The 2016 Boston Marathon

Last I posted, three weeks ago, the long runs were complete and I was ready for the start line. During that three weeks, I was a bit worried that a) my taper was too long, b) I would not be rested enough,  c) it would be too rainy and cold. Well, you get the idea.

Jennifer, our daughter, was kind enough to take time out of her work schedule to drive me to the San Diego Airport on Friday. I hopped a plane to Providence, RI., and after a slight delay in Denver, where I thought I may be stuck because of an impending snowstorm, I arrived in Providence, RI. JoAnne picked me up and we went to our home in Blackstone, MA, where after a few hours of sleep...she drove me to the Riverside T-Station where we were transported, along with about a billion Red Sox Fans, to the Hynes Station. A short walk along the crowded Newbury Street and we arrived at the Hynes Auditorium where the Marathon Exposition is held, as well as, the Bib Pickup.

Security, checking bags, was doing an efficient job and we moved through the line quickly. Once in, we headed to the bib pick-up area.

A cheerful volunteer greeted us and after verification that I was the real deal, presented me with my official Boston Marathon Bib. We strolled overt to the T-shirt pick-up and was given the always cool bag of swag!

Cool Stuff

Jim Pawlicki was working as a volunteer in bib distribution and after a short search around we were able to locate him handing out bibs and encouragement. We then headed out for a brief walk through the Expo as I needed a couple of gels.



Jim Pawlicki

A woman, also shopping, wanted three gels. Purchase 5 and you get the discounted price. She purchased hers and paid for the 2 that I wanted. I thanked her and offered her money but she said it was all good and went on her way. I hoped that I would get a chance to pay this forward, during the marathon as it was such a genuine gesture.

Leaving Hynes we went over to the Finish area. It was crowded and at this point I just wanted to go home and sleep. I chilled a bit and thought about the area and the meaning and memories that make the day and place special.

Finish Line

JoAnne and I headed back to the T-Station and after a moment of In Bound/Out Bound confusion were headed back to Riverside. There were several others, obviously excited, with Marathon swag on the train. I was ready for a nap so I scratched the planned stop in Hopkinton to pay 'umble 'omage to the start line.

On Sunday I gathered my stuff so Monday could be a sleep in day. In 2013 I  purchased a Sterling Silver Boston Marathon 26.2 Charm from Long's Jeweler's, engraved with the date and my initials. And I had planned on running with it and gifting it to JoAnne but I hurt my foot and did not run that year. So I pinned it over my heart this year, to close the circle and pay some Honor to the 2013 BM.

26.2 Charm

Divided on what to wear on Monday, I had a choice. I was running with the Central Mass Striders Masters Team; however...


Amanda Dahlberg Kourtz deserves "Props" for her work in preparing me not only for this Marathon but her work over the last six years. So I went with the official...wait for it....DKDP singlet!

I am the Project

JoAnne prepared some Lasagna for the Sunday midday meal and we had pizza in the evening. I spent most of the day sitting around, early to bed and waking about 2:00am ready to eat again. After a slice of pizza, a soy/protein shake, and a through brushing, it was back to bed.


Up at 6:30am or so I drank some coffee, showered, and dressed.

I'm ready

We left the house at 8:30am hoping to arrive at the South Street parking lot at 9:00am. We should have taken the back roads as the traffic was heavy leading to the lot.

South Street

The busses were lined up and ready to go so I hopped on and joined a runner that was running her first Boston. We chatted a bit but overall it was fairly quiet on the ride. The buss arrived at the Athletes Village around 9:45. I began to walk toward the start line and received a "Good Luck" text from my son Matt. 


Entering my assigned corral, Wave 2 Corral 4, at about 10:15, I felt relaxed and ready to go. The sun was working a little overtime and it was getting warm. We stood around making nervous jokes and listening to the announcers. Finally were off, then we came to a complete stop, then we were off again. I had no idea where the start line was located because every square inch of road was covered by sneakers. I do remember running directly under the video camera, so most likely I am now  immortalized in the BAA Archive of obscure runners.
It was crowded. I chilled for mile 1, no weaving and trying not to get tripped. My first mile was quicker than I expected. The after 5k I tried to settle into the planned 7:30ish pace. I felt OK. Then, I had a laugh, seeing that there was an "Entering Brookline" sign, pretty sure I was somewhere around Hopkington/Ashland. Passing through the water stops was a chore. Carrying my own handheld I wasn't stopping but runners were crossing left and right to get to the stations. Trying to stay in the middle of the road didn't help and could feel liquid sugar being splashed on my legs and feet.


The road became less crowded at the train station in Framingham. I relaxed a bit and was soon running through Natick, about 10 miles in. The spectators were cheering loudly and I low fived a kid or two.


I caught up to teammate Phil Savoy and we waxed eloquent about old times. He said his pacing today would be a bit off and asked me not to hold back. We wished each other luck and I got back on pace.


It wasn't long before I started hearing the high pitched screaming of the Wellesley College students. The energy here was as advertised. I slowly scooted to the left to protect my sensitive hearing, knowing as well that runners would be slowing down, speeding up, and stopping around this area.




Reaching 128 I knew this is where the work would begin. I was pleased to see spectators lining the overpass, a tough place for me. The down hill from 15 to 16 was rough on my feet. I am used to running on smooth roads in the not to be named toe shoes. Still I felt ok, but my pace slowed by 10-15 seconds through the first three hills. I dropped to 8:10 pace over mile 20.


Somewhere around Mile 24, not sure, things were a little foggy by now, I heard a voice call out, "John Griego." I looked to my left and tried to shout, "Ryan Parker" but nothing happened. So I pointed at him. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Thanks Ryan for the shout out. It did help!


I knew I was getting close to the finish and this saddened me. It was the end of a long journey. I never felt as though I wanted to reach the destination. I was having fun training, running other races, and enjoying the company of other runners.


The Citgo sign was there, then it wasn't. I was just running and thinking about all the people that had encouraged me over the years. Mile 26 was my slowest. I am not sure whether I was that tired or I was savoring the final moments. Probably a bit of both. Up Hereford was easy. Turning onto Boylston, I could see the finish, but I don't remember hearing or seeing the spectators. I heard the announcer calling out names. Running down the Blue Stripe I saw the clock and a sign. Wave 1 Left, Wave 2 Right. I went right and crossed the finish line. Official time 3:22:34.

I was presented with a Finisher's Medal.

I'm done

Slowly I walked to Stanhope and Clarendon for the bus ride back to Hopkinton. Along the way volunteers were congratulating finishers. Boarding the motor coach I sat next to a Canadian finisher. We talked about the marathon and the "maybe" we'll be back next year, eh. We arrived at the South Street lot parting ways when he pulled out his phone to call a cab. I told him JoAnne and I would be happy to drop him at his hotel. He agreed and we had a continued conversation about his home and family in Quebec. Then we drove home.

JoAnne

Epilogue
My qualifier was the 2014 Manchester City Marathon the last race of the 2014 USATF-NE Grand Prix. JoAnne braved the New Hampshire November cold that day to see me run. Amanda, who has coached me for almost six years immediately sent text of congratulations. My children Matt and Jen were pleased for me. Jean Cann greeted me at the finish. It was great because she is a friend, a generous contributor to the running community, and coached my son Matthew while he attended Brandeis. It has been non-stop encouragement and support since.

I've heard that you are the average of the people that you associate with the most. I did the math. One could argue that I am dragging down the average. (ok, there would be no argument)

And, I've always thought that I had trained the people around me to help me become a better runner.

 I have never been more mistaken.

 I, now believe that the people that surround me have conspired to help make me a better person.

Thank you!