This must be what authors feel like when they write the final chapter of a novel that they’ve put tireless effort, hours, tears, and work into. It’s a bit bittersweet, a bit rewarding and a bit daunting trying to determine where I should start and how I can ever find the right words to close such an important chapter in my life. So allow me to do this a little bit backwards: first, I’ll tell you about the race. Later, I’ll fill you in on the entire adventure that was Boston.
P.S. This post is GIGANTIC. So grab some tea and ice cream…you may be here for a bit.
I made every effort to be well rested and well prepared the night before. Pasta dinner? Check. Back to the hotel at a decent hour? Check. Prepping all of my race gear the night before and having Chicken Face (i.e. the perfectionist) master the ironing of the letters? Double check. I was in bed by 9 p.m. and was able to sleep pretty well…well, that is if you don’t include my dream of having two of my teeth fall out and my “dream-self” insisting on racing even if I was toothless. I was up only a few moments before my alarm and seamlessly got prepared: clothes, gear check bag, oatmeal…we’re ready to rock. Before you knew it, I was on my way to the buses which hauled you to the start line.
As seemingly innocent as this bus ride sounds, it was a bit daunting. The wind was ripping back and forth, voraciously mocking the runners as we all prayed for it to be a tailwind. The further we rode on the bus, the more I thought to myself, “My God. We have to run this entire way back!” In addition to the wind, it was cold and I cursed myself for not bringing a blanket. Once we arrived at the “Athlete’s Village” I grabbed the free bagel and other goodies, met up with Aron, Cate and Emily, and found a way to entertain ourselves for a few hours until it was go time.
As the loudspeaker beckoned us to our assigned corrals, Aron and I marched the three-quarters of a mile to the start, anxiously excited for what was to come. With a swift goodbye and a hug, we were both on our way to our individual adventures. I only had but mere moments to perfect my shoelaces (runner’s loop, double knotted, not too tight) and we were off. It was a bit strange that there was no gun, no national anthem, no big send off that I could see or hear. Instead, it was just cheers and we were off.
As you may or may not know, the infamous “they” always say to pace yourself during the first portion of the race. With the rolling hills and numerous downhill stretches, it’s easy to be “the jackrabbit” and get ahead of yourself. Being the “jackrabbit” will, in turn, destroy your quads as the downhills are as much of a tricky little devil as are the uphills. I was determined to heed this advice and was cognizant of my effort. However, whenever I glanced down at my watch, I was way behind my pace. The narrow streets were crowded and while I wanted to watch my pace, I didn’t want to gauge my time by staying in a much slower pace group. So I tried to weave a bit to get with the 8 minute pacers, but again, the narrow streets proved to be a hindrance so I worked with what I could.
The first 10 miles were perfect. I felt strong, my legs (I thought) were managing well, and I was effortlessly cruising. This was also the first time that I’ve ever ironed my name on my shirt and I must say — it was awesome. People wouldn’t only scream your name, but almost look at you directly and give a motivating expression as well. I giggled and loved every single person who unknowingly cheered for the girl with the giant letters plastered on her shirt.
After mile 10 or so (I can’t really recall) is where reality set it. For reasons unknown to me, my legs started being uncooperative, I could feel my energy dragging, and my stomach was sloshing around already. The marathon Gods also changed their minds and decided, what the heck, let’s make today a h-o-t day! From wicked wind and cold, to what felt like an overly sufficient amount of heat, it was soon time to readjust my gear. I was wearing my orange Oiselle sleeves – which I LOVE because they almost act like mittens with a perfect little thumb hole. However, this thumb hole that I usually adore proved to be a problem. I needed to completely take off my sleeves and not just push them down, however, my Garmin was strapped on top of the sleeves. Thus, in order to get the sleeves completely off and shove them into my bra, I needed to take my Garmin off. My hands were already a bit full as I was using my handheld water bottle (which worked out perfectly, BTW) and a fresh pack of ClifBlocks.
In the process of removing my beloved sleeves, my Garmin flew out of my hand and back a ways. Noooooooooo! I have no idea how this happened, it just did. So there I was, with the heat seemingly starting to beat down on me, shoving sleeves into my bra, fists full of other gear, and I had to back track to go and find the damn thing. Upon finding it, I noticed that the clasp-thing-a-ma-jig that enables you to actually strap it on your wrist had broken off in the fall. Again, I have no idea how this happened, it just did. So I scooped my Garmin up, probably spouted off a few profanities, and made my way forward. A mile or so further, I could feel my legs getting ever heavier. When I glanced down at my Garmin (which I was now holding in my other hand), I noticed a fairly decent pace. What? No way. Upon closer investigation I noticed that in the great fall of the Garmin, it had stopped working. So there I was, with no idea what my pace was, what my actual mileage was, or even my overall time. I started to really beat myself up and wondered if this entire race would be a wash.
