2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

 

Dear RWM Readers,

It was yet another year that I, and probably many of us, am relieved to have gotten through.  I wasn't fooling myself at the end 2020.  I knew 2021 would continue to be challenging, different and tricky to navigate.  And it was.  But, it also got notably better.  The vaccine became available to most and life slowly began to open back up to normal; albeit the new normal.  High school sports came back in the spring, road races started to take place again, school opened up in the fall for all students.  And thankfully life, as we know it, continued on with lots of pretty incredible things happening despite the fact that we were still living with some significant restrictions.  If I'm being honest, I wasn't sure if I'd continue writing and posting to RWM when they year began.  There are so many bigger, more pressing issues that people need to deal with, I thought, why bother with the mundane stories about running, music and whatever else was on my mind.  In the end, though, I suppose I realized that this blog is as much for me as it is for those who read it.  It has become a way to process experiences, discuss them, evaluate them and ultimately move on from them; regardless of whether they were good or bad.  I need that in my life.  Who doesn't?  I have a made a lot of connections through this blog and I am so grateful for this.  They have become invaluable to me.  And if you've read something here and been able to relate, learn or grow from it, than I am grateful for that, too.  The past couple years have been all about connection.  In whatever way possible.  Anything to make us feel like someone else is there, listening and maybe even going through the same thing.  So for that reason alone,  I will forge ahead.  As always, thanks for coming along for the ride in whatever way that you do.  As my dear friend Becca likes to say, stay on top, my friends.  See you in 2022!

All the best, 

RUNNING WITH MUSIC 2021

JANUARY

Completed the BITR January Winter Grit Challenge. Ran 300 miles. For fun.

JANUARY ALBUM:ARTERIES - SOPHIE BLAIR

JANUARY SONG:FEELS RIGHT - BIIG PIIG

FEBRUARY

This hot shot turned 14

FEBRUARY SONG:BLACK COFFEE - NEVER GONNA FORGET

FEBRUARY ALBUM:LOVE IS THE KING - JEFF TWEEDY

MARCH

Got my first vaccine

MARCH SONG:THE GREAT DIVIDE - THE SHINS

MARCH ALBUM:BAD BOOKS - MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA

APRIL

Ran yet another 3:00:XX marathon 

(31 seconds in case you were wondering)

APRIL SONG:YOU CAN GET IT - ARKELLS, K. FLAY

ALBUM:THIS IS THIS - GROUPLOVE

MAY

Lex Women's track took 1st at the EMASS Div 1 Relays

MAY SONG:GET READY - NIGHT PANDA FT. BEGINNERS

MAY ALBUM:THE RISE & FALL OF LOVERBOY - SIR SLY

JUNE

Broke the elusive 19 min barrier in the 5k (18:27)

JUNE SONG:FORGOTTEN SOULS - MOTHER MOTHER

JUNE ALBUM:THE MILLION MASKS OF GOD - MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA

JULY

Lex Women's 4x400 took 4th in the country at Nationals

JULY SONG:RARARA - MATT & KIM

JULY ALBUM:ARE WE? - SLENDERBODIES

AUGUST

Ran my first Falmouth Road Race

AUGUST SONG:LOCUST LACED - SLEIGH BELLS

AUGUST ALBUM: BURNDERS - BRONZE RADIO RETURN

SEPTEMBER

Both my girls were finally in high school & both going full time. Praise be.

SEPTEMBER SONG:ELLA - TWO FEET

SEPT ALBUM:HOW LONG DO YOU THINK IT'S GONNA LAST - BIG RED MACHINE

OCTOBER

Ran the Boston Marathon, my 27th

OCTOBER SONG:GUERILLA - REMI WOLF

OCTOBER ALBUM:TEXIS - SLEIGH BELLS

NOVEMBER

This cool cat turned 17

NOVEMBER SONG:SOUND THE ALARMS!!!1! - PROUNOUN

NOVEMBER ALBUM:MADONNA - TRUE BLUE (35TH EDITION)

DECEMBER

Ran the Mill Cities Relay with the Whirlaway ladies

DECEMBER SONG:THIS IS LIFE - LUMINEERS

DECEMBER ALBUM:JUNO - REMI WOLF

Listen to these:

RWM DAILY SONGS 2021

RACE REVIEW:MILL CITIES RELAY

"Old age is no place for sissies." 

