I am the Storm! 2018 Boston Marathon Recap

“Fate whispers to the warrior, `You cannot withstand the storm,’ and the warrior whispers back, `I am the storm.’” -Unknown

April 16, 2018 weather: cold, wet, and windy. The course was rain swept and a strong, 30 mph headwind pushed against the runners. The weather was going to be so bad, for the first time in a long time the traditional 11AM Red Sox game was postponed. It was the toughest conditions I ever faced... except for the almost 90 degree day in Boston for my first Boston Marathon in 2012.

Like last year, I flew to Boston Saturday afternoon/night with my son since my wife works on Monday (Patriots Day is only a holiday in Massachusetts and Maine). Having my family live in Massachusetts made this plan work. Miles was great waiting for our flight and on the plane. We shared an ice cream and read and watched Elmo. I still wasn't feeling great - I had food poisoning Wednesday night, felt really ill Thursday, and was still in some pain Friday so I canceled my five mile run. Saturday was the first day my stomach wasn't in pain. I was worried I wouldn't get a good carbo load.

A preflight ice cream cone waiting to board Miles watching Sesame Street during takeoff

Miles slept on the plane to Boston

My parents met us in Logan and we drove to their home in Foxborough. He went right to bed and I followed shortly later. Sunday morning, I drove my father's car into Boston. Usually the packet pick-up is at the Hynes, but this year it was at the Seaport Convention Center. We had to wait in line outside for the doors to open, and I was spotted by Alex and his wife, a fellow runner from the DC area who met me years ago in Hopkinton waiting for the race to start. He was coming off an injury, but I saw that he ran quite well.

Standing on the finish line

A view of the finish line

I didn't linger at the expo since it was $14 for the first hour to park and didn't want to pay for a second hour. I met with my coach, Ryan Vail, for coffee at his hotel near the finish. Amazingly, I found street parking (free on Sunday) walking distance from where we met. It was my first time meeting him in person. On the way to see him, I took a few pictures at the finish line, something I had not done in the past. He hoped to have a good race and we talked strategy and family. I presented him with my club's singlet.

A picture with my coach, Ryan Vail

A picture with my coach, Ryan Vail

Memorial to the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing victims

Memorial to the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing victims

On the way back to my car, I stopped to pay respect at the memorial for the bombing victims. I drove to my folks' home, we waited for Miles to wake up from his nap, then we took him to his cousin, James, birthday party at Launch in Norwood on Route 1. It is a trampoline park. Miles didn't jump, but we got some great pictures with his cousins. Then, my niece and his cousin Molly came back to my folks' house to play. My brother came with his son, Evan. A few friends and relatives dropped by to see Miles, we had our pasta dinner, and I prepared for the race.

Carbo-loading with my boy!

Miles and Daddy enjoy a pre race pasta meal

With Dave and his dad, Larry, one of my first coaches

Dave Gaffin came to pasta dinner

Patriots Day: Race Day

Because last year they closed the road from 495 into Hopkinton, my dad insisted we leave early this time. Luckily, the roads were not yet closed and I was at the athlete's village by 6:45 AM. I was one of the first runners to arrive. As I entered, they made me dispose of a clear plastic bag because it wasn't the approved plastic bag. I had my socks, GUs, and Vaseline in the approved plastic bag. My shoes were wrapped in another clear plastic bag, which they let me bring in. My brother gave me hand warmers, so I gave the volunteers some of the extras, which they appreciated. After I entered, I found a pole that hadn't been claimed yet, tossed my heat blanket I had wrapped around me when I crossed the finish line of the Rock N Roll DC Marathon on the wet ground, and waited. To stay warm, I had an old jacket from my father, two old sweatshirts from my mom, and warm up pants. I had old shoes and shoes that I was ready to ditch. It was enough to barely stay warm.

Fellow DC Road Runner Joe Kane

Joe from my running club found me sitting against a pole, and we killed time swapping running PRs, expectations for the race, and our future race calendars. The rain pounded outside - ice swept off the top of the tent and hurdled to the ground - and the wind was loud and steady. We chatted with a few other runners. Before it was time to exit the athlete's village, I ditched my old shoes and socks, put on my race shoes, and wrapped my feet in plastic bags to stay dry until the race. I walked in those plastic bags over a kilometer to the start line. Ten minutes before the start, I found Derek. Our plan was to pace each other like we had the previous Boston Marathons.

Miles 1-4 = 7:08; 6:56; 6:57; 6:50
The first half of the race didn't feel that great to me. The rain and wind was demoralizing early and often; it was too crowded (as always) to find my pace, so instead of worrying about pace, I settled into feel. I was only able to keep Derek in sight for the first few miles; he was gone after that fourth mile. Unlike in past races, I let him go and stuck to my own sense of what I could accomplish. I wasn't going to chase after him again.

Miles 5-8 = 7:08; 7:07; 7:06; 7:16
No matter how many people there were around me, I just could not find a group to draft off of - it was as if I was an island in the middle of a storm. Sure, I was never by myself, but I was never really with any group. There always seemed to be a gaggle of runners ahead and behind me and a few runners sprinkled in between the two. I didn't want to burn energy to catch and keep up with the front group; and I didn't want to slow to let myself be caught. I remember in Framingham remarking to another runner how utterly alone it felt. Perhaps that was also due to the fact that there were very few spectators, for Boston's standards. I don't blame them.

