Boston Marathon
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Official Result
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boston
(pronounced "bwourston") marathon 2016
The days leading up to the
marathon were beautifully bright and sunny, but the temperatures were kept low
by the arctic wind blowing in from the Atlantic. The day of the race dawned
equally bright, but the temperature was mild even at 5.30am as I headed out to
the bus for the hour long journey to Hopkinton. There is no bag drop at the
start, so all clothing not needed for racing has to be discarded and is donated
to the local homeless charities, (who this year will be sporting some
interesting styles including Christmas pyjamas, onesies and boiler suits). The
temperature continued to climb and made the wait at the race start fairly
pleasant, however nearing 10am the sunscreen was on offer and it was clearly
going to be a hot one.
The start waves were well managed, but warming up was
nigh on impossible once you were corralled in your start pen, which rapidly
became very cosy. I felt for the other Harriers in subsequent waves with yet
more congestion. It was equally busy as the race got underway and impossible to
run at any pace with so many people filling the course. I thought this would
ease as the race progressed, but because we were all running at a similar pace
there was actually never really a clear path and keeping a good rhythm proved
challenging.
Water stations every 2 miles were packed with runners dodging
around, but in the heat getting regular fluids was essential, so missing many of
the stations was not an option. My fueling strategy fell apart at mile 10, when
on gel number 2 my stomach told me that gels were definitely poisonous, so I had
to back off and rely on water once again.
The first 6 miles I had aimed to
run a little faster than my target average pace, as it's mostly downhill, but
rolls continuously. After that I was to settle into my pace and get through the
first half easily, noting the good advice of a seasoned competitor that this
race dosen't start until mile 13. Over-doing it as usual, I hit the first 10
miles hard when the crowds allowed and had a sneaking suspicion that I would
regret it later. By half way I was on track for a good time, but my quads were
starting to feel the strain, so when we hit the hills at mile 16 I was already
suffering. The uphills didn't feel as bad as I had expected, but they did slow
the pace drastically; the worst part being that now my quads were screaming so I
couldn't pick up the faster pace I had planned for the downhill sections, so my
average pace dropped like a stone.
The last 8 miles were into an
increasingly strong headwind and seemed a very long way, including yet more
inclines, which were ever more painful. I knew I was well behind my target pace
by now, but there was little I could do about it but keep pushing for the finish
with what I had left. Finally I turned the corner onto Boylston and the finish
chute, only to spot a lady running near me. What a cheek! In true SFB style I
dug deep to produce a sprint(ish) finish and beat her to the line.
I managed
not to throw up. I didn't cry. I didn't collapse. I was a little disappointed
with my time, which said 2:55 as I crossed the line, but slightly happier when I
realised this was gun not chip time and I had managed 2:53 hours and won my age
group. This is frustratingly close to a number of targets ... Course fv50
record, UK fv50 marathon record to name but a few. Had I raced it with more
discipline I could possibly have hit these targets, but for now they remain to
spur me on another time....possibly... if I can put myself through all that
again.