Katie Wright Blog 4/13/2007

I will start my report with a bulletin the Boston Athletic Association sent to all runners on the Friday before the race.  

FORECAST:
The most up-to-date weather forecast calls for a predicted Spring storm on Monday, including heavy rains (potentially 3 to 5 inches), with the start of race temperatures in the mid to upper 30's. Wind will likely be East (in the face of the participants for most of the race) in the 20 to 25 mile per hour range, with gusts to as much as 50 miles per hour. This will produce a wind chill index of 25 to 30-degrees Fahrenheit.   The race will not be canceled unless there is substantial ice.   Runners should take precaution against the weather.

I spent a lot of time at the race expo on Sunday trying to figure out the best angle to take with clothing to keep myself dry and warm.     I decided to purchase a disposable rain jacket for $8 and wear it over a dry fit long sleeve top, pullover and wind jacket.   The rest of my race clothing included tights, beanie and gloves.   After looking at all that clothing I realized I was breaking the number one rule of racing:   if you haven't practiced in it don't race in it.   I decided my main goal would be to finish the race and try to enjoy it.

I awoke Monday morning to wind whipping around the hotel and rain pouring down from the sky.   My husband and I turned on the TV to see reporters in Boston and Hopkinton, where the race starts, trying to keep water off of their microphones and to not be blown away by the wind.   I knew this would, at the least, be a race to remember.  

After standing in Boston Common for an hour getting soaked while waiting for the bus, we headed to Hopkinton.   When we got there it wasn't raining as hard and the wind had died down a bit.   Temperatures were even in the upper 40s to low 50s.   Once we found a tent to hang out in it was almost time to start, however by then the rain had picked up considerably.   I peeked outside of the tent to see racers wildly running toward busses to drop off clothing and head to the start.   It seemed wise to buy some time under the tent and wait for the next wave to start.   By the time I made my way to the start line I was pumped up and stuck behind a huge crowd.   It was time to settle in and enjoy the show.

Miles 1-10 went pretty slowly; it was raining, the wind was blowing and I was still stuck behind the pack.   The children along the road and people in their yards blasting music made every minute enjoyable.   Some of the same people seemed to be out playing the same song as last year which actually seems likely considering the loyalty of marathon fans.   During this point I realized my pace was of by about 45 seconds.

Miles 10-20 finally settled into a pace and figured out it was still possible to qualify for next year if I could maintain my current pace or speed up.   The rain stopped and wind died but then picked up again.   My disposable rain jacket was long gone, the wind breaker was tied around my waist, and I was carrying my beanie and gloves.   Perhaps all those layers were a little much, but who knew?   My favorite part of this section was Wellesley College, where the girls stand along the road cheering wildly holding signs that say "kiss a Wellesley girl".   There were even a few guys holding "kiss a Wellesley boy" signs which provided a much needed chuckle.   Boston College, and all the drinking were also a riot, and of course there are those famous hills in Newton where you keep wondering which one is THE heartbreak hill.