~ Bette Davis

Last Sunday I ran the Mill Cities Relay with my Whirlaway teammates, a fierce and fabulous group of Masters women ages 40 to 55.  The relay is a 27 mile race that starts in Nashua, NH and ends in Lawrence, MA and is broken up into five legs.  Aside from the half I did over Thanksgiving down in Atlanta, which was more for fun than anything, this would be my first legitimately hard effort since Boston back in October.  Between that and the fact that my leg would only be 4.75 miles, which might as well be a 100m dash in my world, I was pretty nervous.  Excited.  But more nervous.  If I'm being honest, I've had a tough time bouncing back since Boston.  My body really took a beating after that one, more likely from the training than the race itself.  And while I haven't been doing much hard work as far as training goes since then, my legs just haven't been feeling great and I've had more bad runs than good over the past few weeks.  It's incredibly frustrating.  But I'm trying just embrace the fact that this is a down phase for me and to take the time I need to ease back in while having a little patience.  Trying hard.  Anyway, the race.  A few months ago, my fellow older Whirlaway teammates threw it out there as an option and I jumped on the opportunity thinking it would be a cool way to get back into race mode but perhaps without as much pressure since we'd be doing it as a team.  Race day was Sunday, the 5th and it crept up on me quickly, as everything in life seems to be doing lately.  So, here we go.  

I woke up before my alarm, around 5:30am.  Happens more often than not lately which I suppose is a good thing.  I got some coffee, took the dogs out for a quick walk and then hopped in my car as the drive up to Lawrence was about thirty minutes and I needed to be there at 7:15.  The sun came up as I drove North and it was looking like it would be a beautiful morning.  Cold.  But clear and still.  I'll always take that.  I met up with Lauren, Tina and Amy at the Claddagh Pub which is where the race would be ending and we got in Lauren's car, our main race vehicle for the rest of the day.  We drove over to the start of Zone 2 where Amy would be receiving the baton from Christen, our first runner who had driven up and started on her own.  It was now around 8:00am and in the twenties.  Amy got out to warm up and the rest of us stayed bundled in the car with the heat on full blast.

Part of me was envious that she was getting her leg in early.  The other part of me was grateful that I had a little more time for the sun to work it's magic.  We wished Amy good luck and took off for the next transition zone.  We parked and hopped out to use the bathroom noting that it was already was feeling a little bit warmer which we were very happy about.  This was Tina's leg which was just under three miles.  So the plan was for her to warmup around the handoff area, for Lauren to run from zone three to zone four since it was a good warmup distance for her and for me to drive Lauren's car solo to meet up with both of them at the zone 4 handoff.  Side note, it's a brand new car, like literally three days old, so I was more nervous about driving the car than the race itself.  I suppose it was a good distraction at the moment as I could not focus on my leg until the car was parked safely at the next zone.  Lauren took off and I wished Tina good luck and then I very gingerly drove out of the parking lot.

I made it safely to the boat house and quickly found Lauren to let her know that the car had arrived and that I had nothing to report about the 2.75 mile trek.  My driving duties were now over which I was very relieved about.  It was now around 9:20 and Lauren was getting ready to tackle the fourth leg which was also the longest around nine miles.  Part of me wished I'd had this leg as shorter stuff is so hard for me.  But the other part of me didn't have the mental capacity for such a trek and was glad Lauren, aka the speed goat, was tackling this one.  Tina flew in around 9:25 and Lauren took off like a bat out of hell.  For the record, when I'd asked Tina, who is 55 years young, what she thought she'd be running at for her pace she guessed around 6:45.  Her actual pace?  6:23.  Holy hell this woman is fast.  I was floored.  I think she was, too.  But I could also see a little smile on her face as my guess is it felt damn good to know she can still tap into lightening fast mode when she needs it.

