In blog land it's become "THE" marathon. Among fast runners, it's the "ULTIMATE" race.
But to me, I'd rather watch then run.
(See last year I ran...)
Don't I look happy? I wasn't. I was pretty miserable!
Truth, I thought last year was too hot for a marathon (I think it topped off at 65 degrees...) This year it was hotter than that at 7am. Not fun for runners.
I've lived right off the course practically my entire life. I've missed watching the race only once in my almost thirty years. I love being there to support the runners and taking everything in. BUT I don't love this marathon. Personally, I think NY is the best marathon in the world. Read this post for my defense!
People always talk about Boston being the IT marathon. Did it pave the way for women runners? Absolutely. Is the energy in Boston electrifying? Oh yes. But first, you have to get into Boston. You see, the marathon is run 90% in the suburbs west of the city of Boston. You run through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Brighton, Brookline and eventually Boston. You run on streets I've been running on my whole life. Sometimes I think they should rename the race to the Metrowest Marathon because as BIG as Boston has become- most people in other parts of Massachusetts NEVER watch.
Yep, you heard me right. If you didn't grow up west of Boston, you most likely didn't grow up watching the Boston Marathon. The one year I missed the marathon was the year I worked at a company on the North Shore.
Luckily now I work in the city and Patriots Day/Marathon Monday is one of our celebrated days off. And I couldn't he happier about it. Because I love watching this race!
When I found out it was going to be 87 degrees today, I decided to stay close to home around the mile 4 mark.
Last year I narrowly missed my PR, running the final 6 miles with Becky and Lauren....
This year?
I'm 37+ weeks pregnant and can barely walk the half mile from my house to the course! What a difference a year makes : )
Scenes from 2012
Dave and Enjoying the moments before the race begins...
The Hoyt Family... I've been watching them since I was a little girl... this is their 30th marathon! Want to learn more about Dick Hoyt and his son? Watch this...
Elite Women:
Sharon Cherop in front (who later would win!)
RESULTS
| 1 | F4 | Cherop, Sharon | 2:31:50 | KEN | ||
| 2 | F16 | Sumgong, Jemima Jelagat | 2:31:52 | KEN | ||
| 3 | F11 | Rono, Georgina | 2:33:09 | KEN |
Elite Men:
Wesley Korir on the left (and maybe in the midst of a snot rocket) who later would win in dramatic fashion. Mutai is flying through the air, sad he had to drop out...
| 1 | 8 | Korir, Wesley | 2:12:40 | KEN | ||
| 2 | 4 | Matebo, Levy | 2:13:06 | KEN | ||
| 3 | 9 | Kipyego, Bernard | 2:13:13 | KEN |
Soon after the elite men went by, Wave 1 runners took over the streets...
First non- elite woman runner I saw...
Then I saw Lindsay looking really strong and hydrating, almost missed a photo!
And after that I saw Skinny Runner!
Who just ran Gansett two days ago. I don't know how she does it!
Then we got a little break in between Wave 1 and Wave 2. I was sad I missed Dorothy and Megan. I was looking, but I didn't have any luck : (
When Wave 2 started, I began the search for Corey. Luckily we both spotted each other!!!
She looked so happy!!!!!
My favorite sign....
Runners!
And now I'm sitting on the couch watching the rest of the marathon on TV.
Congrats to all 2012 Boston Marathon runners!!!
You guys are all so amazing and inspiring!!!
I can't believe the heat those runners had to endure today! Crazy. I hope to run Boston someday, and now I really, really hope the year I run it is a cool one. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Your baby will be here soon! Cool!
ReplyDeleteunbelievable how things change over a year! fabulous pics! L
ReplyDeleteLizzy, you got some great pictures!! Haha it's clear I was very happy to see you :) I was worried I missed you when I ran past mile 4 and still hadn't seen you...but then there you were with Dave! Oh man, I almost look too happy in that picture. I think that sentiment lasted about 12-13 miles and then the heat really started to hit me. My muscles started cramping and I got dizzy as I was walking to meet my family...somehow a wheelchair intercepted me, but nothing a little re-hydrating couldn't fix. Thank you so much for all of your support and cheering -- it was awesome to see you there. You look so great, so glad you enjoyed spectating this year! Miss you!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteomg im gonna go put a shirt on right now!
ReplyDeleteSo lucky you live so close to the course! Maybe its because I grew up within 30 minutes of all those towns but we always watched the marathon! Its the ONLY marathon I ever want to run!
ReplyDeleteYay, thank you for spotting me! Even though you caught me mid-hydration in a very flattering picture :) I;m the opposite: I loved Boston more than NYC-- but maybe it's something about the hometown effect & liking a different vibe! SO glad you enjoyed spectating this year, I really want to go up to watch it next year if I'm able. Too bad it's not a holiday in NYC. And, you look great!!
ReplyDeleteWOW. what a difference a year makes, huh??!
ReplyDelete