I made a friend on the bus to Hopkinton; we plan to meet when she visits DC this summer. The comraderie of Boston was compelling, maybe because so many arrived alone to that big field 26 miles from the city.
I accomplished my goal of running the whole race, although "run" may be a generous description for my 11-plus min. mile up Heartbreak Hill.
To me, the heat was almost a bonus because it forced me to focus on the place and not the time. I planned to do that anyway, but I'm not sure, if the weather were better, I would have enjoyed the race as much as I did. My slower pace allowed me time to absorb small town New England, Victorian homes, old churches, family barbeques, kids high-fiving, parents drinking cold beers, all celebrating Patriot's Day. My sister-in-law cried as she hugged me, immediately after "the scream" in Wellesley. Rounding the corner to the roar at Boylston Street, it was my turn. Yes, looking back, the heat was something of blessing, because crying while running can put a mean dent in any attempt at a PR.
Anne-Marie Smith
(4:15 chip time)