So, finally, we're on the fourth of five legs.  Lauren, who absolutely slayed at Boston back in October, was looking fresh and chipper despite the fact that she was still in recovery mode.  Lauren and I have been doing a lot of training together lately.  I've learned that she has two speeds.  Fast and faster.  And she always makes it look easy, even when she's struggling.  It totally blows my mind.  Don't get me wrong, she works her ass off and has put in a lot of time to get to this level but she is currently on fire and I am more than happy to ride her coat tails as I train for my next marathon.  Back to the race.  Lauren is obviously running fast so I get Amy and Tina and we head over to the last transition zone so I can get a warmup in.  It was now a little before ten and I didn't have much a window to get moving so I cut it a little short and did some dynamics instead of adding on the extra mileage.  Normally this would stress me out as I need more time to warmup these days but I was already so revved up about taking us home that I had plenty of pep in the tank, both mentally and physically.  I took the baton at 10:23am and flew out of the transition zone at a sub-6 minute pace which I had no business being in.  I eased back a bit and tried to settle into a more manageable pace.  But keep in mind, I was only running 4.75 miles so, unlike with the marathon, there's not a lot time to "settle in" and find you goal pace.  I rolled through the first mile in 6:08 and told myself to just try and keep that effort without looking at the watch.  This strategy has been working well for me lately, running by feel that is.  Amy had warned me about the hill that started at mile two which was good as it was a doozy.  "It's like a sombrero, Rebecca.  It's steep, then it levels off a bit, then it's home free from there."  And she was spot on, clearly.  

I'm not gonna lie, the hill hurt.  A lot.  But I knew I was almost done once I got over it and held onto that in my head as I fought my way up.  Breathing was hard at this point.  I was digging deeper than I have in quite some time.  Around mile 4.5 I could see one of my male Whirlaway teammates cheering at the turn to the finish line.  I have no idea if he was cheering for me as we had several teams out there but I went ahead and assumed he was and dug just a little more to get myself to the line.  

I ended up running an average pace of 6:14 which I was incredibly pleased with given the hill, which just about killed me, and how shitty I've been feeling since Boston in general.  The well runs deep, my friends.  Always remember this.  Our team also won in both the Masters Women's Division and the Overall Women's division.  Not too shabby for a group of older women.  Not going to lie, we were pretty pleased with ourselves.  After the finish, we grabbed a quick team pic and then everyone headed into the pub for the post-race celebration.  This was a lot of fun as we caught up with all our other teammates as well as a bunch of other runners and teams, many of whom we know through the run world which is pretty small.  People ate and drank beers and we sat and waited for the awards.  If you've been reading this blog for a while or you know me at all you know that I had one thing and one thing only on my mind and it wasn't beer.  I had to scoot before the awards were given out because my dogs were home solo I could feel their whining from afar.  Plus, yes, I really wanted a coffee.  So, I said my goodbyes and headed out.  To get coffee.  And then home. 

Spend a few hours in a van with people and you get to know them pretty well, pretty fast.  And I learned some valuable things about my teammates during this window.  Amy is prepared for ANYTHING.  She is both a mom and a high school track coach so no surprise.  But, if you need it, she has it.  Extra clothes, band-aids, food, water and most importantly, toilet paper.  She brings it with her everywhere she goes.  Tina is super chill but once she starts running she goes into beast mode.  Do not get in her way.  She will take you down.  Lauren is always smiling and ready to go.  Like, she makes everything looks "super fun".  And, as I said before, stupid easy.  Even when she's working her ass off.  Which she always is.  Damn her.  I didn't spend time with Christen so I'll have to get back to you on her superpower, though I'm sure she has one.  Everyone on this team does.  Relays are a great reminder of why I love to run.  Yes, we want to run fast and do well but there's so much more to it.  The run community is so awesome; typically big, warm and friendly. My run family is even more awesome.  Loving, supportive and always making me laugh.  And running with and for a team just spices things up in a way that lining up solo never can.  I guess what it comes down to, at least for me, is running with friends makes it better.  So, thanks ladies!