Miles 9-11 = 7:13; 7:17; 7:20
The rain and wind really was hitting me hard. Mentally, it wasn't enjoyable. I was in a bad mood at this point and thought, "Yet another Boston Marathon I won't be able to run a good race." "I will have to wait another year to try again." "I'm sure glad I ran Rock N Roll DC five weeks ago and broke three hours there rather than putting my eggs in the Boston basket again." This was my sixth Boston, and I felt like I just couldn't catch a break. My first Boston in 2012 was nearly 90 degrees (4:07); 2013 was decent weather but I ran out too fast (3:19); and I have had warm weather since (2014 = 3:29; 2016 = 3:17; 2017 = 3:15). When I started dipping into 7:20, I thought my race was ending, that I would end up in the 3:20s. At one point, I considered dropped out, briefly, before remembering I had to get to Boston and then to the airport to meet my parents to get my son and fly home. Dropping out would complicate my trip home.

Miles 12-13 = 7:16; 7:14
I think my race started to change as I approached Wellesley College and their famed "scream tunnel." I high-fived a few of the coeds and even a cop. I noticed how few of them there were compared to past years. But, when they were behind me, I felt better. Maybe it was the cheering, the encouragement, or maybe I just had enough of the moping and self-pity. I hit the halfway point and something happened - I stopped feeling bad and realized I had hit the half in 1:33:53 and was on pace for a sub 3:10. I knew that I was still on pace to BQ (my qualifying time is now 3:15) with room to spare. I took stock of my body and noted that my legs were strong, my form was intact, and suddenly I had a boost of confidence. I remembered my race plan: don't go out too fast (check), find my rhythm (check), get to the halfway point in respectable time (check) - and what lay ahead of me: take the Newton hills as they come and don't overexert myself, get to the top of Heartbreak Hill in good shape, and then race the final five miles or so. Now, it was time to execute the second half of my plan.

Miles 14-16 = 7:05; 7:08; 6:51
I felt really good from the half until the first of the four Newton Hills. I started to get excited and dialed in a few mental tricks. First, I remembered my email signature “Fate whispers to the warrior, `You cannot withstand the storm,’ and the warrior whispers back, `I am the storm.’” And I told myself over and over again that I am the storm! I even said it aloud to a fellow runner. And as I did that, my legs turned over faster, my mood was lifted, and I tuned into two songs in my mind: Portugal. The Man. Feel it Still for no real reason than I think I heard it on the radio that morning and repeated that I was never going to give up and never going to let you down - that's right, I was Rick Rolling!

Miles 17-18 = 7:19; 7:17
I handled the first two hills pretty well. The crowds, while thinner than normal, propelled me forward. I stayed within myself and thought of past years on these hills - all of which have blended together - and knew I was running these better than my previous five attempts.

Mile 19 = 6:55
That was a big downhill and around this point a spectator shouted that Desi Linden had won! I didn't know it then, but she had pulled herself from a bad mental place to a great second half, just as I was doing.

Miles 20-21 = 7:13; 7:47
I nailed Heartbreak Hill! As I climbed up the last two hills, a female runner was struggling while I felt pretty good. I tried to encourage her and told her Desi had won. After I summited Heartbreak, I was amazed that my legs felt so good. I couldn't believe I still had my legs after Heartbreak! I suppose I didn't trash them early in the race like so many others do in the opening miles down those early hills. And then, I said, five miles to the finish - let's race!

Miles 22-25 = 6:57; 7:05; 7:07; 7:13
I was racing again - damn the storm, full speed ahead! Never before had I been able to race the last few miles at Boston. Not only was I strong and running and sticking to my plan, I was passing roadkill along the way and that lifted my spirits higher. I was looking for Derek as I expected I would pass him. That gave me extra motivation - to track him down and pass him as he had placed ahead of me at every single Boston we raced together. Not this year I told myself!

A friend watching me finish

Mile 26 and final stretch = 7:29; 7:08 (.34)
My 25th mile was when I started to tighten up and slow. I lost my 3:07 because I couldn't run a sub 7. But, with a mile to go, I had 7:30 or so to get in under 3:09, so I got to work. With about 1K to go, I think I had 5 minutes to register a 3:08. And, soon, it was right on Hereford, left on Boylston, and sprint straight for the finish. I put down a 7:10 for my final mile, which got my my new course personal record of 3:08:36 and my first time qualifying for Boston at Boston. It was an amazing feeling... that quick faded when I stopped running because it was wet and cold and windy and I started to shiver and ache.

I limped a few blocks to my friend's hotel where he arranged for me to get in and use his shower. I had dry clothes there that I had given him the day before. I ran solidly and was very pleased with my race. On the T ride to the airport, there were a few other runners and some gave congrats. The exchange of my son at the airport went fine. We sat down at Boston Beer Works in the JetBlue terminal. A lady gave us her table so we could eat and she took a seat at the bar. I bought her a beer for her kindness. Miles and I shared a veggie burger and fries, and I enjoyed a beer while Miles enjoyed his sippy cup. The flight was delayed an hour due to the weather and he made me chase him all over the waiting area. Joe Kennedy, the current Congressman for my hometown, was on our flight. He came to say hi and I told him my son's hair was as red as his. After a long weekend, I was happy to finally get home. It was a successful trip and next year I hope that the weather for Boston will be perfect!

