Somehow I've managed to run 3 consecutive marathons with temperatures 75 degrees and above. Oh, where is that elusive 50 degrees, overcast with light tailwinds marathon day? My search continues.
Nevertheless, I was actually pleased with my run. A 3:42 finish was neither my best or worst, but I ran without pressing for time and found myself actually relaxing and enjoying the event. Being able to stay in control and repeating positive messages to myself actually worked for awhile. The last 10K was simply sheer will.
Highlights: running into Kisan Baheti at the EXPO Sunday and meeting the family I heard so much about during many long runs... watching an impromptu do-si-do and square dance by 2 runners as we ran by the bluegrass band... the pleasure of being the direct-hit bullseye of a young boy's gigantic super-soaker... the Wellesley girl's poster that read, "Need a Hug?"... the thrill of being part of something really special... running near this incredible man who, like a professional cheerleader, prompted enthusiastic crowd responses... seeing the finish line and likening it to Heaven's Gate
Low moments: still in line for the latrine at 11:55am... feeling focused and prepared for Mile 19 and realizing the mile marker was 18 instead (#@$*&!!) .. physically not being able to carry on much of a conversation with Todd Katz when we saw eachother during mile 23 or 24... regretting I didn't train on even more downhills
Mary Klaff