My Run for the Hoses - 116th Boston Marathon

If you had the choice of a day to run 26 miles, 385 yards, it would not be April 19, 1976.

-- Boston Globe 

36 years ago with temps in the 90s, Georgetown undergrad Jack Fultz ran through a rainbow of garden hoses to win the 1976 Boston Marathon in 2 hours, 20 minutes, 19 seconds.  In that race, Jack ran through numerous hoses to ultimately outgun the hot weather runner Mario Cuevas of Mexico.  When I toed the line in Hopkinton on Monday, April 16, 2012, little did I know I would be running my own run for the hoses as the 1976 race is now known. 

I trained hard for this race.  I wanted to see if my sub-4 hour marathon in 2009 was a fluke or would my training give me the stamina and speed to accomplish it again in 2012.  The last couple of weeks leading up to the race gave me confidence that I could set another PR in Boston.  I had run my last long run (18 miles) at an 8:53 per mile pace.  There was nothing that could stop me from running a sub-4 hour race this time out.  Well almost nothing. 

The week leading up to the race was filled with news reports of the heat we would encounter on race day.  The weather forecasters were saying it was going to be in the 80s and that it was going to be really hard on the runners.  Having lived in New England for 8 years now, I listened to their predictions with a bit of skepticism.  Weather here tends to change rapidly.  So I hoped the heat would not materialize on race day and we would be able to have a nice day to run.  As April 16^th drew closer, my hopes were slowly dashed.  By Saturday April 14^th, I knew I was going to have to run the marathon on an unseasonably hot day. 

I got up the morning of the race and had my usual peanut butter and honey sandwich and a banana.  I had been hydrating the past 4 – 5 days to make sure I was well hydrated for the race.  I checked the temperature and it was already 66 degrees at 6:30 am.  I watched the news to see what they were predicting for the day.  After hearing it would be in the upper 80s, I knew it was going to be a tough day.  My goal of 4 hours had to be adjusted.  I decided to shoot for 4:30:00.  I felt my excellent training would carry me through the race...even in the heat.  At least that was my theory. 

At 7:30 am, Bev drove me down close to the starting line and dropped me off.  She told me to take it slow and focus on finishing.  Time was not something I should worry about she said.  Deep down I knew she was right.  I should take it slow and just focus on finishing the race.  But my “A” type personality and competitive streak was telling me to shoot for 4:30:00.  As I walked up to St. James Parish Center where the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team’s Runner’s Refuge was located, I kept telling myself that despite the heat I could still run it and hit my goal.  

I arrived that the Runner’s Refuge and met up with a few of my fellow DFMC Teammates who I have met since running for DFMC in 2009.  The topic of conversation was the weather.  No one was very excited about running in the heat.  But I could still feel the enthusiasm they all had for the race and running for a much bigger purpose.  I found some shade, popped in my earphones and tried to relax and not think about the upcoming race.  In the shade, I actually felt great and my nerves settled down enough to let me focus inward and remind myself that no matter what happened, I had to finish this race to honor those I was running for and the donors who so generously supported me this year. 

I had a chance to meet and speak with Uta Pippig and Jack Fultz.  They advised us all to just take it easy.  Today was not going to be a day to run fast they said.  We needed to take it slow and easy.  We needed to make sure we stayed well hydrated.  Jack advised us to stay wet if we could as it would help to keep our body temperatures in the safe zone.  I definitely decided to take his advice because he had won a marathon in hotter temperatures and had stayed wet.  This meant that we would be running our own race for the hoses along the route.  They both wished us well and told us they would see us at the finish.  Then we headed out to walk over to the starting line and our corrals. 

Me and Uta Pippig

Standing in the corrals waiting for the gun to go off was tortuous.  With all of the runners packed around us, the temperature felt much hotter than the low 70's.  I had decided to run with a fellow DFMC runner Evan Berkley who was running in only his second marathon.  We talked about the pace we wanted to run and felt we would be a good match.  Evan told me that if he was holding me back later in the race, I should feel comfortable taking off and finishing at my pace.  I said OK.  But, something told me that I would not be leaving Evan behind and that he would be a huge help in my finishing the race.   

After what seemed like a lifetime, the gun went off and we headed across the starting line and down the hill.  I told Evan that I would keep him apprised of what was up ahead and share any trivial facts about the towns we were running through.  Evan is from Connecticut and he told me that would be great as it would take his mind off the heat and the effort.  The first 5 miles went very smoothly.  We had locked into a nice 9:45 to 10:00 minute pace.  It was our theory that if we took it slow at the beginning, we might have something in the tank to increase our pace later in the race. 