But then, I thought of my dad. As much as we may have rolled our eyes at him as kids, I can honestly say that I have used every single one of his mantras, despite how much cheese they may consist of. This time, the one that renewed my focus was simple…
It’s not what happens to you, but how you handle it.
This race was just like life: shit happens. And more than ever, I’m trying to adopt the mentality that as much as we think we’ve prepared for something, it’s likely that something will not go as planned. So instead of throwing your arms up in defeat, do something about it. Life will happen – the good and the bad. When the bad times roll in, the only thing you can do is slap on another smile, dig deep, find a solution and keep moving forward. And that’s what I did…
I made my way through Wellesley and the screaming co-eds, laughing at their clever signs. I vowed not to walk any of the Newton hills. Oh and that whole “Heartbreak Hill is a killer” rumor? Um no, that’s a lie, it’s totally manageable. What aren’t lies are the two hills that came before Heartbreak – now those are gasping-for-breath-worthy. Nevertheless, you keep on keepin’ on.
At this point, I have more stuff shoved in my bra than I can remember. I’m dousing myself with water every couple of aid stations. I made two bathroom stops and instead of beating myself up for the time wasted, I accepted it and just moved on.
The specifics of miles 20 through 25 are actually a bit of a blur for me. But I do remember seeing the throngs on drunken college kids get deeper and deeper. I remember the distinct smell of someone barbequing along the course. I remember the Citgo sign peeking above the skyline in the near distance. I remember hearing more and more people shouting my name and giving me thumbs up. I remember telling myself to embrace it, but also begging for it to be over.
All this time, I had no real knowledge of my time or pace, but as I have always told myself: finish fast (plus, Chicken Face told me I need to pick up my feet so the final stretch photos actually look like I’m running – ha!). So the final sprint began. What seemed like thousands of people packed the final stretch and somehow, you find it deep within you, buried behind the past 25.2 miles of pain to pick up your feet and turn them over faster than before. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Finish.
3:31:44
I finished with a new marathon personal record!
More important than deconstructing what went wrong and why I didn’t meet my goal time is discussing what went right and why I am so happy with this new PR. What seemed to be race hardships were actually challenges that tested me and forced me to become an even stronger runner – both mentally and physically. It’s not what happens to you – but how you handle it.
I must admit, after I finished I went to the med tent because I was shaking pretty badly. Not from being cold, but most likely a bit of dehydration (which is odd – given that I fueled exactly as I normally do. I’ll discuss this in a later post). No worries though – I came out ok and Chicken Face was oh-so-kind to capture my exit from the med tent – lil’ jerk!
This race was the most challenging marathon I’ve ever done. It pushed my limits and enabled me to dig for something I wasn’t sure I had at first. As tough as it may be, I hope that everyone gets to have this experience – even if it’s not at Boston. Oh, and you better believe I ripped open that jacket as soon as I could!
And again, THANK YOU for every single one of your comments, tweets, thoughts, emails, calls, everything! Checking my feed after the race was the most uplifting and encouraging moments ever – you all never cease to amaze me!
I loved this race and the memories that accompanied it. Until the next post where I’ll share our weekend nonsense…
Happy Running!
OMG, I can’t believe that you dropped your Garmin (is it okay now?), took two bathroom breaks and STILL had a killer race with a PR to boot!! This is just crazy to me — you really did power through it and you will grow so much from this.
So happy for you, Page!
Ok, time to get some Jamba.
xoxo,
A
What a great race! Congrats!
Eeek to dropping your Garmin is it ok? Well done on getting a new PR as well
I utterly love that picture of you – you look like you’re flying the race, not running it! x
WOW how on earth did you get such an awesome time after all that?! You are SO AMAZING!! That photo of you running in the end is the best- you look so determined!! Hope your Garmin is okay!
Wear that jacket with pride Page- you sure earned it!!
What a great race report! I was tracking ou on Monday and I thought you were having a solid race! Seeing your pace, I had no idea of all that was going on for you on the course!
I like your Dad’s mantra!
Congrat’s on a PR! A PR at Boston none-the-less, how cool is that?! I meant to come say hi to you by the Power Bar tent, but I decided to hit the port-o-pot line first and then I ran into 2 online friends I never met, and well, next thing I knew, it was Wave 1 time. So I’m bummed I was only sitting/standing about 25 yards from you, and not getting a chance to say hi. Maybe next year @ Boston! Again, congrat’s. Keep up the great blogs and treat yourself to a new watch. Maybe the new Nike Tom-Tom (they just go new stock in!)
