Boston April 21, 2014

Boston April 21, 2014

Hard to believe this is my second Boston marathon and my 10th marathon since 2009.  It is a dream realized only with the help and support of the WRFB.  Looking back to 2012 DVT four weeks before Boston was a blessing in disguise.  If I had run Boston in 2012 I most likely would not have run in 2013 or 2014.  So here I am at Boston with 6 other WRFB members.  I was more nervous than usual.  Even Josh commented before the race that I was more quiet than usual.  Just worried about the training and was it enough.

I was glad to have run in 2013 and to experience the race before the increased security.  My wife was able to enter runner’s village in 2013.  Not so this year.  Only runners with bibs were allowed in.  The security was amazing.  Local and State Police, FBI, Homeland security, Army, National Guard and dogs.  The security presences was known.  My children were searched several times throughout the day.  Once at the start area and again at the finish area.  I had them carry post run gear to the finish line and used the clear runner’s bag, but this still had to be searched and tagged as inspected.

10 of us gathered at 4 Hazel drive in Hopkinton.  We took a group picture and wished the first wave of runners good luck and they departed 4 Hazel drive for the runner’s village. We did likewise 20 minutes later.  We timed the connection perfect.  We arrived at runner’s village just as our wave was making its way to the corrals.  Stopped one last time at the porto-pots and off to corral 5.  The gun went off 10:25 and we were on our way.

I wasn't sure of my pacing so I decided to try 8 min/mile which would put me at 3:30 finish time.  This would be a Boston qualifier. Last year I went out too fast for the first 6 miles.  Even the best intentions could not keep me at 8 min per mile.  It felt like everyone was passing me, but I tried to stick to my pace.  I still could not keep it at pace so the 7:50 pace was feeling good and I continued at this pace.  I just wanted to enjoy the day.

The sights and sounds keep you motivated mile after mile.  At mile 1 was a band of 6 playing sort of country/folk style music.  At mile 2 was a group of bikers in leather drinking beer and grilling meat.  At mile 4.5 the crowds were sparse and it was a wooded area.  Runners were doing their part to water the trees.  I even saw a woman hop behind a skid of rocks at a garden center and drop trow.   The next few miles just rolled by listening to the crowd scream runner’s names.  It is amazing some of the outfit’s people wear.  I saw wonder woman, Tinkerbelle, shirtless man, Easter bunny, and a man in kilt.  I did not ask what he had on underneath.

Around mile 6 we were out of the woods and I could feel the heat of the sun and the heat radiating off the road.  I knew it was going to warm up.  Around mile 10 I checked my pace and still running 7:50 and it felt good, so I decided to continue at this pace.  It was here that I got chicked, but not just any chick as they had passed me all day long.  This woman had on the back of her shirt "Mom of 7."  Made me feel like a big Wussy.  In fact I could hear Brian shouting Wussy. I passed several more bands playing, people drinking beer yelling out "hey beer man" "got your beer here"  "there's beer at the finish."  These are always good to keep me motivated.  Shortly after mile 12 I arrived at Wellesley and it does not disappoint.  My family was meeting me here on the left side of the road.  This year they were at the pre-determined meeting point.  In fact, they were there early enough that they snapped photos of the elites.  I cannot wait to see the pictures.  I stopped and hugged them and continued on my way.  The next potential meeting would be at the base of Heartbreak Hill.  The next several miles went by quickly.  My family really gave me a boost.  I was still maintaining my 7:50 pace as I came to mile 16 and started the Newton hills.  I rolled through the first 2 hills in the Newtown’s and felt great.  The last hill before Heartbreak Hill I started to slow a little.  Heartbreak hill would take its toll.  I started to feel my legs tiring as I crested the hill and arrived at mile 21.  The next 5 miles would prove to be challenging.  The first 20 are always easy, it is the last 10k that prove challenging.  I would use the crowd for support.  When I needed a pick me up, I would run closer to the side of the road to get the usual beer comments.