My splits

Flying home. Miles reads the safety pamphlet.

Sammy wears my medal.

I had a friend live text while he watched the race. He referred to me as The Storm in these texts. It was informative to read these after the race:

Weird to see elite runners in long sleeves and winter hats.

Jordan Hasay, Salazar runner, decided not to run.

Conservative first 5K for you. I wonder how the weather is affecting everyone. 

Shalane had to make a portapotty stop but caught back up to the lead group.

Vail predicted finish of 2:12; leader is running a 2:10 pace.

Elite women are running a 2:39 pace. Must be misery out there.

Vail now predicted at 2:15; leader at 2:12. Rupp still in lead pack.

Ethiopian woman goes out to 45 second lead over Flanagan and rest of pack.

Judging by the elite times, this is going to be a slow race.

Elites still wearing their jackets and hats.

Yuki pulls away from lead men!

Vail fading, now at 2:17 pace.

Shalane and Rupp fading.

Kenyan back in charge.

The Storm less than 2 minutes back of Derek.

Vail predicted at 2:21; Rupp 2:15.

American Des Linden in front of the women's race now.

Linden putting the hammer down; gonna be first American winner since 1985.

The Storm gaining at 25K, running 7:08 pace.

Derek has given up the ghost. 7:56 pace at 25K.

Galen Rupp drops out, rumor.

Total downpour. Linden coming to the line! Yuki making it a race.

Nice to see the crowds still came out.

Yuki comes from behind!

Kenan Kirui bonked big time.

It's Yuki in in 2:16. He ran 12 marathons last year and this is his fourth in 2018.

Storm makes his move! Storm still running strong at 7:12.

Linden had slowed to help Flanagan get back in the race after Flanagan's potty break. Great sportsmanship!

Vail and Rupp both appear to have dropped out.

American women make up 7 of top 10, Flanagan in 6th.

Six American men in top 10, top is 3rd place Shadrack Biwott.

Storm still fighting at mile 21, 7:48 pace.

Storm is over Heartbreak and flying again, 6:56 pace to 35K! Derek at 7:57.

Last mile, bring it! BQ at BM!

STORM!!! STORM! STORM! Nice run in the adverse conditions!

Derek 3:16.

Final thoughts

I am very pleased to run another BQ in such tough conditions. This was my first BQ at Boston. I hope to never have to run in such terrible conditions again, but I will tell the story for a long time (of course, I'll take this over heat). I suspect my stroller runs and running to work with a backpack helped in my training. Of course, now I wonder how fast I could have run this year if the weather was perfect. This is my fourth BQ in a row and the best stretch of marathon racing in my career. I hope to keep the streak going as in June I'm registered for Deadwood in South Dakota and this fall I'm in for the New York City Marathon.

Splits: 7:08; 6:56; 6:57; 6:50; 7:08; 7:07; 7:06; 7:16; 7:13; 7:17; 7:20; 7:16; 7:14; 7:05; 7:08; 6:51; 7:19; 7:17; 6:55; 713; 7:47; 6:57; 7:05; 7:07; 7:13; 7:29; 7:08 (.34).

5k = 0:21:44; 10k = 0:43:49; 15k = 1:06:16; 20k = 1:29:07; Half = 1:33:53; 25k = 1:51:10; 30k = 2:13:32; 35k = 2:36:19; 40k = 2:58:33; Finish = 3:08:36; Pace = 7:12

Overall = 3070 (I beat my bib!); Gender = 2847; Division = 423

Rock N Roll DC Marathon - My second sub 3!

I always feel a sense of joy when I can write that the latest marathon was my best one to date. That is certainly true of yesterday's Rock N Roll DC Marathon (the old National Marathon). Training mostly by running my son in a Bob's Ironman stroller to and from daycare or with a backpack to and from my new office in Bethesda, I wasn't really sure about my fitness. However, the added miles seemed to pay off as I was able to hold my marathon pace, stick to the plan, and run a smart race - good for my second sub-3 marathon, just one tiny second off my PR set two years ago on the pancake-flat course that is the Houston Marathon.

My training routine became 2-3 week days I would run with my backpack to Bethesda cutting across DC on Irving by the Hospital Center through Columbia Heights, down Klingle and up Porter then straight up Connecticut Avenue to East West Highway where my gym was right across from my office. The other 2-3 days I would run Miles to daycare then Metro to Bethesda. It is the only way I can get in my run now, and it gives me the ability to really get in a lot of mileage. Some days I could get 14-18 miles, and really the lowest I would get would be 9-10. Almost every day is a double. On the weekends during the winter it is too cold to take him in the morning for a run, so I have been running during nap time. On Saturday, I was likely able to get in 90-120 minutes with Shawn. And those Saturday runs we usually doing some sort of speed or tempo work. For example, three weeks before the race, we ran 16 miles at tempo with a short warm up. That gave us the confidence to know we were ready for the marathon. On Sunday, I would get in 60-90 minutes, usually easy miles.