Listen to this:

Fine & Peachy by Eliza Shaddad

Eliza Shaddad · Fine & Peachy

2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE & GIVEAWAY

"There's room for everyone on the Nice List."

~ Buddy the Elf

I started this blog back in 2011.  My girls were five and seven years old at the time.  This alone totally blows my mind but I won't go down that road today.  I looked back to see if I could find what they had on their wish lists that year but I guess I didn't write it down or save it; something my mother-in-law always tells me to do and now I know why.  I vaguely remember Grace, my youngest, asking for a ladybug and a rainbow, the real thing in both cases.  That was a tricky year.  In 2014, I crafted my first RWM Holiday Gift Guide and that is also when I started making a note of what the girls' were asking for.  If I'm being honest, I would often incorporate their choices into this annual post as it usually made for great content.  Yes, I'm shameless.  Some of the more interesting items through the years included a spy kit, a magic eight ball (damn, those things are timeless), a reaching stick (yes, the one from the top shelf of CVS), a book of fairy spells (but, a real one with real spells that really work), a magicians outfit and set of tricks; the girls were quite crafty and creative back then.  This year they are fourteen and seventeen years old.  Grace wants to dye her hair and Rosie wants clothes and shoes.  And obviously I'm supposed to know what specific clothes and shoes she wants.  Anyone out there with teenage daughters, feel free to chime in here.  I do love the holiday season, though.  I say it every year, but it's hard not to get a little giddy when December rolls around and people seem to take a deep dive into the holiday spirit of their choice.  Even with all the stress and chaos of the season I find that happiness and good moods prevail.  Who doesn't love that?  So, gift giving.  Whether you're on the hunt for family and friends or making your own list, below is a group of items that I think are worth a second look.  Because, in my humble opinion, they're awesome.  And I've tested, and in most cases own, all of them so you can trust me on this.  As I do every year, I tried to mix it up and add something for everyone.  Hopefully I have succeeded and there is something below that catches your eye.  They are all great gifts but I confess that I do truly love everything on this list so I am a bit biased.  Check them out for yourself.  Then take a second to enter the 7th Annual RWM WINTER GIVEAWAY both here and over at RWM on Instagram.  And, most importantly, have yourself a merry little whatever it is you celebrate! 

********* RWM HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE *********

Ororo Heated Vest

Retail Price:$169.99 

*Use this link & save 20%

Doesn't matter where you live, if you run cold, physically or literally, you need this Ororo heated vest.  I'll come right out and say that I wear it year round.  Okay, maybe not in the summer, but still.  Whether you're running, skiing, standing outside watching a soccer tournament for multiple hours or coaching in the pouring rain; with this baby on you feel like you can handle it all.  I have the vest myself.  I also have a jacket.  Because Franconia, NH in January.  If you know, you know.  They have all kinds of items including the vest as well as gloves, socks, scarves and more.  Get toasty and stay toasty, my friends.

rabbit Sisterhood Crop

Retail Price:$75

In the dead of winter, this rabbit top is gonna make you smile.  It's warm, it's comfortable and the print is just so damn cool.  Wear it with jeans when you're out and about or under a vest for running on the colder days.  Fair warning, though, once it's on, you likely won't be taking it off.  I guess that's not such a bad thing.  It's the perfect blend of polyester with a bit of spandex so it breathes and moves with you. Look rad, feel rad.   

Koala Clip UR Enough Surprise Box

Retail Price:$45

My dear friend Kristina is the genius behind the Koala Clip, the pouch made for your phone (any phone) that clips onto your sports bra so you can run hands free.  It's truly a piece of genius and has been a total game changer for me.  The above box of love contains one Koala Clip and is then filled with extra goodies; all of which are a surprise for the recipient but think tea, coffee, dark chocolate and hydration essentials.  Don't feel guilty if you place an order and the recipient happens to be you.   You deserve it.