I was still holding pace and then at mile 22 my first hamstring cramp occurred.  I kept moving for another mile but could feel my pace slipping.  I grabbed my left hammy in pain and a woman passed me and said “you got this.”  The explicatives I thought were not very nice, but I kept my filter on and thanked her.   Through miles 23 and 24 I would stop 3 times to stretch my hamstrings in order to keep running.  I did not want to walk across the finish line.  The stretching helped and I would get moving again.  At last I reached the Citgo sign at mile 25.  I was determined not to stop again and that determination kept me running, however slow it may have been.  I rounded the corner on to Boylston Street and enjoyed the sight of the finish line.  I was screaming with the spectators and pumping my fists in the air.  Several times I screamed Boston and the crowd would start cheering louder.  It was a great feeling.

I finished my second Boston.  Something I never thought I would do and now I have 2 under my belt.  I am motivated now to get back to Boston in the future.  I felt tired and stopped a few times to stretch as I walked through the finish area.  Every time I stopped someone would ask me if I was okay.  I thought "no", but answered I would be okay.  I did not want a ride to the medical tent.  I stretched and tried to catch my breath.  I had some problems breathing and got light headed.  But it soon passed.  Now if I could get these legs to work, but that is the marathon.

I found Carol, John's sister and husband and Ryan's dad.  The ladies gave me the updates and times on all of the finishers.  We chatted a little then I wandered through the finish chute, drinking every chance I could get.  This year the finish chute went straight down Boylston Street and ended at the park.  It stopped right at Bob's tree where my family was waiting.  They helped me sit down and remove my shoes. 

They also helped me put on my sandals and had to help me stand.  The cramps in the hamstrings subsided but the muscle in the front top side of the thigh started to cramp.  It took some time for these to subside.  Fortunately the car was only 4 blocks away.  I hobbled to the car and we headed home. We stopped for food and ran into Bob.  We departed and I took my turn driving for the first 4 hours.  We stopped for gas and my wife took over.  We stopped in Wilkes-Barre to drop off my children.  My wife would take the hard part for the final leg home.  I made the mistake of going to work on Tuesday and officiating 2 soccer games that evening.  The quads are sore, but I am hoping to run Thursday, however painful and slow it may be.

A big thanks to the WRFB for all their support and help. I would not be the runner I am without you.  Now I need someone to teach me how to bike so I can tackle the Diamondman half Ironman September 6th in Delaware.

Another big thanks to all my family and friends for your support and taking an interest in my running.  It means a lot to me that you recognized my efforts and show interest in my somewhat obsessive activity. 

 After Easter church service

 

Entering Hopkinton - the starting point for Boston

Dick and Rick Hoyt Statue.

Runners before the start 7 are WRFB members

Bib 13681  Smith, David P  50  M  Glen Rock  PA  USA       

5k 0:24:23
10k 0:48:33
15k 1:12:59
20k 1:37:42
Half  1:43:06
25k 2:02:23
30k 2:27:43
35k 2:54:07
40k 3:22:08 

Finish:

Pace 0:08:11
Proj. Time 3:34:13
Offl. Time 3:34:13
Overall 10598
Gender 7879
Division  983
x

Bob Breighner Boston 2014

2014 Boston Marathon recap by Bob Breighner

Sorry, this is obviously a special year on so many levels, so the recap is longer than usual.

We (Josh, Keenan, and I) left for Boston Saturday late morning and stopped at Wally’s Deli in Allentown.  From there went on to University of Hartford to see if we could get some shirts.  The bookstore closed 10 minutes before we got there, but had a nice walk around campus and Josh seemed content with his decision for where he was going to college.  We then continued on to our hotel in Westborough, MA.  After we found the hotel, we got dinner and then decided to drive into downtown Boston.  We went to Mike’s Pastries in the North End.  It was very crowded and later found out that a lot of people will buy pastries for Easter Sunday.  We returned to the hotel and got a good night’s sleep. 

Sunday we met up with the Smiths and Katoras planning to go to a nearby Lutheran church.  We missed a turn and ended up finding a Catholic church.  The priest was the chancellor at Boston College and the service lasted just 30 minutes.  Dylan Smith made the comment that the worship service was a PR.  It brought back memories for me of 7am services at St. Aloysius in Littlestown.  After church, we went back to the hotel and then headed to Hopkinton.

We first went to the Runners Village by the School to look around.  The one noticeable new item was a “Tactical Operations Vehicle” with rotating cameras.  Security was going to be a lot different this year.  After some nice photos, we headed to the starting line.  It was nice to walk around the commons and see the Hoyts statue.  One interesting item was a black SUV with a NYP (New York Police) license plate.  Apparently there was going to be a lot of security and assistance was coming from everywhere. At one point, Jul was texting with Josh and Josh texted her that Dad is crying over everything.  So many wonderful memories of the marathon and the places and grateful to have Josh along to share the experience.