My race day gear

On race morning, it was a cold but perfect 30 degrees with sun. Usually, I like 40-50, but I prefer cold to hot. There wasn't too much wind - we were generally happy with the weather. Alex met us at my house and Shawn's wife drove us to the start. We timed it well as we didn't have to wait outside too long before the start. We hit the bathroom, checked bags, and went to the start where we did our warm up. I had a few throw-away clothes to stay warm for the first few miles. Mile one was crowded and we were able to stick together and to the plan. Mile two was a little better and we were running well as a team. Mile three and four we continued with our pace and in formation, but as we hit Rock Creek Park, Shawn began to put a few seconds between us. I tapped Alex on the arm to indicate stay back since we were doing fine. We climbed Calvert and lost 20-25 seconds, but we knew that we would. Over the next three miles, we back it back and established our pace again as we went through AdMo and Columbia Heights, up Harvard, down passed the reservoir and Howard University. As we hit North Capitol, Alex and I felt good and the plan was intact. We turned onto K Street and passed the former CQ Roll Call building where I worked with Shawn and Kate. Kate and their kids were out and I handed her my Red Sox beanie since I didn't need to wear it anymore but didn't want to throw it away. We ran by H Street and saw Adam Siple, my friend from GW and a fellow Bay Stater and runner. I was with Alex through the mile twelve marker but then I felt good and had some wind at my back and a slight downhill so I thought about catching Shawn. I sped up, leaving Alex, and hit the halfway point on East Capitol in 1:29:28.

Can you see Alex and me on the right?

Mentally, I was in a great place and my body also felt pretty strong. Right by the mile fourteen marker, I caught Shawn and we stayed together - for the next 2-3 miles. Within a mile of catching Shawn, we passed a water stand. I tried to grab two cups and hand one to Shawn, but he didn't want it. He didn't drink any liquids in the race. Before the mile sixteen marker, I had left Shawn a few seconds behind. At 17, he was further behind - he was holding a great pace but I had dropped mine slightly and was feeding off positive thoughts (I felt good, I figured I had an hour or so to go and knew I could hold this pace) - I really felt like sub 3 was going to happen no doubt and a PR or 2:57-2:58 was possible. I was able to hold this mindset through Anacostia Park and passed mile 21 ready to tackle the Fort DuPont hills.

Alex and I climbing Calvert with Christie on our tail

Looking at the course elevation, I knew this section was going to be challenging. Pre-race, I was prepared to lose a minute on Calvert and a minute in Fort DuPont. I didn't try to tackle the hill, just survive. As I was climbing, my left hip flexor started hurting. I figured it was just the hill and in the back of my mind wondered if it would end my race. That was a tiny thought that went away after the hill and my hip stopped hurting. It never was pain, so that was good. With about 5K left, I had 22-23 minutes to get under 3. I hoped I could get that 2:58, but there was another climb up Minnesota before a slight downhill on the straight away to RFK. But, at the 40K mark, a strong wind blew me back - wind tunnel! That took away my ability to find a 6:45 pace that could have gotten me 2:58. But, with my 2:59 safe in hand, I was able to finish strong and respectfully. In fact, I was only one second off my PR. Had I realized I probably would have tried to sprint to get under my PR. But, I don't feel regret since I know I gave it all I had.

At night, Shawn, Alex, and I drank a few beers at the new Tastemakers in Northeast DC and had their famous ice cream sandwich (two of their cookies with two scoops of ice cream in the middle) and recapped the race. Shawn should have stayed with us and drank water and taken more than two Gu. Alex said, "Great race! Those mile splits are a thing of beauty - a perfect race on a tough course!" And, I congratulated all of us on PRs and a well run race. Now, time to recover so I can try to run strong in Boston in five weeks!

DC Road Runners Club Members smile with new PRs and a great race!

2nd Place Age Group 40-44 (Shawn won 3rd) out of 145

33rd place overall out of 1882

31st male finisher out of 1152

My splits:

6:54; 6:42; 6:49; 6:42; 6:49; 6:50; 7:11; 6:39; 6:33; 6:29; 6:44; 6:48; 6:33; 6:21; 6:44; 6:51; 6:36; 6:41; 6:48; 6:52; 6:52; 7:28; 7:02; 6:33; 7:07; 6:53 (.48) = 2:59:32 for an average pace of 6:51.

First 10K = 42:35 Pace = 6:52
6.9 miles to the 1/2 = 46:52 Pace = 6:47
6.9 miles to 20 mile mark = 46:18 Pace = 6:42
Final 10K to Finish = 43:52 Pace = 7:04

Running in Ireland

Laura and I traveled to Ireland for our one year anniversary, and like all of our trips, I am quite excited to run in new places. Last year ( May 2015), we took our honeymoon in Europe, and I was able to run in Reykjavik, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Paris. Three years ago (August/September 2013), we went to Brussels (only a layover so no time to run), Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, and Zurich. And, this past September (2015), we traveled to Montreal for a weekend. Prior to traveling with Laura, I had run in Madrid, Rome, and Florence (August/September 2012); Warsaw (July 2011); Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (June 2010 and December 2011); Berlin (December 2010); and London (October 2009).

Irish flags - that's how you know you're in Ireland, or South Boston.

