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Let me introduce myself. My name is Lori and I work at wbztv.com as a producer. Some time late last year I decided that I would run the Boston Marathon. Mind you, I've never run a marathon. So with the help of my unofficial trainer, WBZ's Peg Rusconi, I'm learning what it takes to conquer Boston. You can read my trials and tribulations below. Feel free to email me your training tips, or share your own fond memories of abusing your body in preparations for Marathon Monday. Email Me
April 22, 2008
Well, it's the day after the biggest -- and longest -- race of my life. I finished in 4:53:00, but the time was only a small piece of my journey yesterday.
I felt pretty good when I started the race. At the start of the day, I was just really looking forward to running... getting started.
When the gun went off and the second wave started running -- the wave I was in -- I kept trying to tell myself to take it slow. Take it slow. That has been the message Peg has been trying to drive home for the past few days.
It was really hard to stay slow because TONS of people were passing me out... At one point, I felt like I was at the very end of the pack. But all that conserving paid off, because I really needed the energy at the end of the race.
The last mile felt impossible. I was drained not only physically, but mentally as well. I was completely spent, and I still had one mile left. I felt like the Prudential building was teasing me. I caught myself thinking how far could the Pru really be? This is killing me! But when I turned onto Boylston Street, it was the most unbelievable feeling of accomplishment. And the Boston Marathon photo tower was the most welcome site ever.
But backing up a bit... I have to tell you about some of the highlights of the run. I was struggling on mile 17 and when I turned the corner onto Comm. Ave. all I could think about was my family and friends waiting for me at mile 22 (B.C.). That was really all that was keeping me going. I actually found myself starting to choke up just thinking about seeing them soon.
And when they all finally came into view, I was elated. I was so excited, relieved... rejuvenated, well, sort of. The best part... My friend and running partner Ella jumped in with me and ran the last four miles. That really helped out. She spent the entire four miles just telling me stories, getting my mind off the course.
I also got to see Peg at Cleveland Circle. It was GREAT to see her. She asked me how I was feeling, and interviewed me for TV!
I brought my phone with me, so I as able to talk to Peg on the course. Every few miles, I would hear my phone ring, and be completely relieved, knowing it was Peg and she was going to talk to me about my pace, time and how I was feeling. There is no way I would have finished this race if it wasn't for Peg. From the start of my training until I crossed the finish line. She was with me all the way. I owe her big time.
So I'll end with this. Once I finished, handed in my chip and got to cool foil cape to wear, I called Peg to tell her my time. She then asked my after experiencing today, would I ever do another marathon. I paused for a moment and thought back at everything... the training, the hours of running, the time consumed by exercise, and then the grueling 26.2 miles that I spent 16 weeks getting ready for... and you know what? Yes. I would run another marathon. Why? There is a feeling you get from finishing that really can't be described. Only people who have run marathons really know what I'm talking about. That feeling is addictive -- a natural high -- and I can't wait to have that feeling again.
Alright. Thanks for reading and a special thanks to all my friends, family and co-workers that were so supportive throughout this whole experience.
April 20, 2008
OK! Race day is tomorrow, and I can't wait! I went to go pick up my number on Friday, and at that point, everything sank in... I'm really running this race! (BTW, everyone that volunteers for the marathon is so nice! The woman who gave me my number was so excited for me.. and she lives in my hometown!)
The one piece of advice that Peg has been driving home over the past couple of days is to start off slow... start off slow. As she mentioned in her blog below, I am going to feel great when I start, but I have to think about the entire 26.2 miles that I have to cover. Start off slow.
My boyfriend's dad is also running the marathon. He arrived in Boston Saturday. He came to the states all the way from Ireland.
It's 7:30 p.m. and I am sitting in front of the TV watching "Deadliest Catch" with the beau and his dad. Just a half hour ago, we were feasting on a spaghetti dinner. Mmmm...
So I'm ready to go. The bag's packed, everything is charged up, and the alarm's set for 5:30 a.m.!
Now all that's left is the run... Wish me luck!
