Together we could break this trap, We’ll run till we drop, baby we’ll never go back!

I HAD to use these lyrics as I swear between the Rock and Roll San Diego Expo and Marathon, I probably heard "Born To Run" a million times! What a wonderful weekend we had!

This race was a very important race as Matt, Bradford, and Dan were all trying to qualify for Boston, and without making you wait, they ALL DID!!!  I am not going to be too wordy, I will let you look at fun pics instead, but I will share a bit about Matt's race.

Matt was feeling great going into this marathon.  We got to the start line at about 5am

*Thanks to my wonderful sis and her boyfriend Brian who woke up so early to support Matt!!*

All of the guys were in corral 2.  DK was with them as he was banditing the entire 26.2 miles to pace the fellas.

I jumped on the course with Matt at mile 11 and he was looking SO strong. I talked to him for a bit, he wasn't out of breath and was averaging a 7:08 pace, he needed 7:15's, so all was well.  I admit I did bandit some of the race but I will say that I used all my own water, gatorade, and gels. I also made sure not to be annoying or get in anyone's way.  I was trying to be a good bandit.

Anywho, we made it over to Fiesta Island at about mile 17 and the clouds had burned off already. It was getting very hot and there was no shade. I was really worried about Matt at this point. He and the sun do not get along so well. He had slowed a little bit, but still had great form and was hitting his paces pretty close. He was staying with me and his body was not hurting, so all in all, he still had more in him!  At mile 24 we started to pick it up a bit and I could not stop from crying as I was (am) SO proud of him. I knew he had it in the bag at this point and I was getting ready to jump back into the crowd. He shouted "Cross with me!" So together, we came across the finish line at 3:09:48. He had 1 minute and 12 seconds to spare for his Boston Qualification! Bradford and DK came in next at 3:10:46 and Dan came in with a new PR at 3:14. Wendy PR'd in the half too, she rocked that thang! Our friends Lisa and Todd smoked the 1/2 marathon as well! Big shout out to Brandon, Blake, and Angela who same out to support Matt. That was so awesome and just made the race even more special for him!

Wow, what a celebration!!! We were all elated!!! Looks like its Boston again for us in Spring!

The following days were spent at Hamilton's post race,

the Del,

drinking Sangria at El Camino

and the beach!!

Gosh, I sure do love California!  Matt's plan is to not do another full marathon until Boston. He wants to try some shorter distances and half marathons for the time being. Oh yeah, he also wants to break 3 hours at Boston...

Next up- Summer Series 5k this Sunday! I am hoping to race this one a tad smarter. Ugh.

Runningly Yours,

Truckin’ Down On Boylston Street- Part 2

So, as I am sure you know, I did run Boston.

The morning of the race (After I slept through my alarm!!) I choked down some rice and a few sips of chamomile tea. Usually I have coffee, a huge Gatorade, the works. I just couldn't this morning.

My dear friend Mark brought me some Immodium when I met the gang at the busses down on Boston Common. The bus ride was fun as usual, always interesting characters! I didn't have anything to eat or drink on the bus as I was real worried about what could happen.

We arrived at the village and I immediately used the restroom. I took Immodium and about 5 minutes later, I went again. After the 3rd trip to the restroom, I decided that it warranted the second recommended dose. blech.  Every time I would try to lay down, I would need to get back up in line. It was awful. I had my phone and was texting Matt as I was very worried about this race. I really didn't even know if I should try to start. I was so dehydrated at this point, and everything I tried to eat or drink was being rejected by my stomach. I was pretty upset.

I figured I would give it a go and that maybe I would 'forget' about my stomach once I started running. Well, its not like nerves. The flu is pretty unforgettable while running!

When I got to the start line, I tried to think positive. I knew the Big Guy would take care of me, and that I had a job to do and I was going to just go out and do it. (wise words from Don) They played Tom Petty's "Running Down A Dream" which perked me up. I am his biggest fan (atic), and I listen to this song before every race. Except we didn't bring it to Boston, so I was really happy to hear it blaring at the start line! There is no song quite like that one to get you amped up. Agreed? Good.

And we are off!!

I would include my splits but they are all messed up as I ran an extra .42 to the restrooms and forgot to turn off the 'auto-stop' function on my Garmin. My 2 slowest splits (not counting restroom stops)  were 6:55- Mile 1 and 6:55 Mile 20 at Heartbreak. Happy with that!

Luckily my Bandido friend Paul started with me and was able to help keep my mind off of my stomach for awhile. By mile 6 I was frantically looking for a restroom. Finally found one at mile 8. Bad. Took GU #1

I eventually caught up with Paul again, but we lost each other when I had to stop for the second time. I also met 2 friends from Daily Mile on the course, Chaz and Caleb. They looked so strong and I was SO glad to see them. My stomach was cramping bad and I needed a distraction. I tried to hang with them, but I was falling back. Took Gu #2

At mile 16, I had to find another restroom. This time the one I found was occupied so I had to run through the marathon to the other side of the road to another port-o. This is where I started crying in the port-o-potty. Bad.  Took GU #3- only ate 1/2 of it.

The rest of the race is pretty blurry. I passed DK and it took me a few minutes to realize that it was him. And he is a close friend! I know I was really dehydrated. I drank at almost every aid station. I felt a bit out of it and I probably should have stopped.  I usually take 4 or 5 GU's during the race but could only choke down the 2.5.

I will tell you what, I have never been so excited to see a street before. Boylston had angels singing on it, I swear! I tried to give it my all and was super happy that the clock had not turned to 3 hours yet. I had no idea what the time was during the race as my Garmin was all messed up. After I crossed I felt completely depleted. I think the wisest thing would have been to stop at a med tent but I knew there were probably peeps worse off then me so I decided against it. I grabbed my bag from bagcheck and waited for Matt. I was SO COLD!!

I love this race but felt so blah about it from being sick. I was disappointed and quite angry that I was so sick. Bummer. I have learned that I am tougher than I thought though. Although I was very far from my goal time of 2:48, my legs did not cramp up at all and the pace felt easy.  Heartbreak was much smaller than last year as well! I know that had it not been for the flu I would have been much closer to my goal.  I felt so great and ready to go all week before the race. This is the first time I did not feel sluggish before the race.  Seriously, my coach rocks.

With all that, this is going down in the books as my 'bad race'. Everyone has to have one race where something goes wrong. This was mine and its over with! Yay!

Highlights:

The volunteers and people of Boston are AMAZING. They make this race what it is for sure.

My friends had amazing races. They all ran so well. I have never seen a man so overjoyed as my friend Paul upon breaking 3 hours. Amazing.

DK ran this one for his late father and did so awesome. He swore that Dad helped him out with a tail wind every once in awhile. I believe him 100%.

Post race antics coming up!

Runningly Yours,