Dublin: March 25-27

Dublin is a pretty neat town. We were quite jetlagged as we barely slept and when we landed, it was already morning. After getting the rental car, I had to adjust to driving a car on the wrong side of the road with the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car. Plus, the stick shift was done with my left hand (not a problem since I’m ambidextrous), and the street signs are in metric. Once at the hotel, we were able to check in and then wander around for someplace to eat. We found a cafe across from Trinity College and then booked one of those hop-on/hop-off buses to take us around Dublin for two days. We stayed on the bus for a while to get our bearings of the city. We learned where the Guinness Storehouse was, passed by Kilmainham Gaol where there was a ceremony commemorating the 1916 Uprising, and went out to the Phoenix Park, which would make a lovely running route. When we went back to the hotel to rest, I set out to run an out and park in Phoenix Park. Unfortunately, I hurt my hamstring earlier in the week and the pain started to bother me near Guinness. I wisely stopped two miles into my run and walked back to the hotel. Laura was sleeping so I soaked in the bathtub.

I'm happy because I haven't yet aborted my run.

Prior to dinner, I went to the hotel bar while Laura finished getting ready. Oddly, no alcohol can be served on Good Friday in all of Ireland, but apparently the loophole is your hotel can serve its guests. I brought my book, Round Ireland with a Fridge, and was reading it when a local plopped down next to me. Since he couldn’t order for himself, I bought PJ a Guinness and he gave me advice on what to do in Dublin and around Ireland. He had lived in San Diego, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City as he worked in construction; now, he is retired but owns and manages property. At dinner, we found a pub that could serve us dinner but nothing spirited to drink. For dessert, we enjoyed Murphy’s ice cream, which is based in Dingle and we would enjoy more than this one time.

On Saturday March 26, we took a long walk of about two miles from our hotel to the Guinness Storehouse. Once inside, we toured the factory, and it was pretty much a zoo. There were long lines everywhere. While I found it interesting, it wasn’t actually a brewery but an "experience." When we made it to the end and sat down at their nice dining restaurant, but they didn’t bring me my drink until after I had finished my lunch. At least they didn’t charge me for it, as I barely drank it. We finished by going to the top to redeem our drink ticket and get a Guinness and look over the city. But, it was too crowded and I had a few sips before we decided to leave. After, we took the hop-on bus to the Kilmainham Gaol, but when we arrived around 2PM, we were told there were no more tours for the day - they had sold out. Instead, we hopped on the next bus and went back to the downtown area and instead went into Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and their old library.

Trinity College Old Library next to the Book of Kells

At night, we went to O’Neill’s (misspelled according to my good Irish friend), for a drink before finding a proper pub for dinner. We had a nightcap and dessert at the pub near our hotel. That night/early morning, I experienced springing forward a second time as their clocks went into daylight savings time.

Phoenix Park and an obelisk.

I arose early to get in a run and see if my hamstring was all right. It held up without pain, just discomfort, for the six mile route I planned for Friday which was by the Laffey River and to Phoenix Park and back. They were preparing for the 1916 Easter Uprising parade and celebration, so I snapped a few pictures.

1916 Easter Rising Centennial Run

Kilkenny: March 27-28

Having walked most of Dublin, it was now time for my first real driving experience in the countryside. The drive out of Dublin took a while as much of the city was blocked off for the 1916 Easter Rising parades and celebration. The GPS kept taking us into barriers, but we eventually figured out how to leave town. Once in Kilkenny, which took less than two hours, we checked in, found the garage for the car, and found a hotel bar that would only serve us scones and croissants.

After, we took the Smithwick’s tour, which was another "experience" as it isn't a brewery. On our tour were a couple from Freetown and two couples from Olney, Maryland. The Freetown couple - he was a state trooper and she was a paramedic/firefighter. Another couple was living in Colorado, but originally from Michigan. This was a better tour than Guinness as it was more personalized and informative and less crowded. And, at the end, I got to enjoy a beer and posed for a pour of a beer. For lunch, we hopped into a pub for pizza and a pint where we chatted it up with a newlywed couple from the Jersey Shore - eight months married. We toured the Kilkenny Castle which reminded us of Downton Abbey and went back to our hotel room to rest before dinner. At night, we went to Kyteler's Inn where we enjoyed authentic Irish traditional music. For a drink, we found the Hotel in the Wall Pub, which was a tiny speakeasy.

Monday morning, I took a run on the River Nore and the hamstring was even better. I was going to add an eighth mile, but I started to feel it and decided that seven was fine. It was a beautiful run through the woods and along the river. If I needed more miles, there were more paths and sidewalks.

View of the Nore River in Kilkenny

Waterford: March 28-29

Waterford was a quick drive from Kilkenny. We were there really only to tour the Crystal Factory. It was quite the fascinating experience to see crystal made in front of us. I had a ball, literally. In the morning, I went out for a longer run which was out and back along the river and then past the hotel, past Reginald's Tower (which we toured after the crystal factory), and to a park that was one kilometer around (I ran six loops).

Sunrise over Waterford

Reginald's Tower

Dingle: March 29-31

On our way to Dingle, we stopped at the Rock of Cashel, which offered great views but cold and wind. We posed by the castle on a sunny day. That drive to the rock took us through some one lane roads that were traveled in both directions while the drive to Dingle from the Rock took a good three plus hours. But, once we hit the Dingle Peninsula, we were rewarded with incredible views! In fact we saw some amazing weather off the shore and a pretty cool classical music song was on the radio so we took a video that came out well done. We checked in, walked to the town and stopped in every gift shop. For dinner, we ate at Danno's, and celebrated our one year anniversary. Of course, we had Murphy's ice cream for dessert.