Evan and I chatted along the route which was really helpful.  The sun was shining brightly and the heat was definitely starting to get to us.  We searched for opportunities to get wet.  Marathon spectators would spray us down with their garden hoses as we went by as long as we signaled them by raising our arms over our heads.  Several Fire Houses had set up canopies with misters in them that you could run through and cool off.  One of my fellow DFMC runners later told me he called them "human car washes".  Staying wet was definitely keeping my body temperature down and making me feel pretty good despite the heat. 

We reached Wellesley and I noticed that we would hit the halfway point around 2:10:00.  This is right on pace to hit my goal of 4:30:00 minutes.  It would mean that we could slow down and run the second half 10 minutes slower and still hit my goal.  I checked in with Evan as we headed up the hill towards the scream tunnel at Wellesley College.  He said he was feeling pretty good.  I warned him about the coeds.  But also told him to get some love from them as we ran by.  He laughed and we continued on. 

When we reached the corrals holding the girls of Wellesley back, I was reading their signs and t-shirts.  There were some really funny ones and Evan and I were getting a kick out of them.  Out of the corner of my eye I spotted a t-shirt that read "Run Old Man Run".  Now that was worth stopping for.  So, I cruised to my right and as I approached her to tell her I liked her shirt, she threw her arms around my neck and gave me a big kiss.  After recovering a bit, I told her I loved her shirt and she just laughed.  I had Evan take my picture with her and we headed on. 

Run Old Man Run

Evan and I crossed the halfway point at 2:10:24.  We both were feeling pretty good.  What we didn't know at the time was how the heat coupled with the hot pavement and lack of wind would ultimately affect us as the race continued.  But, that will have to wait for my next post. 

Apr. 9 – 6.20 miles (56:22; 9:05 pace)

Apr. 10 – 5.10 miles (47:02, 9:14 pace)

Apr. 12 – 6.20 miles (55:50, 9:01 pace)

Apr. 13 – 6.20 miles (54:34, 9:01 pace)

Apr. 14 – 3.10 miles (26:56, 9:03 pace)

Apr. 16 – 26.20 miles (4:49:00, 11:02 pace) - 116th Boston Marathon

Apr. 18 – 3.10 miles (31:21, 10:07 pace)

Apr. 20 – 5.10 miles (47:33, 9:29 pace)

Apr. 21 – 6.30 miles (58:44, 9:20 pace)

Apr. 22 – 6.20 miles (56:25, 9:06 pace)

Total Miles: 103.6 miles

2012 YTD Miles: 565.2 miles

Boston Marathon Course Mile 21 - Finish Line

One week from Monday, I will be in Hopkinton waiting for the gun to go off announcing the start of the 116th Boston Marathon.  I know there will be butterflies in my stomach as I head down the hill on my way to the finish line on Boylston St.  I am hoping that I will be able to set a new P.R. this year as I trained really hard for this race.  The only regret I have is that I will not be running with my friend Helen and helping her to reach her goal of running a 5 hour marathon.  Instead, I will be pushing myself to reach a new milestone in my marathon career.  No matter what happens, I know will enjoy every minute of it. 

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

My number is 23144

I got my bib number in the mail today from the B.A.A. It is 23144. If you have followed this blog since it began, you will recall that I wrote a piece about the significance of my number. I thought it would be nice to look at my number again to see if it held any interesting meaning for me as I wrap up my final weeks of training.

As I explained previously, each letter in the alefbet (the Hebrew alphabet) has a numerical value. The numerical value of a word is determined by adding up the values of each letter. This year my bib number adds up to the number 12 or if you like 1 + 2 = 3. The number 12 does hold great significance in Judaism as it is represents totality, wholeness, and the completion of God's purpose. 12 also being the product of three and four, typified the union of the people with God. The number 3 is seen as the symbol of holiness. Therefore I think that my number makes this run a holy act. In many ways, helping others through selfless acts is the definition of holiness. Therefore the number I will be carrying with me along the Boston Marathon route symbolizes both the completion of God’s purpose and holiness. Maybe my raising money for this very worthy cause and finishing the race will allow me to complete God’s purpose for me that day and to bring me closer to Him through my efforts on behalf of those who we have lost and those who are still fighting this disease.

In Judaism, numbers also correspond to letters. The 12th letter of the Hebrew alefbet is Lamed. Lamed is the symbol of self surpassing or the surpassing of our limits. It implies strength of character and willpower. Lamed is teaching us the importance of striving for the better in our lives. Go beyond our limits. Perseverance will build our character and improve our lives in ways we cannot comprehend. No one can say that running a marathon is not pushing a runner beyond his physical limits. I believe that this coupled with my fundraising for Dana Farber is exactly what a Lamed is symbolizing. Lamed doesn’t only symbolize surpassing our physical limitations. It also teaches us that we must also reach beyond our intellectual limitations to find God’s purpose.