FRÉ Skincare - The Mighty Nine Set

Retail Price:$290

*use code RUNNINGREB to save 50%

I've been using FRÉ Skincare products for several years now.  The line is designed specifically for women who sweat and/or live their lives on the go.  They have several different sets available but The Mighty Nine covers all the bases from sunscreen to moisturizer to facial cleanser along with anything else that might be needed to keep the skin healthy and fresh 24/7.  Buy the set for the one you love or break the set up into stocking stuffers for all your active friends. 

Winter Hats by TrailHeads

Retail Price:$34

We all need warm hats for winter, both for every day wear and for working out.  These TrailHeads hats were designed for both.  The winter trucker hat (left) and the Trailblazer Hat (right) are made from soft, thermal fabric, have ear flaps that come down when needed and, best part, are ponytail compatible.  Run in it and then wear it straight to the coffee shop afterwards.  Keep your melon warm and look chic doing it.  Done and done.

Note to Self Sock Set

Retail Price:$82.95

AWESOME.  STRONG.  AMAZING.  CRUSHING IT.  They are called Note To Self and they are positive affirmation socks.  And I don't believe you if you tell me you don't have someone in your life that needs these on their feet.  There are a ton of sets available but this is my personal favorite.  They are a cotton/poly/nylon/spandex blend.  Translation - total comfort.  This set includes 5 pairs and a keepsake box. 

 ************* STOCKING STUFFERS ************

BEADS BY SHARON: Custom beaded jewelry. The bracelets are my favorite. I never take them, off even when I run.  Add a personal mantra for the oft-needed mid-race motivation.

POCKET LATTES: I mean, do I really have to explain this one?

HU CHOCOLATE BARS: Organic, vegan, all natural & most importantly, delicious.  And dark chocolate is good for you.  We all know this.

COLD CASE GEAR THERMAL PHONE CASE: Waterproof, drop proof, cold proof;  basically life proof. Winter is coming. Be prepared.

❄️❄️❄️❄️ RWM WINTER GIVEAWAY ❄️❄️❄️❄️

1 Ororo Heated Vest

1 runinrabbit Sisterhood Pullover - size small

1 Rooftree Health Massage Gun

2 $35 Gift Cards from Koala Clip

1 I AM Set from FRÉ

2 Winter Hats from Trailheads

1 Joyful & Amazing Set of Notes to Self Socks

2 1lb bags of Landgrove Coffee

2 customied bracelets from Beading by Sharon

2 Phone Cases from Cold Case Gear

2 HU Chocolate Bars

I could not be more excited about this year's RWM Winter Giveaway.  There are two ways to enter.  First, you can comment below.  Tell me the one person you'd share all these goodies with and why.  Feel free to comment as many times as you have friends.  Because sharing is caring.  Please make sure to provide a way to contact you in the comments (ie. an email or social media handle).  Second, you can head over to RWM on Instagram and enter there.  There, all you'll need to do is tag a friend for sharing and then follow all of the companies that have contributed.  This absolutely insane prize package is valued at over $800 and has something for everyone.  It includes all of the items listed above.  And maybe a couple bonus items not pictured here.  Huge thanks to all of the fabulous companies that donated these items.  Winners will be picked on December 10th.  US Residents only. Good luck!

Listen to this:

Until I Come Home by Two Feet

Two Feet · Until I Come Home

RACE REVIEW:BOSTON MARATHON 2021

"You can be proud of yourself, and want more out of yourself at the same time."

~ Bri Wenke

It was, yet again, another epic Boston Marathon weekend and I will do my best to sum it all up in this post but I can't promise this won't be a long one.  Saddle up.  Here we go.  On Friday, my dear friend Jackie flew up from Virginia for a long overdue visit.  Originally, she had planned to run the marathon but Covid hit and life changed and goals shifted and by the time she needed to buckle down she decided she just didn't want to dive in to another marathon training cycle.  That said, she didn't want to miss out on the festivities and I really wanted to see her so she came up anyway.  Lucky me.  We drove into the city around noon so we could pick up our bibs and shirts and take a stroll through the expo to see what was what.  It was a gorgeous day, the city was hoppin' and we took some time to soak up all things Boston as we walked down to the Hynes Convention Center.  