Next up was to map out how our spectators were going to get from our host house (Hasbrouks, 4 Hazel Rd) to some viewing locations.  John Katora had mapped out an exit from Hopkinton that avoided the roads that would be closed on Monday.  I had Josh drive and Keenan take notes so they would know what to do the next day.  We got to Wellseley easily and marked a spot for them to be.  We then stopped at a Subway on our way to Newton, Boston College, and Heartbreak Hill.  We found everything easily and they decided they would park in the neighborhood and walk up to Heartbreak Hill during the marathon.  We then got to the finish area and parked at the Prudential building for the Expo.  

The runners picked up our bib numbers and shirts and I broke down and bought a jacket.  As always, there was a lot of free food and everyone seemed to have a good time.  Notably, Dave Smith and John Katora got to see Dick and Rick Hoyt and get a picture with them.  I got a picture with Rick Hoyt as Dick had to leave for a little bit before I got there. 

We then walked down to the finish line and down Boyleston Street to the Commons to indicate our meeting spot at “Bob’s Tree”.  Funny, never noticed the tree was actually tagged indicating it was an Elm tree.  We then headed back to our cars so we could drive to the North End for another cannoli from Mike’s pastries.  Not bad eating dessert before dinner. We then headed back to the hotel and then had dinner with the Smiths at Pizzeria Uno.  Very relaxing dinner to end the day.

I had a relatively good night’s sleep again only waking up once and getting back to sleep easily.  Patriots Day was here and it was time to get to Hopkinton before the streets closed.  We get off of the exit at 6:40am, which normally would have been plenty of time.  Woops, the cars were backed up and started getting worried about the road closure.  It seemed like every police car had a German Shepherd in it.  There were National Guard members walking around and FBI.  The police car coming to close the road literally stopped traffic right behind us, but we weren’t clear yet.  Next intersection looked like it was closed.  A quick call to Tom Berridge and he got Andrea to route us around the back way in.  Got within a block of the turn and a local police stopped us asking where we were going.  I indicated to see family and gave the address.  He instructed us to turn around and go another way, which worked without any issue, except for the 2 armored trucks and hazmat trucks parked in the neighborhood on the way in.  Yes, security was definitely different this year. Finally, we get to our host house about 7:30am.  As always, it was very nice to meet up with friends and relax before the marathon.  We had 9 runners there this year and got our customary picture before sending off the wave 1 runners and then I was in with the wave 2 runners and we would be leaving in about 15 minutes.  One main difference for us this year was having us go to the Runners village to load into the corrals instead of going to the Start line from their house.  Said my good byes and headed to the Runners Village.  The police and National Guard were checking for our bibs and then had us go through security screening (just wanded us).  We then started the walk down Grove Street to the corrals.  Dave Tushingham and I were going to run together shooting for a 3:09 pacing at 7:15’s.  The problem was the original forecast of starting temps in the 40’s turned into a starting temp of 58 and a finishing temp of 70.  Too warm to hold 7:15’s on that course…