Slea Head Drive

In the morning, I rose early to test out the hamstring and ran out five miles clockwise around the Slea Head Drive and then back. It was dark and cloudy when I departed but I got a good view of the sunrise. Going out, it was a bit hilly, but the views on the way back were incredible. I particularly liked all the sheep baah-ing at me. I have some great photos and video of the sheep telling me to go away.

Sheep!

The drive was really pretty. We stopped at a pottery place - we noticed that many of the pottery shops were also cafes. Halfway around the loop, we stopped at a cafe and ordered a scone and milk. At another spot, we pulled over and saw people climbing to the top of a hill, but decided not to hike up the trail. At another point in the road, I almost hit a dog that was in the road and wouldn’t move. He looked soaked and scared and Laura had to get out of the car to help him move along so he wouldn’t end up dead. Poor little guy.

That night, we got a drink at Dick Mack’s pub and met a couple from Charlotte, NC, that attended one of the UNC (Chris and Jennifer). Chris graduated in 1996 and married in 1999, but they haven’t traveled much since they have two kids. I discussed politics and the absurdity of North Carolina passing an anti-LGBT law. Chris defended it saying it was protecting the children. I usually find that protecting the children is code for, “We just don’t like this behavior.”

Just prior to sunrise, eight miles out from Dingle town

For my second run in Dingle, I arose quite early and ran in the dark going counterclockwise on the Slea Head Drive out eight miles and back for a total of sixteen. It was completely dark for the first half as the road was lit only by the moonlight - going out, I saw one car with its headlights on, but no one was in the car as it was parked by a house. It was a terrifying yet exhilarating run, and I kept thinking that I better not get mauled by the sheep or wild animals! I passed Mount Brandon and took a picture at the halfway point. The last four miles were mostly downhill, so I decided to hold a pace just slower than my half marathon pace, finishing up in 6:33/35/36/15. The hammy felt good!

I'm pretty sure this is Mount Brandon as seen during sunrise on my way back into Dingle.

Breakfast at the hotel was amazing as they had a full buffet then took your order. Yesterday, we stuffed ourselves on the breads, fruits, and cereals that we didn’t have room for anything from the kitchen. Today, we were wise to leave room and were not disappointed. David, Cameron’s son, is taking over the bed and breakfast and was the chef. During breakfast, I spotted a full rainbow outside the B&B and took a fantastic photo.

Ennis: March 31-April 2 (Cliffs of Moher and Galway)

We drove from Dingle towards our destination for the day, the Cliffs of Moher. The best way was to take a ferry from Tarbet to Killimer for €18. On the ferry, I asked the steward for the wifi password and he replied “Not Working.” I asked if that was all lower case, but he didn’t get the joke. Then it was another hour to the Cliffs of Moher. We again traveled down an unnamed side road where we could barely tell if a car was approaching due to some high climbs.

At the Cliffs, we ate lunch consisting of soup before going out to explore. They have a barrier to keep you safe and recommend staying inside. We saw a number of idiots crossing the barrier including a father who took his two year old son over the rail. There have been several folks over the years to fall over - there is a plaque memorializing them. I took a nice selfie but was photobombed.

Be careful!

From the Cliffs, it was a short drive to Ennis. There was no hot water for me to soak in the bath. We walked around the town, guided by Martin who is one of the workers of the hotel who needed to stretch his legs. He is also a runner and detailed a 5K loop that I dubbed the Roundabouts of Ennis since it turned left at each roundabout. We ate dinner in the restaurant, Poet's Corner, attached to the hotel. It was really the only option we considered as we ate there both nights. And, both of my runs consisted of loops of the roundabouts of Ennis - eight miles on Friday that was two loops plus an out and back through the town center and ten miles on Saturday that was three loops plus a shorter out and back through the town finishing with eight striders.

Ennis was the only place I ran where I didn't take any pictures on my run. On Friday, April 1, it rained most of the day and we spent it in Galway, an hour away. After lunch, we walked to the City Museum and saw the underwhelming and overhyped Spanish Arch.

The "famous" Spanish arch - do you see it?

Running was fun in Ireland. I started out injured in Dublin but gave the hamstring the proper rest and as I write this with about a week to go until Boston, I feel that I am at full strength and ready to at the least set a personal course record (3:19 in 2013). Not only did I enjoy most of my runs on the Emerald Isle (except for Dublin where I aborted one and was tender for the second one), but I left behind my "JHU-labeled" shoes as they hit 500 miles: I need the room in my luggage for souvenirs for the niece and nephews.

New Jersey Marathon = New PR and my first spring BQ!

I ran the New Jersey Marathon yesterday completing my 30th marathon in my 20th different state. I achieved my B goal of setting a personal record 3:04:01 (previously 3:04:54 at St. George, Utah); my A goal was to break three hours. After the lessons learned from the race, I have no doubt that I can break 3.


I chose New Jersey for a few reasons: 1) I qualified for Boston for 2015 but missed the cut (BQ - 0:33 while I needed - 0.62). I am sure that my BQ - 5:59 will be good for 2016. 2) I got married four weeks prior and we have a honeymoon coming up in May, so we wanted to keep costs low. 3) I needed it for my 50 state quest. 4) It is flat and mostly fast (we'll get to the wind). 5) Laura is from New Jersey, it is driving distance, and we didn't have to take time off of work.


