In late 2007, when I found PRof on the web because I set out to qualify for Boston – I thought I’d run Boston once, get my fill and then move onto other marathons or maybe even be done running marathons.  I really didn’t realize, especially after #2, how The Boston Marathon would capture my heart and leave me, this morning after, excited for next year.  I will say that during both of my Boston trainings, during the cold, dark winter runs at the height of the training, I said, “I’m not doing this again”.   I thought that both 2009 and 2010 would be enough to make me feel that I had conquered Boston but somehow, it’s left me thinking that I’ll likely be back in 2011.

Boston was the first marathon I did without my Brewski – running is our thing together so it was different experience for me getting up marathon morning to get dressed (sporting my new skull and cross bone headband), gather my necessities while the Brew got up last minute, ½ slept on the couch while I put the final things together, and drove Spanky and I to the Gate City Strider bus out of Nashua that would take us to Hopkinton.  Hillman told me he wasn’t sure if it was Brewski or a little old lady dropping us off.

Spanky and I sat on the bus and on came Doctor Death, Aqua Lung, Hillman, Cougar, and Cougar’s boy toy and many other enthusiastic marathoners from the Gate City Striders.  Thanks to that group for permitting a bunch of Goons to take the bus to the start.  The ride to Hopkinton was pretty smooth and I sat reflecting on what I was about to do for the 5th time.  I had talked to the PRof the night before about what my strategy should be – very aware and concerned for going out too fast and the Newton Hills, we agreed that I’d keep it around an 8 minute pace until I was up over Heartbreak and then let go whatever I had left to give to the course.  The day was gorgeous and the bus got warm quick – we stepped out to see what the temp was – chilly but perfect.  At that point, we were fortunate to run into Mamacita, Punisher, and Enforcer before the race- all of them full of great energy – it was great to have so many Goons both on and off the course today.

I made my way down to the corrals (that road seemed longer this year?) with both Doctor Death and Hillman.  I gave them both a good luck hug and we separated first Doc and then Hillman and I.  I made my way into the back of the 10K corral and prepared for the start of the race.  After about a 9 minute shuffle to the starting mat – I took it to a run and we were off on the journey to Boston.  Soon after I heard someone yell my name – it was Lightning Chick who cruised on by.  I got into a nice rhythm staying within the pace I had planned on.  I just really took in the course and the surroundings which I didn’t do my first time around.  This was my first marathon free of headphones and a water belt – happy to be rid of both as it was a positive change!  People had told me I didn’t need them but I spent this marathon training learning to run longer without the headphones – it really made a difference in the experience for me for sure.

At about mile 4, I saw a Goon singlet ahead of me – I thought it might be Mad Dog but I wasn’t sure.  Soon enough I saw that singlet again and realized it was in fact Mad Dog.  We chatted briefly about our plans for the day – they were the same and before we knew it – we were keeping each other in check from about Mile 5 to right after the turn @ the Newton Firehouse (he took off for the hills literally at that point and I kept it right where I had it).  Mad Dog was an entertaining person to run with to say the least – I appreciated the companionship on the course – Thank you Mad Dog!

Along the course I saw other Goons cheering us on – Brewski with Mrs. Spanky and some friends, Showtime and Smokin Ivy, Yeti, Mrs. Triage and Gumby who I missed (thank you for being out there cheering!), Pusher with his awesome flag who yelled ‘OCG’ @ Mile 20 when I needed it, and all other Goons who were following on line.  The Goon vibes close and far were felt on the course!

Going into the hills I had kept reserves in the tank as planned but the hills did not fail to challenge – that is for sure.  I was overcome with emotion coming down Heartbreak with the BC tower in my sight and being SO happy to have reached this point.  I let go whatever I had left just wanting to get to the finish at this point.  The crowds were amazing the entire way especially at this point until the finish where I needed it most!

I crossed the finish @ 3:26:43, an 11 minute Boston course PR from last year, and my 4th Boston Qualifier- I couldn’t be happier.  My plan is to come back and do it again next year! Thanks to the Goons and PRof for another great marathon training – this marathon game is way more fun with all of you ☺  Congratulations to all 21 Goons who completed Boston Marathon 2010!

The email newsletter from the organizers of the Paris Marathon assured me it was easy to get to the finish.  All I had to do was follow the blue line on the road.  My hopeful Aunt Dot sent me a card with best wishes for a finish near the first woman and a return home with a dashing Frenchman.  And the booklet in the pre-race packet urged men to use the band-aids provided to cover their tits.  A literal translation, apparently!

