I am still in a bit of shock. I did it.
I am a half marathoner.Who would have thought?
So let me back up and recap the day, and then I’ll share some of my emotions and thoughts about Boston’s Run to Remember. And I apologize in advance – this isn’t a short recap (then again, 13.1 isn’t a short distance :>).
In my attempts to be organized, I had put out all my gear the night before: my capris, tank, sports bra, bib, 2 packets of Cliff Shot gel, socks, hat, BodyGlide and arm warmers.
By some miracle, the rain that had been forecast earlier in the week had stayed away, although it was overcast and pretty chilly, around 47-48 degrees. Even still, I decided to go with a tank top, since I tend to overheat easily. But in order to keep my arms warm, particularly at the beginning of the race, I took the advice of some fellow bloggers and bought some cheap, $3.99 men’s trouser socks, cut the holes off, and voila! Arm warmers. Yes, in a lightning bolt print, which I thought was rather appropriate. I figured I’d wear them for a few miles then toss them.
My wonderful husband went into the city on Friday night after work to pick up my race bib, which freed up some time on Sunday morning. Or so we thought. I set my alarm for 4:45am (my usual wake up time during the week when I’m catching a class at the gym) and Dr. G., the kiddos and I were out the door a little after 5:30am. We figured that should give us plenty of time to get to the city by, say, 6:15.
We were wrong.
Because the race organizers had closed off Seaport Avenue, traffic was backed up into the tunnel on the Mass Pike.
I took this photo at 6:30am. The race start time? 7am.
Yes, I was panicking. Around 6:45am, we finally emerged above ground, near the race start, and I just jumped out in the middle of traffic, gave a quick “See ya” to my family and booked it so I could hopefully have time to tend to some pre-race necessities: finding a porta-potty and stretching.
At 6:55am, I was still in the porta-potty line, which is where I ended up doing all my stretching (and it was a half-assed effort at that; I didn’t get to do any of the laying down stretches I’d planned on). I glanced around and saw I was probably the only one wearing a tank top. I also realized at this point there was no way I was going to have time to line up with the 9:30 pace group; I’d be lucky to be at the back of the pack at gun time.
Hello, self-doubt. That’s when the annoying little voice in me head said, What are you doing here? Why are you doing this? Are you crazy?
I tried to ignore her, got in and out of the porta-potty as soon as possible, walked to what looked like the back of the group of runners and before I knew it, BAM! We were off! I had no clue where I was in terms of seeding, and for one (panicked) split second I wasn’t sure whether this was the start of the half marathon or the 5-mile race. It took a good minute to cross the start line, and as I crossed the bridge on Congress Street into downtown Boston, it hit me. I am going to run a freaking half marathon today! Take, that, little voice! And yes, I got a little teary.
But I couldn’t get too emotional for long, because it was slow going. It was the most crowded start to a race that I’ve even seen (although not surprising, since there were 6,000 runners doing the half marathon). So much so that I finished Mile 1 in, like, 10:30. The next mile was just as congested (although I did smile when I ran past Kitty O’Sheas, where Dr. G. and I met many years ago), but eventually the road opened up when we crossed the Charles River and headed on to Memorial Drive in Cambridge, and I was able to settle into a comfortable 9:10 pace (except for the water station at mile 3, which I tried to avoid, since I wasn’t ready for water, but we were on a rather narrow stretch of road and it was a total logjam, with runners crisscrossing each other to either get water or get out of the way).
At this point, I was feeling good, and finished miles 3-6 before I knew it (I tossed the arm warmers at mile 4). I tried to enjoy the scenery and just embrace the spirit of the race, which is to honor Massachusetts law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. This obviously took on a whole new meaning after the Boston Marathon incident, and every runner wore #179 on the backs of their shirts in honor of fallen MIT Officer Sean Collier, who had planned to run this very race. (It seemed like half the runners received the bib below, but others – including me – did not, but we still wore his number on our shirts).
At one point, we were running on Memorial Drive and on the overpass above us there were a dozen officers clapping and cheering for us, and we runners did the same back to them. And when we looped back around (since it’s an out-and-back course), we saw a group of MBTA officers running on the other side with an American flag, and the pack I was running with cheered for them.
One other thing I did differently for this race is plan ahead – which I knew I needed to do if I wanted to finish strong. I had studied the race map, so I knew where the water stations were, and I planned by Cliff Gel around it, so I could wash the gels down with water.I had my first Cliff Gel at the first 10K mark (6.2 miles), followed by water at 7 miles. I then took water at every aid station, eventually figuring out how to pinch the top of the water cup so I could drink while running without having to stop.