Wow! What a race…what a race report! Can’t believe all that crap happened at mile 10 and you still managed to PR in Boston without knowing your pace or time! That’s pretty bada$$ and miraculous. Amazing job, Page! Superstar status achieved =)
You are amazing!! I love that you rose above everything this marathon threw at you (including 2 bathroom breaks!) and STILL came out with a new PR!! So incredible!
I loved reading every word of this recap. You’ve captured the spirit and the determination of the Boston Marathon so well. I hope to see you on the streets of Boston next year
Congratulations Boston Marathoner!! Wear that jacket and medal with pride! You earned it!
great race report and nice hard fought race. incredible time considering things didn’t go as planned for you.
Congrats again!!!! I agree with so many things you said in this post. Hardest marathon I’ve ever done. Definitely. Heartbreak Hill? Over-rated. Great recap, and I can’t believe your Garmin broke!! I got hot too and wanted to take my sleeves off but I was afraid of getting stuck on my watch so I smushed my sleeves down and now I have a crazy sunburn…oh well!
Congratulations! You are a Boston Marathon finisher…and you have a new PR! This recap was amazing. It captured your feelings during the race so well. I love that you were able to keep a positive attitude with each new challenge that arose. In that marathon, something unplanned always happens and you managed to face everything with strength. I hope you ride that marathon high for a long time!
Fabulous race Page! Way to push through those challenges and still get a PR! You are awesome! And I absolutely love how you put your name on your shirt!
Ahhh congrats! Great recap! I love that you pushed through-even though you didn’t quite meet your goal time, it sounds like you ran a great race-both mentally and physically. SO HAPPY FOR YOU!
CONGRATULATIONS on your PR!!! And with a dropped garmin and potty stops too?! You are awesome!
Congrats on your PR! That’s amazing, girl!! Looks like such a great experience. Makes me think I might want to run a marathon, but since I barely survived my 5k… well, I’ve got some more training to do, haha!
yay!!!! i loved this recap and love the mantra! it really served you well! SWEET PR!!! i was so excited to track you on monday… refreshing my screen and seeing how awesome you were running. congrats page! xoxox
Hey Page,
Your coming home this weekend and I am so excited to see you and chicken face.
I am so proud of you in so many ways.
- blah blah blah your dad isn’t crazy with his life teachings
-I’ll give you my garmin cause I love you so much
-You inspire me to better or I feel guilty for not trying harder (lol)
-I know, I know, your not a little girl anymore but if your in the med tent DAMIT CALL YOUR MOM
-I love you Page in so many ways and I am so proud that you are my daughter.
Congratulations on a great race!
Mom xoxoxox
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awesome awesome recap! so happy to see you rise up and pound this one! congratulations on such a fantastic race AND a new PR!
Way to go!! So happy to hear you were able to mentally overcome all the obstacles and get a new PR! The Boston jacket looks good on you…you earned it!
Wow – I’m so impressed with the way you pushed through after mile 10. That’s not easy, especially with so many things happening at once. Your dad is totally right though. I’ll be keeping this in mind during my marathon next weekend!
Congrats on an awesome race and new PR!
I loved this recap. My swim coach always taught all of us to always expect something to go wrong. It is really difficult to train a way you don’t want to but it can make such a difference when something bad happens. I love the feeling of always being prepared for anything.
great recap and congrats on a pr!
i cant believe your garmin flew off and broke, the craziest things happen out there but congrats for keeping it together and finishing strong!
After reading this, I need to tell you CONGRATS YOU RUNNING BAD ASS like 12 million more times. Holy rockstar, Page. I would have flipped my shit so many times but you finished strong and still PRd. Your goal time is out there, I have no doubts.
What a race! I hope your garmin’s okay!
It’s awesome that you were still able to PR even with all that happening. Keep it up!
Hi Page, Congrats on your dream race, your PR, and on dealing with the challenges with the right mindset. Great accomplishments all!
Can you please let me know where or what type of store you got your iron on letters? I’ve been wanting to get some for Big Sur next week. Thanks!
Tim from Sacramento
Wow, a lot of things happened during this race! Is your garmin operational now? Did the wrist strap thing actually break off from the watch? Because that is what happened to mine, now I need to call garmin to likely have them fix it or something, because part of the plastic that attaches the wrist strap to the watch broke off.
That really is a bummer that your garmin stopped working, during marathons especially I depend on my garmin to know how fast I’m going, and that would be tough to gauge without it.
When I was driving back from Coachella, I checked on some of you guys at lunch, and I saw that you had a 1:40 first half marathon, then you got off pace in the 2nd half, I figured that something had happened, but I wasn’t sure what.
Your shirt seriously is awesome. I will definitely be trying that idea. Would a store be able to do that? I would definitely want a technical running shirt fabric.