In Kabbalah, the Lamed symbolizes aspiration, contemplation of the heart, and spiritual work. The shape of this Hebrew letter actually shows us that our heart ascends in aspiration to conceive and comprehend the Divine Wisdom of God. This Divine Wisdom leads each of us to strive to the performance of great work. It inspires us to reach beyond our earthly mind, affection and physical body and perform acts of loving kindness which is what God expects us to do. What I hope my run will do is to allow me to break out of my boundaries and to going beyond my potential and to enter the superconscious mind. If I can get there, I will be able to move myself beyond the limiting beliefs I have accepted about myself and my relationship to the world and connect with the Divine Spirit. This will allow to me to open up to the experience of oneness (God) in my life.

As I reflect on all this, I believe that my number holds significant power. It symbolizes my efforts to push myself beyond my physical limits on race day and through that effort allow me to open my mind to the connectedness with the Divine. It will allow me to be open enough to accept the help from all of those donor’s loved ones who will be with me each and every step of the race. It will lift me above the gravity barrier of earthly preoccupation and connect me to the love that each person who has struggled with this disease (whether they won their fight or not) to fill me with the strength I will need to complete my task. I don’t take this lightly and plan to leave it all out there on the course on April 16th. No matter what happens on race day, I know that I will be running on the wings of love both earthly and spiritual.

Boston Marathon Course Miles 12 - 20

I had a chance this past weekend to get back onto the Boston Marathon course and run from mile marker 11 to mile marker 20. I was very surprised to see so many other runners out on Saturday. I wasn’t aware that so many of the charity teams have their runners out on the course for their last long runs before they start to taper towards race day. It was really nice to be out there with so many other runners. Plus there were water stops and police out to protect us from the crazy motorists.

Mile 11 to Mile 12

The start of this mile is uphill towards Wellesley. Don’t despair, after about a quarter mile it goes back downhill slightly until you reach the mile 12 marker. It is very quiet in this stretch of the course. There are woods on your right and there is nowhere for fans to stand safely. I remember taking this mile to collect myself, check my pace and prepare for what I had heard would be crazed Wellesley College co-eds.

Mile 12 to Mile 13

When you reach the 12 mile mark, you come upon the main gate of Wellesley College. At this point in the race, I could already hear the screaming and cheering. It was inconceivable to me that I was still almost a half mile away from the center of the college yet the noise was already there. Incredible!

There is no way to describe the women of Wellesley. They are definitely loud and excited about seeing the runners go by. They cannot be ignored. I remember getting too close to the corrals at one point and the co-eds grabbing for my shirt sleeves. They are all looking for kisses from the runners. I did give one co-ed a quick kiss on the cheek and she squealed with delight. Not the usual reaction a 48 year old normally gets.

As you run the gauntlet you will pass the 20k mark. At this point the course starts to drop slightly as you head towards Wellesley Center. There is a climb into Wellesley Center but it is minimal and nothing to worry about.

Mile 13 to Mile 14

I really enjoyed the mile through Wellesley Center. It was fun because the crowds are thick and enthusiastic. The downtown area is really nice and the best part is you will have already passed the halfway point when you finish this mile. Despite this psychological boost, I had to remind myself that all marathons have two distinct halves. The first 20 miles and then the last 10K. I needed to make sure I didn’t let the enthusiastic crowds spur me to run faster than planned. The good news is this mile is mostly flat so you can cruise with no problem.

Mile 14 to Mile 15

As you pass mile 14, you’ll see tennis courts and athletic fields on your right. It is still fairly flat here. You enter another little retail and commercial area. It is also at this point that you cross Route 9. I remember this mile well because the crowds were still there and urging us on. While I was feeding on their support and energy, I kept telling myself that the next several miles will be a series of ups and downs – literally. I was feeling good at this point and knew what was ahead. I just needed to stay focused and not let what was ahead psych me out.

If you get to this point and you are starting to feel fatigued, I recommend you drop your pace back and regroup. You need to have some gas in the tank to make it through the next 9 miles.

Mile 15 to 16

This mile is where the Boston Marathon really begins. You start with a small climb that levels off quickly. Then you enter a nice residential area where it remains flat for about a quarter mile. Then at just about the halfway point, the road drops by more than 100 feet into Newton Lower Falls. It is here that you need to get mentally prepared for what is ahead.

For the next 9 miles you will be climbing and dropping over and over again. What I found in training on the course last time was that none of these hills were too bad individually. The problem with the Boston Marathon course is that there are several hills and their cumulative effect after 16 miles makes this a real challenge. My recommendation is to take each hill individually and celebrate as you finish each one. Then tackle the next one. I found that this allowed me to just focus on the task at hand and not let what was ahead slow me down.