April 19, 2008
BEFORE THE GUN:
-Bring your racing shoes and socks to Hopkinton in a bag. Put them on at the last minute.
-Wear outer layers you don't care about to Hopkinton. That way, you can ditch them at the starting line or even during the race without worry.
-Bring something waterproof, like a few trash bags to lounge on or protect yourself from drizzle.
-You'll likely be in Hopkinton for hours. Don't waste those hours walking around. Find a nice spot, stay there, and do whatever it takes to relax and focus on running a good race.
-Eat what you would normally eat before a long run. Eat enough. Don't overeat.
-Bring water and sports drink. Unless it's unseasonably hot, stop drinking an hour before the start.
-Wait as long as you can to make the glorious trip to the Portajohn. On that subject, BYOTP.
-No reason to go to the starting pen early. You'll only stand there wishing you could get to a Portajohn one last time.
AFTER THE GUN
-DO NOT START FAST! Resist the urge. I know you feel great and your legs feel fresh after two weeks of short mileage. Know your pace plan, stick to it. You need to conserve. A running adage holds there are two halves to a marathon-- 20 miles and 6.2. First timers, you'll likely learn there's some truth here. If you still feel like a gazelle at mile 20, you can run fast then.
-DO NOT take fluid from the first tables at a water station. Avoid the big traffic jams there. Instead, circumvent the crowds and grab water or sports drink from the tables or volunteers at the end of a station.
-WALK DON'T RUN the 2-4 steps it takes you to down fluid. Ever wonder why the elites drink from water bottles, not paper cups? Try this fun experiment at home. Fill a cup 2/3 of the way with red wine. Try to drink it while running across your best light-colored carpeting. Note the number of places the wine lands. Curse yourself for not walking. It won't cost you any time.
-SEGMENT THE RACE. I like to think of a marathon as two 10-milers and a 10k, each with a different strategy. The first ten miles I try to purely enjoy. I find my rhythm, and appreciate the day, the spectators, my fitness level, the convenience of all that course-side Gatorade awaiting me down the road when I need it. I think of the race as a grand reward for all my hard work. When running Boston, I think about running in the footsteps of more than a century of marathoners bound for Boston.
At the ten mile mark, I stop enjoying and start focusing. I focus on my pace and form, I assess what needs attention, I make little adjustments. Whenever I have a negative thought, I think of the finish line. The whole point of the second ten is to get myself to Mile 20 in strong shape.
The last 10k is all about getting to the finish line, whatever it takes. For a lot of even well-trained people, this is where things start to fall apart.
Aching muscles start to scream. Blisters and chafe points flare. The adrenalin rush of the start has long worn off and you're mentally drained. You want it to end, but that can only happen if you keep running, which you're sick and tired of doing. I have a variety of tactics I use when the going gets tough. Sometimes I encourage other runners around me, telling them how strong they look (this takes the focus off me, makes me feel good about helping someone else, and often provokes them to tell me that I, too, look fabulous. Who doesn't want to hear that?) Sometimes I count steps-- I'll tell myself to just get through the next 20 steps. Then 20 more, and 20 more. Draw strength from the spectating crowds. They want to cheer you on. Pump your fist and they'll respond. Whatever it takes to look good on Boylston Street for your finish line photo.
April 17, 2008
It's Thursday, and I am days away from running... tonight I found myself with so much extra energy, I could not settle down. I ended up cleaning the house to keep myself occupied.
Everyone is asking how I am feeling, and you know what? I really feel great. Actually, I cannot wait for Monday to get here. I am really excited to just lace up my sneakers and run. I have been telling people all day that I am looking forward to race day -- I wish it was here already!
I just read the article Peg attached in her blog below, and it has really got me thinking about what I am going to eat over the weekend. I feel like I am on the right track with all the carbs and protein, but I want to make sure that I am feeding my muscles the right foods in the vital upcoming days!
I am heading to the Hynes Convention Center first thing Friday to collect my number... and pick up some cool running gear... I'll tell you all about it tomorrow!