I had dreamed about going to Paris for years, since I was a teenager with a desire to be a fashion designer and live there.  Paris was even more beautiful than I had imagined and it was incredibly exciting to be there.  After checking in at the charming Hotel de Sevigne on rue de Belloy, it was time for a little sight seeing.  This helped me get on Paris time, which is 6 hours ahead of US time.  There are 287 steps up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and the view of the city is spectacular.  I met some other runners later in the day for a Metro ride out to the marathon expo to pick up our bib numbers and chips.  On Saturday, I took a hop-on, hop-off bus tour that traveled much of the marathon course.  All of the architecture in Paris is old, intricate and beautifully detailed.  The city is laid out in such a way that it is easy to find your way about.  Parisians are sophisticated, elegant and very friendly and helpful with directions.  The bus made stops at the Louvre, place de la Concorde and Notre Dame, and finished by turning down the Champs Elysees for a wonderful view of the Arc.

Sunday morning I got up and put on the magical “G” singlet and walked to the Champs Elysees for the start of the marathon.  It was very crowded and became even more so after we turned off the wide Champs and onto more narrow roads.  There were many spectators cheering us on, including firefighters who put their ladders over the course and were sitting on them for what must have been a great view of the runners.  Everyone’s bib number had his or her first name on it, so there was personalized encouragement!  I heard quite a few “Goon Squad Rebel!!” as well.  At one point, we were running along the Seine and could look over and see the Eiffel Tower very close by and that was pretty incredible.  At the finish, we received our tee shirt, medal and a long poncho with a hood that was great for keeping warm on the way back to the hotel.  When I walked in, the group of people in the lobby clapped and cheered.  It was a very nice welcome!

After a short rest, it was off to the Musee d’Orsay to see some Renoir, Picasso and Van Gogh.  Then a delicious steak dinner and some French wine.  Wine lists in Paris aren’t lists….they are books!  On Monday, L’Equipe, a European sports newspaper, had a great picture of the start and announced “30,815 Vainqueurs!”

On Monday I took the Metro out to Montmartre, an old section of Paris where Picasso once lived and Edith Piaf sang on the streets.  It still attracts many artists and musicians and it was so cool to walk the little streets where so many famous people had once walked.  There are many steps to climb to get to Basilique du Sacre Coeur, but very worth it because I found it more beautiful than Notre Dame.

The last night, I ate on the Champs Elysees and watched the lights come on and I wished I could stay longer.  There is a 20K in October, so maybe next year…. Paris, je vous aime!

While many Goons were off doing the traditional Boston Marathon run, Showtime (Dan Frank) tagged along with local runner / friend, Kip Adgate, to Tennessee for the Andrew Jackson Marathon. Kip is a member of the 50 State Marathon Club which is exactly what you think it is: Insane marathoners who think that buying an RV and seeing America from a 50 foot long boat on wheels isn't exciting.

There is also a sub-group, Marathon Maniacs, which you have to qualify for. Qualifying starts with 2 marathons within 16 days, or 3 marathons within 90 days. There were around 10 of these 50 staters and Maniacs at the race.

I suppose there is a smaller marathon than the Andrew Jackson we haven't run it. There were 414 runners between the 3 races: Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5k on Saturday, April 17th. This was a record turnout in their 38th year.
How small was it? The pasta dinner was at a deli owned by the race director's brother-in-law.

The course rolls from the start. The first 5 are through local neighborhoods (miles 21 - 26 is the same route) and then you break out into farm country dotted by the occasional McMansion and trailer. The marathon staff was great. No shortage of water or energy. Just a shortage of runners to talk to.

About 100 - 125 people finished the marathon (the results are still not up today). Kip finished 11th, 2nd senior. I finished 19th, 3rd senior.

 

 

 

Jim Johnson (Taz) 2:30:00    

Frank Row (Bones) 2:56:15

Brian Reeves (Silent Assassin)  2:59:02

Donald Chapelle (Codfather) 3:00:20 

Thor Kirleis (Thunder God) 3:00:58

Tina Dowling (Machina) 3:06:18

Jason Kramer (Cosmo) 3:14:10

Kelly LeCours (Cougar) 3:19:10

Chris Russell (Mad Dog) 3:22:43

Cristina Winsor (Mamacita) 3:25:19

Gina Newton (OCG) 3:26:43

Joe McGrath (AquaLung) 3:32:46

Chris Chetsas (Doctor Death) 3:33:16

Linda Ford (Enforcer) 3:33:41

Linsey Cohen (Lightning Chick) 3:33:53

Marsha Hogan (Glamour Hammer) 3:34:25

Glenn Simm (Mr. Gambino) 3:35:59

Dan Hill (Hillchecker) 3:38:06

Gary Circosta (Mr Methane) 3:49:15

Hank Wilder (Spanky) 3:57:06

Jen Popowicz (Punisher) 4:00:56

 

Photo of Taz courtesy of  Scott Mason  

 

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