Mile 18 to Mile 19

Mile 16 to 17

The start of this mile is at the bottom of the hill in Newton Lower Falls. You will see the sign that says, “Entering Newton” on your left. It is also the first real uphill you have to overcome. For my money, this is the toughest hill on the course. You are running uphill on an overpass for I-95/Route 128 and it is an ugly section of the course. I remember it being particularly windy here as you are very exposed to the elements. I will say it right here – I hated this mile and was glad to have finished it. As I passed the Newton Wellesley Hospital the road finally leveled off. Now I was looking for the next big Boston Marathon Icon – the Newton Fire House.

Mile 17 to Mile 18

Mile 17 starts out nice and flat. You’ll pass the Woodland Country Club and the Green Line T station. I enjoyed this stretch as we wound through a very nice residential neighborhood. The crowds started to thicken as I approached the famous turn at the firehouse. The right turn at the firehouse comes at about 17.3 and then you are on Commonwealth Avenue. I found that from this point on there were crowds everywhere and the energy level was spectacular.

As you head up Commonwealth Avenue, you will be climbing what some people call Firehouse Hill. It is a pretty big hill. It is steeper than the one over I-19/Route 128. It is less than one half mile long and is over before you know it. When you reach the top, it drops slightly towards the 18 mile marker. I have to admit I don’t remember running this hill at all. I was so pumped up by the crowds I didn’t even notice the climb. Hopefully you will feel the same.

When you pass the 18 mile mark, you are headed uphill again. But, you will find that this mile is actually flat for the most part. You will cross Chestnut Street on your way to the 30K marker. Take it easy here because the toughest hills mentally are just over the horizon. There is a small drop as you reach the 19 mile mark.

Mile 19 to Mile 20

Look for Newton City Hall at the 19 mile mark. You only have 7 .2 miles to go. If you are not running for a PR, take some time along this stretch to see the statue that was erected here as a tribute to the legendary Johnny Kelley. Kelly won the marathon twice but more incredibly he finished it 58 times. His last finish was in 1992 at the age of 84. The “Young at Heart” statues depict a young Kelley running alongside an elder Kelley. I stopped on Saturday to look at it in more detail and it really is a wonderful statue.

The next hill starts about a quarter mile in. A lot of people mistakenly think that this is Heartbreak Hill. Well, it isn’t. Heartbreak Hill is ahead in mile 20 to 21. In my opinion this hill is even tougher than Heartbreak. This is because it actually has two separate climbs. The first part is short and steep. Then it levels off and climbs again briefly. I remember shortening my stride and just pushing through at this point. The crowds will cheer you on and give you a boost if you need it. Drink it in. Next stop Heartbreak Hill – that pesky little speed bump that may be the most famous spot in all of marathoning.

I am hoping to get a chance to run the last 6.2 miles of the course sometime in the next 2 weeks. But, even if I don’t I will post on this blog a description of the last 10K of the course. I hope these entries help if you are not from the area. All I can tell you is that if you have a chance to run this marathon whether you are running as a qualifier or a charity runner remember that you worked incredibly hard to get to the starting line. Not many people get the chance to run Boston. So take the time to enjoy it all. Take the time to meet other runners or the fans who line the course. They are the ones who truly make you feel like an elite runner the entire race.

Mar. 5 – 9.50 miles (1:21:22; 8:34 pace) – Mile Repeats
Mar. 7 – 9.10 miles (1:14:08, 8:09 pace) – Tempo Run
Mar. 8 – 8.10 miles (1:15:56, 9:22 pace)
Mar. 9 – 7.10 miles (1:07:24; 9:29 pace)
Mar. 10 – 17.10 miles (2:40:57, 9:25 pace)
Mar. 11 – 8.10 miles (1:14:06, 9:09 pace)
Mar. 13 – 9.50 miles (1:21:32; 8:34 pace) – Mile Repeats
Mar. 14 – 6.10 miles (58:11, 9:33 pace)
Mar. 15 – 9.20 miles (1:13:41, 8:01 pace) – Tempo Run
Mar. 16 – 10.20 miles (1:37:28, 9:34 pace)
Mar. 19 – 8.10 miles (1:15:10, 9:17 pace)
Mar. 20 – 9.50 miles (1:21:32, 8:34 pace) – Mile Repeats
Mar. 22 – 10.20 miles (1:22:00, 8:02 pace) – Tempo Run
Mar. 23 – 7.10 miles (1:09:06, 9:44 pace)
Mar. 24 – 18.10 miles (2:40:45, 8:53 pace)
Mar. 25 – 8.10 miles (1:14:50, 9:15 pace)

Total Miles: 155.1 miles
2012 YTD Miles: 461.6 miles