We couldn't help but stop for some photos around the finish area.  First taking a few selfies and then handing my phone over to a stranger who took pity on us as we tried (and failed) to set the phone up for a timed shot on the street.  Had to be done.  She understood.  She was doing it, too.

The expo scene was relatively tame compared to years past.  We showed proof of vaccination and registration and got in to get our race packets easily.  Kudos to the BAA as everything was incredibly well organized and spaced out.  Honestly, it hadn't really hit me that this race was finally here until the moment when I had my number in hand.  That was the first time I realized that, after multiple cancelations, Boston was actually happening.  That shit was getting real and I was going to do this thing.  It was a pretty powerful moment and I took a beat to let it soak in. 

We walked through the expo and quickly learned that there was not much to it.  Like at all.  I mean, there was a big Sam Adam's Bar set up in the middle but I had no plans to indulge in a cold one two days before the race.  I guess some people do that.  To each his or her own. There were maybe ten booths set up in total, compared to the usual 100+, and we didn't have much interest in any of them so we circled through and then headed out to grab some lunch and head back to the car.  We randomly stopped in at the Boston Public Library Cafe, mainly because it was on the way and we were starving.  But it ended up being a lovely spot to grab lunch.  We enjoyed sandwiches and then Jackie treated me to a maple pancake latte which was easily one of the best things I've ever tasted.

Sufficiently full and equally tired we finally ambled back to the parking garage and zipped back home for some much needed down time.  Other than cross country practice over in Lexington, I had a pretty mellow afternoon.  I got back home around 6:00 and sat and chilled with Jackie as we waited for our friend Erin to roll into town.  Erin, aka Chicken, was also coming in for a visit and to watch the race.  I haven't seen her since February of 2020 and have been in desperate need for a dose of her awesomeness so, needless to say, I was beyond thrilled that she was coming to hang with us.  She landed and got to my house on the later side; basically in time for some pizza and a quick catch up session after which all of us turned in because it was 9:30 which, as we all know, is wicked late.

Saturday morning we got going around 8:00am.  Our plan was to meet up with some friends for a shakeout run and then coffee in Boston.  Jackie was going to start a little early as she needed to get a long run in so we got to our planned meeting spot and she took off while Chicken and I waited for the rest of our group to arrive.  I had one thing and one thing only on my mind and it wasn't running so as soon as everyone got there we set off for an easy three miles then we grabbed our stuff and walked over to Tatte for coffee and food.  Okay, yes, I might have ran.  No, I did.  I ran.  And it was worth it because they make a damn good mocha.  We sat and sipped and caught up with everyone for a while as we waited for Jackie to finish her run and then we said our goodbyes and broke around 11:00.  

We'd parked in a garage under the Time Out Market which is this really cool indoor/outdoor plaza, if you will, with lots of fun restaurants and shops.  Chicken had seen a winter beanie that she wanted at REI earlier that morning so we stopped in and let her convince us that we all needed said beanie.  Which we obviously purchased.  I also grabbed a puzzle for Jeff and Jackie picked up some donuts.  Gotta love the one stop shopping.  We had absolutely nothing on our agenda for the rest of the afternoon.  Once we got back home we basically ate, drank, napped and lounged in various places in my house which was just about all I had the mental capacity for so it was perfect. 

Jeff cooked us a great dinner and we, once again, turned in early.  And then it was Sunday.  But, for the love of Pete, it wasn't even race day yet.  This has got to be the longest weekend of all times.  The Monday marathon is brutal for this reason.  By Sunday I'd had enough resting and was done waiting.  I was ready to get the show on the road.  It was a real tough day to get through.  Chicken and Jackie made plans with friends and family.  I did stupid crap like laundry, walk the dogs, eat, read, clean, probably placed a panic Amazon order, who knows.  I was a little loco at this point; just trying to keep myself distracted.  We did watch the Red Sox beat the Rays.  Easily the highlight of my day.  Beyond that, it was just a painful waiting game until I finally got my race gear together, crawled into bed around 8:00pm and prayed for sleep.