And while you didn’t reach your goal time, a new PR is awesome! You will definitely reach your 3:20 goal time I bet the next time you do a marathon, Boston just seems to have so much activity going on it seems like. Congrats and enjoy!
Congratulations – what an inspiring race report! I was one of those stalkers tracking you and cheering you on from the west coast – lol. Looking forward to reading more, as usual…
You ROCKED it. And super cool that you just went with it after Garmin freaked out on you. I love that your dad’s voice appeared in your head
HUGE congrats and so awesome to finally meet you!
Congrats again Page! Your PR is even more impressive with all the difficulties you had during the race. You totally rocked Boston!
Page! I am so proud to call you my friend! Congratulations on accomplishing this amazing thing! What I love most about reading this is your obvious ability to overcome setbacks and to take things in your life to a new and challenging level. You continue to inspire me! I love you!
OMG congratulations, Page! You’ve had such an incredible journey to Boston and to rise above all the things that didn’t go right during the race so that you could end with something TOTALLY awesome is just so inspiring! Congrats again
Amazing race and recap! You are so strong to hold it all together through 16 miles of mishaps and stops and still PR!!! Congrats!!
you rocked it, that’s all i can say, especially with the circumstances! Way to kick serious butt and work through everything and STILL make it to the finish time with a new PR! You are more than awesome. <3
HOLY CRAP…you were NOT joking when you said Boston chewed you up and spit you out! So let me get this…you made two bathroom stops, got trapped in congested roads AND had to run back to retrieve your garmin AND a PR?! Rock star. I love your dad’s mantra & the fact that you rolled with the punches and kept on pushing it to the limits!!!!! I’m so proud of you and I know the next time I’m in a race and everything falls apart I will think of your first Boston Marathon experience and hammer down! Great job girl
What a great recap, I really enjoyed reading it! I think you did amazing to deal with all that misfortune and still do great. Hope your Garmin is okay!!
amazing amazing job my friend! i am so proud of you and SO glad i was there for your BQ and SO glad i tracked you on your amazing trek!
your a inspiration to everyone around you! 
Loved this post! Loved what you learned and that it was such a great experience, though grueling! You are an inspiration!
Wow, talk about a series of potential disasters, and I say potential because I totally admire your positive energy and ability to deal with a shitty situation. Can you teach me? Whenever I get down, it’s so hard for me to move past it – it’s such a mental thing! Your time is amazing and you should proudly wear that jacket everyday – I would!
Congrats again, Page! I’m so happy everything went well for you!
I think all these comments are a testament to how amazing you are, and how incredible post this post.
Your words are extremely valuable. I always battle with my brain to quit during races, and I really want to remember the words you shared from your father. I’m so impressed by how you handled the whirlwind of events (I didn’t know it was such a hot day!)
I look forward to hearing your recap about hydration…love learning from you
“how incredible a post this is”. sorry for the typo
This is awesome. I love reading Boston re-caps. I’m new here and just found Aron’s blog too!
I can’t believe you did so well and got a new PR even in the midst of all that Garmin madness! Congrats!!
Wow, congratulations! I can’t believe the Garmin fiasco – and you still got a PR! That is amazing. It’s cool to read about how you mentally got through it. Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on the new PR! I was stalking you online during the race and was excited to see your time. Now I’m even more impressed to find out that it also included two bathroom breaks and a broken Garmin. I’m glad you had a good experience, despite all the fiascos, and I know that you’ll be getting that time in the 3:20s soon!
Great job Page! And it was great meeting you!!
It sounds like Boston tried to slap you in the face, but you punched right back! Congrats on a PR on a tough day!
Congrats on your PR! That is awesome! That is crazy your garmin came off! You definitely conquered Boston and didn’t back down despite everything!
Tears in my eyes!!! I love that quote and I admire you for killing your PR with those conditions. You are really impressive. I’m really excited to see whats in store for you when you get a day where everything clicks. Congrats Page!
CONGRATS.
Great race and race report.
I tried to keep it slow during the first 6 – I ran too fast and still got passed by 2000 people!
So your Garmin failed, you took potty breaks and still PR’d…at Boston?! What an amazing feeling of accomplishment, especially through all the strife. Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!
CONGRATS Page on an epic race despite all the things that went wrong. It was so fun to share this experience with you and to get to hang out before our big day started. You did amazing and will surely get that 3:20 very soon, I have no doubts at all. Can’t wait for the next one in 3 days!
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I just came across your blog and love reading race recaps! I LOVE your name on your top! I’m so going to do something like that for the Rock n’ Roll San Diego 1/2! My second half. Just did my first last weekend!
Great story!
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Just finally read this for the first time. AMAZING! Your experience was incredible and your description was perfect. I know you are going to rock the Ironman just like you rocked Boston!
And YOU are going to rock your BQ race AND Boston someday!