Friday's journey had been long, a drive to Tralee, an old coach to Limerick, a newer coach to Shannon, a plane to Boston and a drive to Waltham added up to many, many hours. All the immigration checks had been done in Shannon, which led to the slightly unreal realisation that the departure lounge might have physically been in Ireland, but politically we basically were in the states already.
We (that's me and Mike) picked up our numbers yesterday, and all plans of getting in and out as soon as possible went out of the window when we got sucked into the vortex that is the Boston marathon Expo. I saw all those things that I can't normally get because they're not shipping across the Atlantic, and eventually left with heavy bags and light wallets. I even had to stop Mike from buying a pair of racing flats for Monday's marathon. I thought he was to stop me from doing stupid things, not the other way round!
We picked up Michael and drove to Hopkinton for a recce of the race course. Both me and Michael were surprised by the size of the hills, and I sure am glad to have seen them yesterday rather than getting an unwelcome surprise on Monday. Then again, neither of them are the Hell of the West. The last few miles are sweet in the unlikely event that you still have some working quads left. There's nothing to do now but rest and get mentally prepared for the fun.
We met Mark and his family for dinner. Mark, you must change your blog photo because it makes you look 10 years older than you are in real life. Everyone had a good time, and we never ran out of running gossip. In fact, we could have continued for ages.I did 5 miles yesterday and kept accusing the Garmin of being broken because it kept insisting I was doing 7:20 pace rather than the 8:30 pace it felt like. Eventually I managed to slow down, and I cut the run short in order not to wear myself out. 3 miles today were at genuinely easy effort, and that's it until tomorrow.
The weather forecast websites are all in agreement. We will have about 50F/10C and cloudy skies, which is perfect, but 20 mph headwinds, which is not. Not much we can do about it. As far as my outlook for the race goes, I have an outside chance of beating 3 hours, but no more than that. I'm determined to enjoy the occasion more than anything, and a great time would be an added, if very welcome, bonus. I assure you, it won't be for lack of trying.
Boston Runner #3780 signing out. See you on the other side.
- 18 Apr
- 5 miles, 38:46, 7:45 pace, HR 154
- 19 Apr
- 3+ miles, 23:57, 7:52 pace, HR 143
Good luck tomorrow Thomas! You've prepped well and will no doubt do awesome tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteMy plans have haphazzardly started to come together, but I'll be down there tomorrow. Hope to run into you at some point amongst the millions.
Good luck Thomas. You're ready to go! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteThe very best of Luck Thomas, have been following your blog with interest over the last few months and you certainly can't be accused of not putting in the work. Go n'eiri an bothar leat!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck #3780! Tuck in behind someone when you can and have a blast! You've trained so well for this race I suspect you will be very strong!
ReplyDeleteGood luck tomorrow. Hoping the headwinds forecast proves inaccurate!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Thomas!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! And I'm guessing the title is from Rocky Horror?
ReplyDeletethomas do you have a cell # you can send me so we can figure this out? Im going to send you an e-mail, stand by!
ReplyDeletep.s. our ideal plan is to meet you right after the marathon in brookline for a chat and a giant snack, but i don't know if you and mike have plans afterwards.
ReplyDeletesounds like you're really getting to enjoy the atmosphere. Boston is a great city and I'm sure that you'll only have happy memories!!
ReplyDeleteI'll be tracking you while I'm at work and sending you good vibes Thomas! Don't let the conjestion and screaming detract you from your focus. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHave fun today Thomas. I hope you get to run 2:45, enjoy the race andkiss the girls. Well, at least run 2-something.
ReplyDeleteGood luck. By the time you read this post it'll be sore quads and a vague desire for a steak.
ReplyDeleteYou are about an hour from starting as I write this, hanging out in Athletes Village I'm sure. Have fun!
ReplyDeletecongratulations on a solid 3:10, thomas!
ReplyDeleteThomas,
ReplyDeleteGood show. I have to hear the report. I spent the afternoon biting my fingernails while pressing 'refresh' on the live updates for 3780! The hills looked sapping on the live coverage and the little underpass at mile 25 was just cruel.
Well done - although I'm sure that will be no consolation. Still, if you look into yourself you will know whether you've done your best. My hardest performance was a 3:59 and not a 3:20.
Congrats Thomas. I'll be interested to read your report and get your reaction. I know from experience what those downhills do to your quads...or was the wind real bad? Anyway...3:10 is fabulous from where I'm standing, nice job!
ReplyDeleteHey Thomas...congrats on a great race! A solid time on a tough course in difficult conditions. You've come such a long way since you started the blog! Looking forward to the race report. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteHi Thomas,
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog for a couple of years and am constantly amazed at your dedication. Congratulations on a great effort and result at boston!
Jim Normile
Well done Thomas. You obviously have a story to tell. Sounds like a difficult day for all in Beantown as all 4 bloggers I was tracking suffered during the second half. Rest well and have a few beers.
ReplyDelete