It was surreal to wake up to this day being here.
The weather sucked. Plain and simple. But that morning, I was ready.
Our team coach said "odds are the weather won't get better" (it didn't).
His last words... to put one foot in front of the other and never give up.
Gear check. Getting on the bus. Long ride to Hopkinton.
Athlete's Village was an insanely muddy mess.
Despite the conditions, the energy was a mix of nerves and excitement.
Getting into the corrals to make our way to the start.
I met one of my favorite IG runners and got a hug.
I was shivering and sopping wet as I began.
Start too fast and blow your quads. Not happening.
I threw out my time goal. My watch buried under many layers.
All I wanted was to make it to the finish.
Small but supportive crowds.
Periods of downpours.
Puddles in my shoes.
Adjusting my nutrition plan with no watch to gauge mileage.
It is true, you really can hear the Wellesley scream tunnel before you get to it.
I ran through walls of water.
Taking every orange slice offered.
Smiling at the crowds. Smiling at the downpours.
Shouting to the crowd to find out who won (Desi!!!).
I missed seeing my Team Brookline coach at Mile 17.
I had been focused on that and it set me back.
I ran the hills while waterfalls cascaded down.
I saw my run club at Mile 20 when I needed them most.
Coach Dan's face was pure euphoria.
The high five was my power up into Heartbreak Hill.
Literally downhill to the end (more of less).
I may have shouted "I still have my quads!"
I hit Cleveland Circle and unleashed into Brookline.
Beacon Street was my party.
I saw all my friendly faces.
I soaked it all up (pun intended)
I finally shed my top layer.
I truly knew I was going to finish.
Seeing that Citgo sign was just amazing.
Two more friends giving high fives.
My PT there shouting "You're still moving"
Yes I was!
Felt like the shortest mile.
Right on Hereford.
Hereford was a poncho graveyard.
It was the funniest sight all day.
I saw that finish.
They aren't joking...it's still far.
The crowds were loud. I pumped my arms more.
I was doing it.
My phone blew up.
Medal around my neck.
Blanket for warmth.
Finally in dry clothes.
Found mom.
Home to respond to all the messages and love.
Sore. Tired. Victorious!
Fought for every minute.
Goal was 4:30ish.
The elites were 30 minutes slower than usual.
So I will take it and smile ear to ear.
That is my first marathon time.
My BOSTON MARATHON time!
I did it!
And yes. I am already ready to do it all again....Chicago Marathon training starts May 28th!
More mile by mile play by play on my running IG: instagram.com/tsbrunsfree
Come link up and join...
the Good.Random.Fun. each Monday and Little Things Thursday...right here!
