Train up hill and down hill. But always, always, always enjoy Boston for the celebration that it is, even if it means running slower. Because it is a party. Also, get that mental game. A strong mental plan will pull you through a few tough miles. And it may mean holding an 8:45 pace through out versus slowing down or even walking.

Another thing if you're really down on your time based on what you could have done. Look at your number and try to guess where you really fit in the field. Then look at your finishing time. I'll bet you a few Gu's that you finish AHEAD -- ie. in front of, quicker -- than your number.

You done well, YoshiGirl. Enjoy it. Then work to get back. And enjoy the most magical 26.2 miles in marathons.

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posted Apr-19-2007 09:58 AM               

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posted Apr-19-2007 10:06 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by chrisbuckeye1:
Yoshiko, Those gut it out races tell a lot about someone...The will to fight on is something not in all people...Lots and I mean a lot of people bail...It's that little voice that keeps pushing you

---

You mean the voice that says, "the sweeps vehicle aint comin' by for another hour so I might as well hustle"? ;-)

j/k

A lot of us have been there and watched a day unfold from goal time, to acceptable time, to...I'll just be happy to be DONE with this - time. The latter is by far the hardest scenario to forge forward.

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posted Apr-19-2007 10:15 AM               

My swim coach and I were at dinner a month or so ago, and she saw someone with a Boston jacket on.

She said, "I want one of those, but I want to EARN it, not buy it."

You've EARNED it.

Good job.

Now, swim swim swim...relax, and let your body heal.

Then, have fun with next year's swim season, too.

Stitch

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posted Apr-19-2007 10:36 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Archelon:
Yoshiko,

Congrats on finishing, anyway. Did you ever have a bad race before? If not..consider yourself still way ahead of the game.

Who *doesn't have one of those "I started out on pace for X:xx but wound up with XXX squared " marathon battle stories? I truly believe that a wretched marathon is a rite of passage. There, you can get a tattoo now. Heidi

PS, those were some really tough and discouraging conditions. I have a few friends who made the trip over there with a family in a hotel room in the rain. One day you will REALLY laugh about it.

---

Hey HC, no I haven't had a bad race of this magnitude. That is why I don't know how to conquer this fear of failure and start all over again to train weeks and weeks to stand at the startin line again. It is not like a 10K in which you pull hamstring.

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posted Apr-19-2007 10:46 AM               

Nana korobi yaoki jinsei-wa kore kara-da

Be proud of you accomplishment. You had some issues going in and during the race; but, you completed what you set out to do. Take a well deserved break.

------------------
Takes Q's, Kicks A's
CR Map

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posted Apr-19-2007 10:58 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Yoshiko:
Hey HC, no I haven't had a bad race of this magnitude. That is why I don't know how to conquer this fear of failure and start all over again to train weeks and weeks to stand at the startin line again. It is not like a 10K in which you pull hamstring.

---

First - congrats on completing and finishing your marathon in a respectable (YES) time. As everyone points out - each marathon is different. You now know that your body will still hold up for the distance - and on another day and another course you've got that secret time.

I've done one marathon. Like you - I trained for weeks and I felt good. I had legitimate hopes of BQ'ing. I did it because a friend at work had dropped about 50 lbs, joined a running club, got good coaching - and was determined to run a marathon and BQ for the 100th anniv. And he did. I was amazed by his fortitude. And he ran Boston - and has never run a marathon again - and he's quite happy with that decision.

Me - back in '99 I trained through the summer and into cool fall temps, and toed the line on a day when it hit in the mid-to-high 70s. I think the first half was on target (about a 1:36-ish split) and then I tanked to a 3:28 finish ... And one day two or three years later - I went for a normal run, and my body hasn't felt quite the same since (don't know why). And I've come to the conclusion that I probably will never run another marathon - and if I don't - I'll be okay with that.

If you know in your heart that you're a marathoner - you'll be at the starting line again because you WANT to be there, whatever inner fears and demons you have - this experience WON'T break you.

If you never run another marathon again - you've been there, done that, got the BESTEST of T-shirts - and make your peace with that as well. The pool and hard saddle call

Reg.

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posted Apr-19-2007 11:01 AM               

Your swim times are gonna really be fast now that your get to spend more time in the pool.

S

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posted Apr-19-2007 11:36 AM            

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posted Apr-19-2007 02:24 PM               

Big time congratulations lady. What a day you had. Your initial goal time may have come and gone, but you gutted it out to finish so strong. Your hip held up amazingly well, and you held up to finish with a smile. Yours is not a failure in the least. It is just one of those things that can go wrong over a grueling distance. As others have pointed out, and as I"ve had the pleasure to witness myself, you are a fast and talented runner with a great deal of discipline. I will forever hold in my mind the beautiful sight of you sprinting away from me with such great ease after 14 miles of a long run. Not for the first time I thought, "I want to be like her."

I think you do have some unfinished business in Boston, and I have a definite feeling you'll be back to conquer it once and for all. You have nothing to fear. You can do it, and you do have it in you. That's for certain.

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posted Apr-19-2007 02:32 PM            

Congratulations! You should be proud of yourself no matter what. Some days are harder than others, but you hung in there. I know you'll be back!

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posted Apr-19-2007 03:20 PM            

There is no fear of failure to conquer girl. You didn't fail. You finished the freaking BOSTON MARATHON!!!!

Wow. Amazing!!!

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posted Apr-19-2007 10:13 PM               

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posted Apr-20-2007 06:28 AM               

Meg

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posted Apr-25-2007 11:02 PM            

Congratulations on finishing Boston! I am glad you finally got to do it. It seems like eons ago that group of us were using Pfitzinger for our first marathons.

Unfinished business... yes, that is certainly how I felt as well after my first Boston. I just could not believe I was limping toward the finish line at the end. Boston sucks you in, even if you know in advance not to go out fast... and then, wham! It took me three tries to get it right. Maybe you will get it right with two.

How is your injury? That's another thing about Boston; it makes you want to finish even when you shouldn't. I should have DNFed at mile 21 two years ago. But after all the buildup, my first Boston, I just had to finish. It was very slow and painful, but fortunately there was no lasting damage. I hope you are recovering well.

Bob

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posted Apr-26-2007 07:28 AM            

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