I was still cruising at a good pace at that point (about 9:05/9:10) and I’d be lying if I said a sub-2 time didn’t start creeping into my head. I have to admit I was in shock at how, well, good I felt. Maybe it was the adrenaline of the race, or maybe it really was all my training, but I expected to be laboring by this point and I wasn’t. Sure, my legs were a little tired, but it wasn’t like I was gasping for breath. I was actually enjoying myself.
But I started tiring around mile 9. I knew my family would be waiting for me at mile 12, so I used that as my motivation. Just a 5K until I see my family, just 2 more miles until I see my family, I kept telling myself. It totally worked. We crossed the Longfellow Bridge back into Beacon Hill and I took a half of my other Cliff Gel pack and I actually started smiling. I never smile during a race. I make the more horrible, pained looking expressions, which is why you’ve never seen one of those mid-race photos posted here on my blog. But I couldn’t help it – I grinned – because I think it was at this point that I realized, I am really going to do this!
We cruised through Back Bay, and even though my pace had slowed a bit, I didn’t care. When I hit mile 11, it didn’t even occur to me that I was now in uncharted territory, since my longest training run had been 11 miles. But I was definitely tired. And then, just when I needed it, I saw my cousin Brittany, who lives along the race route, holding a sign that read “GO JESS!” (Thanks for coming out, Britt!) I was so excited to see her that it definitely gave me a little more pep to my step, and I picked up the pace, knowing I would see my family in a minute or two.
And I did! Mimi looked pretty miserable, but Buddy was standing there, holding the sign he had made for me, and I gave him a high five and ruffled his hair as I went by.
Dr. G. tried to grab some photos. He had been tracking me using the “Find My Friends” iPhone app, but when he checked to see where I was, I was literally right there, so he didn’t have much time to get his camera ready.
I got a burst of energy after seeing my family and I ran the next half mile or so at a sub 9 pace. At least, until I hit the incline going over the bridge on Congress Street to the finish line. It’s not a major hill by any means, but after running nearly 13 miles, it felt like a mountain. But I kicked it into gear, got over, and um, where was the finish line?
I checked my Garmin. 13.1. Then 13.2. Then 13.3
Seriously?
There were no overhead “FINISH” banners so I really had no clue where the end was – until I saw the chip mat just ahead of me. I raised my hands in victory as I crossed. I DID IT.
Then I looked at my Garmin – which had been 100% accurate the entire race – and saw 13.6. So this was technically longer than a half marathon. Ugh.
But that’s okay, because I was so excited about my time!
I finished in the middle of the pack, both in terms of the race itself and my age group, and that works for me. My goal was a sub 2:10 and I did it! And I think if I wasn’t stuck in the back of the pack at the start of the race, and if the course was really 13.1, then a sub-2 race could have been a possibility. There’s always next time, right?
Immediately after crossing the finish line, we were ushered into the World Trade Center, where we got our water, Gatorade and a pretty sweet medal.
I grabbed a bagel but couldn’t really eat, even though I felt pretty good at that point (the crash came later), and set out to find my family. Don’t you love the sign Buddy made for me, all by himself?
Part of me is still in a bit of disbelief that I ran a half marathon! When I first started following a few running bloggers several years ago, I would read their recaps of marathons and half marathons and think, Wow, there is no way I could do that. And now I’m one of them! I really can’t quite wrap my mind around that.
I’m also still amazed by the fact that I enjoyed myself. While it certainly wasn’t easy (because, trust me, it wasn’t), it wasn’t as insanely hard as I thought it would be. Challenging, yes, but not impossible. At the risk of sounding completely sappy, I have to say that completing this race (and dedicating myself to the months of training that led up to it) is one of my biggest achievements (besides bringing two pretty special people into the world) and I’m really proud of myself.
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Here are some of the pros of the race:
- Boston’s Run to Remember has been happening for 8 years, but this year was especially meaningful. It’s such a rewarding feeling to push yourself for a good cause (in addition to the race honoring fallen Massachusetts police officers, funds from the race benefits community and kids programs of the Boston Police Runner’s Club).
- Loved the medals.
- Flat course: The only real inclines were the on and off ramps to bridges. Otherwise, it was smooth sailing.
- Pretty, scenic route. The course showcased the best of Boston.
- Lots of water stops and they were spaced out really well.
- Plenty of porta-potties.
- Weather: I know, I know. I complained beforehand about the weather. But as many other runners pointed out, a little cool and rainy is better than hot and humid. It did start sprinkling about halfway through the race, but it only lasted a short while and felt pretty good!