We left Sammy in the care of my friend, neighbor, and running buddy and left around 9 AM on Saturday. In the days leading up to the race, I had a good taper and carb-load. On the drive right around noon we found a great authentic Italian restaurant where I could eat a big bowl of gnocchi for lunch. We arrived at the expo, picked up my packet, and went to check into the hotel. I mainly rested and connected with Ryan while Laura used the athletic center. She mentioned that she was not carb loading for a marathon. At 5:30 we were seated for dinner at an Italian place near the ocean, ate my big bowl of pasta, and then we took a brief scenic drive along the shore. We found a place to buy some famous New Jersey cookies (?) and frozen yogurt before going back to the room to call it a night. The hotel was housing two blocks of guests for different weddings, and while we appreciated the hotel putting us at the other end of the hotel from the guests, a room near us did house some of them. That in itself isn't an issue but when they come back to their room after midnight loud and drunk and waking me up, that is a problem. I called the desk and they sent security. Regardless, I got a decent night's sleep considering.


In the morning, I woke up at 4, did my morning routine, stretched, put on my gear, and at 5:30 we left. I resisted the urge to bang on the door of our neighbors sleeping off the wedding. It was a cool morning and I was appropriately dressed in throw away clothes so I didn't have to check a bag. It turned out Laura needed the clear bag to bring in her book and contents of her purse because the race didn't allow any bags in the starting area. I understand security, but I have run Boston, NYC, and Chicago and other larger marathons that simply know how to check bags rather than ban them. A police officer hassled us for no good reason. It gave me pause to consider that others have far worse experiences than ours.


I said goodbye to Laura and made my way to my corral where I met others with similar goals. When it was time to go, we set on our way. The first half had a lot of turns as we weaved through neighborhoods. There wasn't much to see, and I mainly tried to focus on my form, breathing, and pace. I started out at 6:55 before finding 6:45 in my third mile. I noticed early that the wind would be an issue. It wasn't too strong, it was just enough to steal 3-5 seconds a mile. Some miles had the wind to my back, but most had the wind pushing against me. I had my Red Sox visor to keep the sun out of my eyes along with my sunglasses, but the weather was perfect temperature-wise. I worked on my mental tools in those early miles - just getting to first Gu at 5, then the second at 10, and check in at the half. In the third mile, I took a cup of Gatorade, drank a little, then tossed it into a trash bin for two points! Later, the final volunteer at a water stop missed the handoff to me and I coaxed her to run after me to get me the water and she made it!


At the halfway point, I was in okay shape. I knew I shouldn't try to increase my pace and let it slip from 6:45-50 to 6:50-59. I came in at the half at 1:29:51, so if I could hold that I would go sub 3. Even if I couldn't, I knew that I could hold my current pace for quite awhile. And, a group formed around 12 and we ran around the small lake together before I let them increase in pace as the wind hit our backs as we headed on the long out and back. I just wanted to run comfortable for as long as I could and not push the envelope. Halfway through mile 16, we began a loop around the bottom of the course that took us on boardwalk and past piers and right along the ocean. Prior to approaching mile 20, I began to feel it - this wall of wind pushing me back. It took me off my nice 7:00 pace - I was holding that pace and knew I could do it for the rest of the race - but 19 was a 7:01 and 20 was a 7:15 and 21 was a 7:27. Clearly, the wind was stealing a huge PR and at miles 22 (7:40) and 23 (7:42), I was starting to feel down as even a PR was in question. Luckily, with about a 5K to go, I heard footsteps and chatter that sounded too comfortable to be a runner struggling. I asked two spectators if that was the 3:05 pacer approaching and it was. They had lost their entire group - I think they started with 10-20 runners. With no one to guide, I think they decided to pick up their pace and finish. One of them was trying to help some guy finish and I asked the other to get me to the finish line. They both worked together to help us along, and I remain so inspired by how they gave me the push I needed to run a solid 5K. It taught me that even though I thought I was done, I still had more left and could dig down. My aversion in the past was that I was afraid of the pain. I had read that I needed to embrace it, but I hadn't understood what that meant. Going forward, I now have the mentality to get to mile 20 and then pick up the pace slightly because I know I can do it, or at least hold on to my pace.


If there was no wind, I would have come in around 3:01/2. But, there is a rule among runners that when you set a new personal best, you can't be upset. I held a very steady 6:52 pace through 30K. The final 10K was a straight shot back to the finish into a headwind along the boardwalk. I was losing time until 5K to go the two 3:05 pacers caught me and I asked them to get me to the finish. They helped me will myself to a PR and another BQ and it was the first spring race I have ever BQ-ed. There are a lot of positives from this race.

Laura snaps a photo of my sprint finish.  While I didn't get under 3:04 for a 3:03:59
(which I thought I could get), a PR is a PR!

