Here is what I will be experiencing the last 10K of the race:
Mile 20 to Mile 21
The most famous landmark in marathoning comes into view as you reach the 20-mile mark -- Heartbreak Hill. I will admit that I was nervous about this point in the marathon. But, I trained for it by running hills here in Westborough and also running Heartbreak 3 different times in my training. Sure it is a steep half-mile uphill but it is nothing if you are mentally prepared for it.
As with any hill, I simply shorten my stride, focus on the road immediately in front of me and don't look ahead. In 2009, I remember turning to a fellow runner and asking where Heartbreak Hill was and he just shook his head. He replied incredulously, "you just finished it." I was amazed. I hadn't even felt the strain of it. This could be because the crowds along this stretch of the marathon are loud and supportive. Or it could have been that I was well prepared. Regardless, I love the pesky little speed bump known to all as Heartbreak Hill.
Mile 21 to Mile 22
As you finish Mile 21 and the final hill in Newton, you enter the second college zone on the course. You are now in Boston College territory. The hardest part of this mile is the very steep downhill. The steepest portion runs downhill for over 1/2 mile and really taxed my quads on race day. I know what you are thinking - how bad can it be after the Newton Hills? While it provided relief, the downhill really pinched my quads and I found I had to really slow down so as to not fall over.
The best part of this mile is the riotous Boston College students. They are rowdy and really cheer you on as you run by. I am certain a large majority of the students are well past inebriated. But, they are fun to listen to as you run by. They really boosted my spirits on race day.
Mile 22 to Mile 23
The next mile I found to be very challenging mentally. My quads were really sore and starting to cramp a little here. The mile starts relatively flat but then you start to encounter a rollercoaster of downhills. It was really punishing and mentally challenging. I chose to just push on and focus on reaching Cleveland Circle where I knew I would be able to regroup for the final push to the finish line. Please remember you will be crossing the Green Line trolley tracks here. Watch your step especially on tired legs. The mile finishes with an easy 1/4 mile climb into Brookline.
Mile 23 to Mile 24
As I crossed the 23-mile mark, I was facing yet another downhill. The crowds here are strong as you run downhill along Beacon Street through Brookline. This mile also has a short uphill followed by downhill. Don't let the short uphill bother you. The mile is mostly downhill. I remember feeling my strength returning as I finished this mile. I was looking for Coolidge Corner knowing that I would finally be able to see the Citgo sign in the distance. The Citgo sign is at Mile 25. I did catch sight of it. I knew it was about 1 1/2 miles away. But, it gave me the feeling that I was almost done.
Mile 24 to Mile 25
You cross the 24-mile mark just past Coolidge Corner. It is also the end of the downhill portion of the course. The rest of the way is rolling hills. I found that this mile felt great. There were no real uphills to deal with and I could just lock into my pace and enjoy the crowds. It was also the first time I looked at my watch and realized that I could potentially finish in under 4 hours (a personal goal of mine).
The Citgo sign is right in front of you as you run this mile. The bad part is that it is at the top of a hill. This hill is the last real hill you encounter as it takes you up and over the MassPike. Mentally prepare for it. It is very short and not too difficult. For DFMC runners, the end of this mile and the completion of this hill is also the point where our cheering squad awaits. I couldn't wait to run by them. The filled me with so much joy that the last 1.2 miles seemed like a dream.
Mile 25 to Mile 26
As I passed my DFMC cheering squad, I knew I would break 4 hours and reach one of my life's goals. This mile also takes you by Fenway Park which is celebrating its 100th Birthday this year. You will see the park and all of the baseball fans pouring out of the stadium and heading over to watch the runners go by. It is really one of the more special points of the race because of the history of both the marathon and baseball. Being a fan of both, I loved this section of the course.
This mile also takes you through one of the thickest crowds you will see on the course. Kenmore Square is packed with people all yelling for you and encouraging you. When you see the Hotel Commonwealth on your right look for the “1 mile to go” sign painted on the pavement. I was definitely tired here. But, when I saw that sign on the pavement, I felt a resurgence of energy and started to pick up my pace. If you run your race well, I believe you will find that energy as well.
As you leave Kenmore Square, you drop under a couple of overpasses and then finally beneath Mass Ave. It is at this point that I began searching for the sign for Hereford St. I knew once I saw Hereford, it was a right turn then a left onto Boylston and I would see the finish line. The crowds here are very loud and really pump you up.
Mile 26 to Mile 26.2
I will never forget turning onto Boylston St. I could see the finish line and I don't even remember seeing the 26-mile marker. I was so focused on the timer. I could see it slowly counting down to 4:00:00. I wanted to cross the line before it reached the 4 hour mark. I am not sure where I found the energy. I really picked up the pace and started passing fellow runners focused only on the clock. The road is flat and the crowds are raucous. I passed the Prudential Center and really pushed for the finish line. I crossed the finish line in 3:59:21 and was ecstatic. I really don't remember receiving my medal or my blanket. All I can remember is the feeling that I just ran an excellent race and on the oldest marathon course besides the one in Greece. It was truly a special race.
Writing this final piece about the course really made me anxious about running the marathon again. I know this year will be a new and different experience. All I can tell you is that if you ever have the chance to come to Boston to run this marathon don't hesitate to do it. The memories you will take away from it will last you a lifetime.
Mar. 26 – 6.10 miles (57:52; 9:29 pace)
Mar. 27 – 9.50 miles (1:21:28, 8:35 pace) – Mile Repeats
Mar. 29 – 10.10 miles (1:21:02, 8:01 pace) – Tempo Run
Mar. 30 – 6.20 miles (57:18; 9:15 pace)
Mar. 31 – 10.20 miles (1:32:17, 9:03 pace)
Apr. 1 – 10.10 miles (1:31:34, 9:04 pace)
Apr. 2 – 8.30 miles (1:16:00; 9:10 pace)
Apr. 3 – 9.50 miles (1:21:23, 8:34 pace) – Mile Repeats
Apr. 5 – 10.10 miles (1:20:44, 8:00 pace) – Tempo Run
Apr. 6 – 7.20 miles (1:05:37, 9:07 pace)
Apr. 7 – 8.20 miles (1:12:19, 8:49 pace)
Apr. 8 – 8.10 miles (1:12:47, 8:59 pace)
Total Miles: 103.6 miles
2012 YTD Miles: 565.2 miles
1 comment:
Ted, beautiful finish to your reinactment of the race course for us. The comments regarding your bib number were very moving. We will be watching your progress during the race and can only say as your Grandma Ros would say "you are running on the wings of love."
Dad
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