RACE DAY:

I got up at 4:45am so I could have coffee and breakfast while also leaving myself plenty of time to digest it all before the race which was starting, for me, at 9:25.  If you've been reading this blog for a while you know that it doesn't matter what time my dog hears footprints.  If someone is up there is likely a meal involved.  And even if there isn't, it's definitely worth checking to make sure.  So, yes, Clover joined me for breakfast at the crack of dawn and then promptly went back to bed until the rest of the house got up.  I'm not gonna lie, it was nice to have her company, both for the distraction and to settle the nerves a bit.

Around 6:30 I woke Grace up and had her braid my hair.  I made sure she was up for this the night before as she is never up that early by choice.  Lucky for me she was game and had no problem setting me up with the perfect race day braid.  I was very grateful.  She went straight back to bed and later told me she had no recollection of the entire experience.  At 7:00, Jeff drove me into Boston so I could get on the bus out to Hopkinton.  I usually just have him drive me straight out but decided if there was any year to follow BAA protocol, it was this one.  Jeff left me on Charles street at 7:15 and I walked over to get in line for my bus.  After which I immediately learned that bag check was back out of the bus area and all the way over on the other side of the Common.  That was a bummer.  My nice 30 minute cushion was no longer so cushiony.  As I walked to my assigned bag drop area I ran into my friend John Levitt, host of the For the Long Run Podcast, who had a similar bib number so we made the trek together and then joined up to get in line for the bus.  Again.  

It was now 7:45am and the lines for all fifteen or so buses were super long which was a little nerve wracking.  John and I picked one and moved slowly to the front of the line only to be told the bus was full and we'd have to wait for the next one.  Well, all righty.  No choice in the matter so we waited.  A few minutes later another round of buses pulled through and we hopped on and settled into the front seat.  Again, really nice to have a buddy for this process as the situation is stressful enough by yourself.  Even nicer that John could actually talk to me.  Not that I'm knocking Clover but you get it.  It was an uneventful ride out to the start and we got off the bus around 9:00 which left us time to walk the half mile to the line.  All in, between the bag drop and the bus drop, we probably walked about 2 miles which was less than ideal but whatever.  John and I had a good laugh over it and laughing pre-race is nice.  Right around 9:20 we said goodbye and good luck and then I ditched my clothes, put my music in and walked to the start.  

THE RACE:

MILES 1-9

This was my ninth time running Boston so there was nothing new as far as what to expect from the course.  My goal was to break three hours.  Why?  Because it's an incredibly tough challenge that I know is within reach.  Because I ran a 2:59 back in 2018 when I was 43 so why not see if I could do it again at 46?  And, if I'm being totally honest, just because it seemed like a fun, badass goal.  My plan was to try and run the first half at 6:40-6:45 pace.  Then to tackle the hills, which would inevitably slow me down.  And then to use whatever I had left for the last six miles.  This training cycle I'd gone and run the course twice.  I knew the hill section really well.  I was ready.  So, off I went.  No, literally.  There was no official start.  They just told us to go ahead and cross the line whenever we were good to go.  It was very bizarre.  But that was that.  I stepped on the timing mat, started my watch and hoped for the best.  I knew Chicken and Jackie were going to be around mile 9 so I settled in and focused on getting there if only just to have something to look forward to.  These first few miles flew by.  I've done about 50 workouts at this goal pace so my body locked in, no problem.  I worked to stay relaxed and find a rhythm as I made my way toward Natick.  I saw Jackie and Chicken right away and cruised over for a high five which I nailed with Chicken and missed with Jackie so I gave her a thumbs up as I kept going.  