Takeaways: 1) I now know that I am able to lay down the hammer and pick up the pace in the final miles. I simply have to decide to do it. I've always feared or shied away from the pain and didn't understand until NJ that I need to embrace the pain and push myself. I cannot depend on having pacers or kind runners in the future to motivate me and give me inspiration down the stretch - that will have to come from inside of me. 2) I finally ran a BQ in the spring. I couldn't understand why in my previous seasons, I never could run better than 3:13 in the spring. Maybe it had to do with training in the winter (chance of losing days to ice and snow) versus summer (hot running feels easier when the weather breaks in the fall), but it could be other factors. This was my first marathon with my new coach, Ryan Vail, and I do have a 5K PR with him as well. I am excited for what I can do this fall coming off the hot weather. 3) I definitely have a sub 3 in me as soon as I decide to go get it.

Splits: 6:56/49/45/48/46/46/51/47/48/47/54/52/55/49/56/57/56/58/7:01/15/27/40/42/20/02/06/ 2:08 for final.33 (6:30 pace); 10K 42:26; Half 1:29:51; 30K 2:08:08; 40K 2:54:33



Results = 49/1918 OA; 11/196 AG I beat the first-place woman by a minute.


Next race: I signed up for Mad Marathon in Waitsfield, VT, for July 12, which falls on my 38th birthday. Here is the map with elevation. I may just have to treat this as a long run in the heat with hills. I also am signed up for Bismarck, ND, on September 19 and NYC on November 1. Hoping for a good and healthy rest of the year training cycle!

Back in our neighborhood enjoying a beer at Brookland Pint.

One more state to finish 2013

The Rocket City Marathon was my 25th total marathon, and Alabama was my 16th different state.  The course wasn't remarkable as it mostly darted through neighborhoods and along highways.  In fact, next year they are using a completely new course that actually goes by some of the attractions.  And, this year it rained a lot before the race and on and off during the race.  Plus, I was coming down with a cold so it turned out that my accomplishment would be simply to add another state.  It is still amazing to think back that I ran my first marathon in 2004 and have run 25 total.  It wasn't until my 16th that I even heard about the 50 State Club to strive to finish.  And that is what brought me to Alabama on a rainy day in December.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express because it was the official hotel, hosted the packet pick-up, pasta dinner, and after party - plus the race started steps from the entrance.  However, after over 20 years as the race host hotel, it is closing.  We found that fact out weeks before the race leaving us no real alternatives.  Had we known they were tearing down the hotel for a reason (i.e. it was awful), we'd have booked a room across the street at the Embassy Suites.  But, a weekend without hot water and the usual amenities you expect from a hotel isn't too bad.

The course itself wasn't especially inspiring.  It started just outside the host hotel and all I really remember are the many neighborhoods and a long stretch of highway that was a wall of wind.  That headwind was positioned right at the halfway point, and until then, I was on pace for 3:03-05.  What I really couldn't believe was how I was still running equal effort, but my pace slowed by 15-30 seconds a mile.  I tried to hold on, but at mile 17, when we turned and the wind was no longer bearing down on us, my legs were gone.  At that point, finishing times went through my head as I readjusted my goals.  On the way, I passed a young runner, Ryan Evans, who stood out due to his long blonde dreadlocks.  I tried to inspire him to stay with him down the stretch, using various coaching insights such as asking him what story will he tell tomorrow and that it is only a few more miles.  He stayed with me for a bit, swapping leads as he'd slow to walk then run and pass me and walk some more.  He finally ditched me with 2-3 miles to go at a water stop.  Later, I checked him times and he struggled in around 3:30.  I held it together as best I could and put in a solid final mile to finish in 3:16:26 - my sixth fastest marathon.  I was 92nd out of over 1300 finishers and 11th in my age group 35-39.  It wasn't a Boston qualifier, but considering the obstacles, I'm pleased with the result.

After the race, Laura and I went to the NASA Rocket Center and toured.  It was neat to see where they have Space Camp and go through the history of our space program.  I even broke down and bought souvenirs for my niece and nephew.  For dinner, we went to a brew pub in town and enjoyed a sampling of beers.  Laura wasn't feeling well, so I went to the post race party solo.  I met some runners from Pennsylvania who happened to be hanging out with Bart Yasso, so I joined them.  It turns out they are his neighbors - not a bad neighbor to have!  It was a very cool experience to hear the stories first hand.  I even managed to connect him with a friend starting a Lyme Disease foundation.

At the airport, Ryan's dad found me and thanked me for helping his son.  They are from Minnesota and were headed home, obviously.  While my marathon wasn't what I hoped, it was very meaningful to be thanked for doing what comes naturally - trying to help a fellow runner.  That's one of the things I love so much about running - we may be competing with each other, but we compete in a way that helps us run faster and reach goals we couldn't alone.

I am still planning my 2014 race calendar.  Boston is on the schedule, and I am considering adding Washington State with the Vancouver USA Marathon.  I'm open to suggestions for the fall.  2013 was an amazing year for running - highlighted with the Boston Marathon and all that transpired - here's to an even better 2014!

Bart Yasso as the guest speaker at the pasta dinner.  They also had a runner's fashion show as local runners walked the runway in the latest sports apparel.

Ready to run Rocket City!

Maybe going on the Mars shuttle ride wasn't smart.  Milk was a bad idea!  (Kidding - I didn't hurl)

Very cool!

Laura where they faked the moon landing (again, kidding!).

Playing around in the command service module.

Posing at the NASA Rocket Center.

Laura enjoying herself.

We sampled the beer on tap at the brew pub.

At the race party with my new running friend, Ryan.

Just hanging out with Bar Yasso and friends - no big deal.