Dave and I get to our corrals and have about 10 minutes until the start and then the reality hit, the starter/announcer let us know the current temp was 58 degrees.  Dave and I shared the same concern about the heat.  The start was same as normal with everyone running in a mass with very little room to run and everyone just enjoying the day.  As always about a mile in, we hear the theme from Rocky playing at a house on the right side (always the same every year).  Then something new, I saw a little boy (maybe 5 or 6 years old) holding a handmade poster simply stating, “Take back the finish line.”  Now that is motivating.  Then up ahead about mile 3 on the left is the biker bar in full party like they do every year.  A large crowd is outside drinking, partying, playing music, and grilling burgers and dogs.  Again, this is the same very year.  Then little else unusual until about mile 8 as we ran together and then realized I was working too hard, so backed off to 7:30’s.  Could still see Dave ahead of me until about mile 11.   Then came Wellseley College and the loud roar from the cheering female students on the right side.  I ran on the left side, as I always do because of the noise, and the fact that I was planning to see Josh at mile 12.  Perfect, just like we planned, he was there and I was so glad to be able to stop, give him a hug, and then move on.  The one unforeseen negative was that it charged me up and I was back running 7:15’s for a couple miles.  Woops, got carried away and could feel the toll on the body.  Starting to approach the Newton hills that start at mile 16 and knew I had to back down to the 7:30’s.  The next 5 miles were covering the four hills concluding with Heartbreak Hill.  About mile 18, I ran into Dave again and told him to settle in and keep going.  It was nice that we were running together when we saw his wife, Denise and two of their children.  The Newton Hills are clearly one of the reasons that Boston is tough, the accumulation of hills (up and down).  Once again, I was glad to see Josh at the midway point of Heartbreak Hill.  Thankfully, Keenan saw me and yelled for me.  I was so grateful to see them.  After a stop and another hug, Josh tells me, “Now go get up that hill.”  Cried, tears of joy, the rest of the way up the hill.  And, as customary, let out a yell when I crested the hill.  Now it was just a matter of continuing to run no matter how slow and avoid leg cramps to the finish. Well, I knew I had slowed, but also knew that if I just avoided walking, I could have a good qualifying time for next year.  Another memorable moment was about mile 22 and saw a woman holding a sign that said, “When you think about quitting, think about why you started.” I said, “Amen”, as I ran by.  So TRUE and so motivating.  I then kept slapping spectators hands to motivate myself and that led to my first problem.  About mile 24, I wasn’t paying attention and a participant was walking in front of me that I didn’t see until the last minute.  I had to side step him and that was enough to send my calf into a spasm cramp and had to stop and rub it out.  Slowly started to walk and then jog. The wonderful thing is hearing the spectators during this process.  At first it is the gasp, then the clapping, then the loud cheering as you start jogging again.  Well, then about every quarter mile the leg cramps would hit.  Stop, rub it out, then start back up.  So, many things to recall from the run that it is hard to write it all down sequentially.  I forgot about the wonderful atmosphere around Boston College and Boston University between miles 20 and 24.  Well, as I progressed near the end, I kept thinking just let me see that Citgo sign (mile 25) and then I know it won’t be long.  Finally, I can see it and just keep plugging away.  Another new observation was that there were some points along Beacon street where in years past the spectators were right along the road, but this year they were back further at points and there were police and National Guard troops.  Not bad, just noticeable.  Well, getting near the end, turn right off Beacon, go one block and then left on Boyleston.  My plan was to slap hands down the left side, but was cramping too bad to get over there.  The worst feeling was cramping with literally 100 yards to go and so worried about getting my qualifying time.  I got across with 10 seconds to spare.  Good news, bad news – good news is I technically re-qualified, bad news is it was only by 10 seconds and the past couple years you need to be 2 or 3 minutes under.  Oh well, I will worry about that another day.  As I start walking through the finishing area, my legs keep cramping up.  The medical volunteers keep asking me if I am okay and are so helpful.  I know I am okay, so smile and thank them for what they are doing.  I am always amazed at the number of people who volunteer for this event.  They are all so selfless and wonderful.  Start the 4 block walk down Boyleston.  First stop is getting the medal for the accomplishment.  The volunteer who put the medal around my neck was so nice and congratulatory, I felt Iike I won the race.  It was amazing to listen to the volunteers take the time to talk with the runners and embrace the human experience.  Truly special.  The next stop was the “potato warmer”, a heat wrap with Velcro and a hood.  I was actually too warm at times.  Ok, now I am hungry!  Next stop was the food bag and protein recovery drinks.  AWESOME!  Up next another special moment.  They use to make the finishers exit a block out of the way.  This year, we were allowed to exit off Boyleston and right onto Boston Commons.  In the last 100 yards, I heard Denise Tushingham yell to me.  She said Dave finished less than 10 minutes after me.  I then encountered a Boston native in a distinctive New Englander accent, “Great job, you took back the finish line.”  In hindsight, I was probably looking somber and aloof, but now glad he was sharing what all of Boston was feeling.  Amen.  Finally, I get to Boston Commons and see Josh standing at “Bob’s Tree”.  The tears are flowing and love having family here to share in this moment.  We get our normal picture with the skyline in the background and then start the walk to the car and the long ride home.  Great stories, great memories, another great Patriots’ Day.  Hope to get back next year.      

 

Boston Recap by Robert Breighner