Thank You Boston.
I did it - marathon one for 2012 is under my belt. And it was a killer one too - 26.2 miles in 89 degree weather - the running was the least of my worries on race day.
It wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was my slowest marathon EVER (slower than that time I ran a marathon without training). But on Monday, my goal wasn’t to run a 3:30 anymore. It was to cross the finish.
The Boston Marathon is an unbelievable experience. The race is incredibly well organized, from the race expo to the finish line. There are volunteers everywhere to help you along the way if you have any questions or concerns. It is truly an experience that I would recommend to all runners.
What makes it so great, however, are the people along the route. Everywhere we ran - from Hopkinton, to Newton, to Ashland, to Boston - there were thousands of people setting up shop in front of their businesses and their homes to offer the hot runners water, ice, snacks, orange slices, you name it. All out of their own pockets. Since Patriot’s day is a holiday in Boston each year, it is a tradition in Boston that the residents get together to cheer on the marathoners along the course.
This year, I believe they were one of the main reasons why so many runners finished. Even with water and gatorade at every mile on the course, the people of Boston stepped up to plate and helped us out, out there.
All that to say, the Boston Marathon organizers had quite the challenge to deal with this year. But, all things considered, they still were able to deliver. So kudos. Thank you, Boston.
Next stop, NYC Marathon. :)
