Nobody told me this would be (emotionally) hard
Well the title isn’t totally accurate. What it should read is “I forgot that this was going to be emotionally hard”. In any event…
The Last Long Run is Done! While 20 miles is always very physically demanding, this 21 miler was more of a mental and emotional feat. Along the way from Hopkinton to Boston College I shed some tears (my legs cannot really carry me another 5 miles!), there was doubt (maybe I’m not as ready for this marathon as I thought), and there was not much smiling. I tend to forget how much of marathon training is emotional and mental until I have a run like this. But I’m glad this happened now: it was a much-needed reminder of the many ups and downs I’ll go through during the race itself.
During the 2008 Chicago Marathon, I was only able to finish the race by repeating to myself “every step is one step closer”. I must have said that ridiculous phrase about 718 times in my head. It was a blistering 85 degrees, and all I wanted to do was walk or sit down. That’s when my heart took over, and led my sorry under-trained body to the finish line.
During the 2009 Boston Marathon, I hit a wall around mile 17–a bit too early, and right in the middle of the biggest hills. My legs were crumbling, and my stomach felt pukey. I had been on pace to run a 3:35, but now I dismally thought, “That’s okay, I don’t really like running anyway. If I don’t qualify for next year, that would actually be a good thing. No more training.”
But as I topped Heartbreak Hill (at a practically walking pace, mind you), something snapped into focus. I’d put MONTHS into this marathon. I’d given up my social life for this marathon. The pain I was feeling now would be over in 6 miles, but the pride of possibly running a qualifying time in my first Boston Marathon would be incredible. And so the cheesy “Pain is temporary, pride is forever” became my mantra for miles 19-26. I blocked out the crowds, I barely saw my family at mile 24, and I zeroed in on that finish line with each step. In the end, I owe my 3:38 qualifying time NOT to my legs, or my conditioning–but to my emotional and mental strength that carried me down Boylston Street and across that beloved finish line.
Anyway, enjoy a few post-run pictures!
21 miles for Betsy, and 21 miles for Fred!
One of our favorite speedy couples, Noah and Brenda.
We clean up nicely.
Post run party-hopping (after a HUGE brunch and a LONG nap).
