I had five incredible months of training. I broke all sorts of personal records and goals I had set for myself and came out of it without any real injury. Everything was set up for me to blow away my 2011 time of 4:32. Then came the weather forecast - 80 degrees, then 82, then 86, then 90. I was devastated to think all of my hard work was a waste because I wouldn't have a shot at my 4 hours, but after countless warnings from the BAA, our coach, and massive media hype I let go of those worries and really began to wonder if I was going to physically and mentally be up for it. Over the weekend I had so many fears that I would either throw up or collapse on Boylston Street, right before the finish line - little did I know at the time my worst fear would happen.
The temperature was already in the mid 70s at the start of the race, and by mile two I was already drenched with sweat. Amy and I started off together as we had planned. A few miles into the race with joined up with Tim, another member of Tedy's Team. The 3 of us stuck together through the first half of the race. We took walking breaks at every water stop and even a few in between. It was a miserable day to run, but having teammates to help you through made a world of difference. Tim had even shared with us his lack of training plan throughout the season, which made the fact that he was there all that more impressive. At the half way point Tim couldn't keep the same pace with us any longer and told us to go on without him. Amy and I continued for a few minutes discussing if it were the right thing to do. Amy's ankle was really bothering her and the more than frequent walking breaks were taking a toll. I could tell she was in pain and worried if she took it slower she wouldn't finish. As much as I wanted to finish the race with my training partner I made the decision to stick back and wait for Tim. It was a decision I will never regret.
The theme of our pasta party a few nights before the marathon was all about team, and I just felt as though I would be a hypocrite leaving Tim on his own. It's not that I thought he wouldn't finish, but I knew Amy had the determination in her to make it to the end. It was Amy's first marathon and she deserved to get the goal she wanted. Tim and I ran together the rest of the way into Boston. We took a lot of walking breaks and set small goals throughout the 13 miles. We'd pick a street sign to start running at and another landmark down the road to stop for a walking break. At one point along the Boston College campus I was starting to lose what was left of my steam. Tim bolted ahead yelling to the crowd to give it up for his friend Dan. An entire mile of drunken students chanting your name is a great motivator. Tim's hamstring froze up on him just after his chant and it was my time to return the favor. I didn't get nearly the crowd reaction he got for me, I got a lot to learn from this guy on how to motivate people, but I did my best.
We ended up meeting up with two other members of our team, Jenn and Johnny. They were running on the same tank we were and helping to push each other through. The four of us ended up sticking together for the last long stretch into Boston. Again we'd set small goals, but as the focus was on trying to get Johnny water I could feel my legs starting to cramp up. It was at mile 23 that I thought I might not make it. We got to the home stretch and decided we'd make ourselves look good and run strong through the finish. At this point it had been over five hours and the temperature was just under 90 degrees. We were on Hereford, all we had to do was take a quick left on Boylston and the finish line would be in sight. Just before our left turn my right calf went hard as a rock and I couldn't take a step. The four of us all stopped together. Tim helped get the cramp out and Jenn gave one last pep talk. We started jogging took our left and the finish line was in sight. Half way down Boylston Johnny stopped to walk. Tim, Jenn and I turned to get him moving again, but as we did both my calf muscles froze on me and I started to collapse, right there with the finish line in sight just as I had feared, and worse off right in front of my family. Tim and Jenn caught me before I hit the ground. At that moment I heard someone on the sideline say something along the lines of "That poor guy isn't going to finish and he's so close." Luckily I was with my team. Again Tim helped get my muscles moving again and he and Jenn started walking me toward the finish line.
Johnny had no idea we had stopped and he had kept going to toward the finish, but right before he crossed he realized we weren't with him. He came jogging back and took Jenn's place supporting me. I honestly thought that this is how my marathon ended, that I was basically carried across the finish line, but luckily my sister-in-law Erin was right there recording the finish. Right before we crossed they got me moving again and I was able to run across without any physical support. Jenn, Johnny, Tim, and I all finished together. It was an unreal moment.
Tim's girl came up to me at the Lenox hotel after party and thanked me for staying with him throughout the run, but truth is if I hadn't I have no idea if I would have ever have made it to the end. It was honestly one of the most physically and mentally challenging moments of my life. And as I said at the beginning it truly taught me what it was to be on a team. As teammates we all helped each other through some tough spots, and literally carried each other to the finish.
I know how amazingly cheesey this all sounds, but right now I'm on an emotional high and I don't care. I am so proud to be a member of Tedy's Team and hope I am for years to come. I barely know the 3 people that I crossed that finish line with, but they share one of the most important days of my life.
Finally, another quick thank you to all of our family and friends that were out on the course supporting us. Having a familiar face in the crowd made a world of difference at some very important times. I cannot express how challenging the high temperatures made this day. It was a wildcard that none of us could really prepare for. I'm so proud of my entire team, even the ones that weren't able to cross the finish line. Most importantly I'm proud of my family. Amy and Katie were able to get through some of the most difficult hours on their own. They are two of the strongest and most determined women I know. The fact that they faced it on their own and were able to push themselves is something I admire and something I never could have done on Monday. I love you both and hope you realize what an amazing accomplishment you've both achieved. This was my second Boston Marathon, but even before the race started I knew it was going to be the most important.
I've learned a lot about myself over these five months. This isn't the end of my blog, just the end of this particular chapter.
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