MILES 9-16

I was still in cruise control for this section but my legs started to feel off.  Heavy and tired.  My pace wasn't dropping.  But my legs were making it clear that they were having to work harder than usual to hold on and they weren't happy about it.  I tried to ignore them.  That was really difficult.  I saw Jackie and Chicken again at the half and gave them a worried look while pointing to my quads.  Chicken shook her head "no" and pumped her hands up and down; basically telling me to settle down and keep grinding.  It was exactly what I needed.  I reset and got back on pace, still holding on to a 2:58 finish time. 

MILES 17-21

And then I got to the hills.  As I said, I knew what to expect.  But turns out my legs kind of forgot.  As I climbed the first and longest hill they were like, dude....WTF?  I was like...yea, we practiced this.  Remember?  Just power up and finish.  Like we said.  And they were like... HELL NO, WOMAN.  They were toast.  Feeling heavier and heavier with each step, each muscle screaming at me to pump the breaks and walk.  Well, I've done too many marathons to know that, at least for me, walking is a death sentence.  So I forged ahead.  My pace was now steadily in the 7s...7:22, 7:20, 7:16, 7:32 and then 7:56 for Heartbreak hill.  Effffff.  I mean, clearly my goal time was out the window.  But now I was just willing my legs to move and they weren't cooperating.  I did see a ton of friends and several of my LHS athletes throughout this section which was HUGE.  I made every effort to point, wave and smile, hoping a positive attitude my trick my legs into thinking they were having fun.  That didn't work so well.  

MILES 21-26.2

So, I'm deep in the pain cave now just holding on for dear life.  I know I can finish.  I also know it's going to suck.  I'd stopped looking at my watch by now as my goal time was out the window.  I had no idea what pace I was running.  I didn't care.  I just wanted to be done.  Looking back now, I somehow managed to keep all but one of my final miles in the 7 minute range which if you'd told me I was doing at the time I would have spit my gatorade in your face.  Honestly, I felt like I was crawling.  But the body does what it knows and I've done a shit ton of miles at a really hard pace for the past few months so it was able to tap into that even while I felt like garbage.  It's kind of a minor miracle, really.  I shuffled along, counting out the seconds in my head in an attempt to make the miles go by.  And finally, PRAISE BE, I was turning onto Boylston street which is just totally surreal no matter what state you're in. You can see the finish.  The crowds are going wild.  Runners are freaking out in all sorts of ways.  It's beautiful chaos and such a privilege to be a part of.  

I haven't been this happy to be done with a marathon in quite some time.  I gave everything I had left to get myself to the finish and crossed the line in three hours, eight minutes and twenty seconds.  It is a time I can now say I'm incredibly satisfied with given how things played out.  I hobbled through the finish chute and texted Jeff who was going to meet me back in the Commons with Rosie and Grace.  I was in a big fat daze, happy, sad, in pain, shocked, confused; all the feels, I had them.  I found my family by the ice cream truck, where we always meet post-Boston and sadly was unable to enjoy a cone as my body was like...don't you dare even try.  That made me sad.  Soft serve is my favorite.  Rosie snapped a photo of me smiling, which I guess I was able to do although I don't really remember this moment.  Then they picked me up and we made our way to the parking garage.  Easily one of the toughest walks ever.  

So, yea, I was bummed.  I know I have another sub-3 in me.  But despite all my training, my legs had their own agenda on Monday.  And ultimately they called the shots.  And, yea, I'm also I'm proud.  Of the work.  Of the fight.  And of the finish.  And finally, yes, I do want more out of myself.  And I'm good with that.  Because isn't wanting more kind of what it's all about?  Most importantly, though, I'm grateful.  To my family, my friends, my teammates, my coach, to everyone who supported me on this journey.  Because it is definitely not a one woman show.  You literally can't go it alone.  Well,  I can't.  And then, of course, to my body, which somehow manages to keep plugging along in spite of all that I ask it to do.  Which is a lot.  But we're not quite done yet.  Sorry.  Not sorry.  More on that later.  Boston, I love ya!  Don't ever change.  

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