- I don’t know if this is really a pro, but in hindsight, I think getting to the race a little late might have been a good thing for me. It got me out of my head for awhile, and since I was running the race by myself (I couldn’t wait with my family beforehand, since they weren’t allowed in the secure runners area), just hanging around for 30 minutes by myself, stretching, etc. might have been a little lonely. I think 10 minutes was cutting it too close (and, like I said, I missed my pace group), but it gives me something to think about for future races.
But there were also some cons:
- Like I said, I am pretty sure the course was longer than 13.1. I heard more than one runner grumbling about that after the race.
- A banner for the start/finish line would have been nice. There’s nothing like when you’re getting close to the end of a race and you look ahead and see that big FINISH sign. It gives you something to aim for. It was kind of anti-climatic crossing the chip mat.
- Traffic. Like I mentioned above, Seaport Blvd. was closed as part of the race security, which was increased this year, for obvious reasons. But I don’t think any of us realized that it would back up on to the Mass Pike as it did. I was one of the lucky ones: I could get dropped off. I saw many others cars where you could tell the driver was also running the race. There’s no way they parked their cars and made it there by 7am.
Thank you all so much for your support the last few months! And yes, I am already thinking about my next half marathon – probably the Baystate Half Marathon in Lowell, Mass in the fall. I think I might be hooked 🙂
P.S. Come visit me today over on Boston.com Moms – I’m sharing 20 facts about me!
Sara says
AWESOME JOB!!! I’m a runner currently on hiatus (just a fancy way of saying I’m lazy). Reading recaps of other people’s races, especially the excitement of a first race, makes me really want to get back into it. Running is so addictive – after a race I would swear that I’m done, but within a few weeks would start researching my next. 🙂 Keep it up!!
Jessica says
Thanks so much!!! 🙂
Jane - MomGenerations.com says
Way to go! That is a GREAT time! I see many more half marathons in your future!!
Jessica says
Thanks, Jane 😉 I’m now scheduled to do one in October! (although my husband may not be as thrilled … those long weekend AM training runs can be challenging logistically w/the kids!)
Sharon - MomGenerations.com says
What a beautiful race re-cap… filled with emotion and your own personal memories. Don’t you just love the signs held by loved ones!? Your time is awesome! I, too, see more Halves in your repertoire. Thanks for sharing this wonderful, wonderful race and day…
Jessica says
Thank you!!! The signs meant so much more to me than I would have thought!! And next time I’m definitely having my family wait toward the end of the race – talk about some good motivation 🙂
Michele C. says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So incredible and inspiring!!! I have my sights set on a half for 2014 if my legs keep up with me this year. So proud of you, so awesome!!!!
Jessica says
Thanks so much! Its so crazy, I never thought I could do something like this 🙂 I’m still in a bit of disbelief.
Jackie Hennessey says
What an experience! You did SUCH a great job! Excellent pace too. Wow. CONGRATULATIONS. Love this re-cap and all the great pics. You GO!
Nancy Jean says
Congratulations, Jess! Not being a runner myself, I am in awe of anyone who can RUN, never mind run for 13.1 miles! You should be so proud of yourself for this huge accomplishment. And the theme of the race is certainly one that is close to my heart, with a retired police officer for a dad. Enjoy that medal… you certainly earned it. And Buddy looks SO adorable with his sign! YAY!
Jessica says
Thanks so much, Nancy 🙂 I am definitely proud of myself but most importantly I am happy that I think I finally silenced that little voice in the back of my head who kept telling me I couldn’t do it!
Elizabeth Atalay says
COngratulations! What a fantastic achievement!
Joanna {Baby Gators Den} says
Great job Jessica! I loved reading your recap 🙂
Jessica says
Thanks so much 🙂
Shell says
Wow! Great job! And congrats!!!!
Chelley / AisForAdelaide says
You kicked butt!!!!
I’m so glad you were so prepared… the portapotty stretch is how I live my race life 😉
Jessica says
Thanks!! And thank you for ALL your tips and advice along the way 🙂
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Fantastic job!! Yes, without that crowding you would have shaved off some time… I definitely see a sub-2 in your future. 🙂 Congrats on a strong race, and meeting your goal!
Liz @ The Girl on Fire Now says
I know you posted this a while ago, but I just found your blog 🙂
Awesome job on the half! I am running my first one in September, and I am super excited! I have the same time goals that you did – a sub 2:10, but since I am a teen, I am most focused on not walking.
Again, AMAZING job! You gave me some awesome ideas (like planning gel around aid stations)
One reason for the course being long is that the designers measure from the shortest point along the course the whole time – so you probably didn’t run the shortest distance the full time as you had to move for other runners, pass your family, etc.