The Boston Marathon. 

Universally accepted as the premier distance course in the world and equally accepted as the pinnacle for any running career.  It is something most runners (secretly or openly) covet when they think of their running goals.  Limited to around 20,000 participants per year, the Boston Marathon has some of the strictest acceptance criteria of any event. 

As a "masters" marathon runner (a nice way to say I am an old guy over 40 who tries to run marathons) the time to quality for Boston (also known as a BQ for short) is 3 hours 20 minutes 59 seconds.  That is a 7 min 37 second per average mile over the entire 26.2 mile course.  Take into account that most people's path takes them well in excess of 26.2 miles and all the necessary fluid breaks and you are typically averaging 5 seconds or more per mile.  My past marathon personal record was 3:34 in St. Louis and last year I ran Chicago in 3:48 minutes so thinking I could run a 3:20 marathon was a little more fantasy then reality. 

My only saving grace?  The past 4 marathons I did run were under bizarre weather:  too hot, hurricane Ike, too hot, and rain storms throughout.  This time the weather appeared to be a nearly perfect 30's to 50 degrees on race day.  Cold but easily doable.  I knew this might be my first, best chance to show what I can do under decent conditions.  I was excited but kept my goal of a BQ mostly to myself.  Only very close friends and family knew how badly I wanted to reach this goal and how prepared I was to spectacularly fail trying! 

We drove up to Chicago on Friday to stay with my high school buddy Brett, his wife Cris, and there 3 wonderful girls: Nyah, Naomi, and Celia. They had hosted me in 2008 for the marathon and I knew I wanted my family: wife Sandra, son Nicky (11), daughter Ava (8), and son Tommy (7) to get to know Brett’s family better and experience the marathon with them as I had the year before.

 

The trip was everything I could hope for – and then some (as you can see from the pictures!). We stopped at the expo (just in time Friday before it closed).

     

and then Saturday spent a lot of time at the field museum before heading back home.

               

I was so tired I feared I was getting sick so I took a nap while they secretly made signs. Sandra was worried about me and I contemplated asking Brett to take my temperature but talked myself out of it. With Swine Flu going around – I was scared I might have it or something else. Wouldn’t that be the luck?

We went out for an early dinner Sat. night and it was COLD. Luckily, we drove to Lincoln Square (instead of walking) as I was freezing and still felt very tired. We watched the Cardinals get swept out of the playoffs and it cast a definite negative vibe on the evening. The kids walked down to a toy store and also got dessert while I picked up some last minute things for the next morning – praying in my head that I wasn’t getting sick and the shivers I was having were just from being cold – even though Brett was wearing less and seemed much more warm!

   

The night before the Chicago Marathon I got to bed reasonably early but (as before most marathons) I never really got to sleep. I just kept tossing, turning, and trying to close my eyes. I knew this is normal for me and luckily I had slept good Friday night and napped yesterday. Making matters worse, my youngest Tommy (7) came in around 3AM and my wife Sandra talked him into going back to bed downstairs. When the alarm went off at 5:10 seemed I was just starting to get some serious sleep. Oh well.

I was really dreading the 0 degrees temperatures outside and the time sitting in the cold waiting for the race to begin. As a matter of fact – that was my biggest nightmare from the night before! I used a little flonaise (nose spray to help with congestion) then started drinking the coffee my high school buddy Brett made the night before to go off at 5am. Got to have that coffee! Ate my cold oatmeal and granola contraption I brought with me from St. Louis as well as a banana. Second cup of coffee and pre-race potty break and it was time to head out the door. Made a couple of executive decisions I would not regret. First, I opted for the heavier gloves I brought with me. Second, I took off my MP3 player and decided I wouldn’t need it today. This is hard for anyone who trains with one as you start to think you can’t survive without it. During breakfast I was reading the race guide talk about how many runners were “pulled through by the crowds”. I thought back on how true that was for me last year. Plus, I was worried about missing Sandra and the kids on the course with headphones on so away it went. Any music was going to be from the crowd or my own mouth.

I walked out and BURR. Wrapped my arms inside my sweater vest and headed out at 6am or so for the train station. It was cold but not brutal cold (anyone who has ever been to Chicago knows the difference). Even though I went over everything the night before I couldn’t remember which way to take the train. On the platform I met an older marathon walker and a young guy with family going to the marathon. Turns out the train I was on was running downtown after all (thought I would have to transfer but didn’t). I brought some pretzels for the salt/carbs and ate them quietly thinking about the day. Still feeling chilled – especially when the train doors opened. Tip 2331 for the Chicago Marathon – when taking the train - sit away from the doors!

When we finally got to the Addison station where everyone gets off - the train will filled with runners – most with a drop bag. I don’t ever use a drop bag – but should I guess. Feels like “one more thing” to mess with. Felt the need to use the restroom but told myself it was just nerves (and the lines were very long). So instead I started making my way to the runner’s area with a mass of other runners and their loved ones. It is literally an ocean of people and there is a “seriousness” about it. That and all the fences and gates makes it feel like a concentration camp.

On the way to the line to get into the marathon start area I helped 2 runners take a picture with their loved ones. Made me feel my day was not in vain no matter what since they got keepsakes and were very appreciative. Maybe I’ll have some good karma!

The line to get in was very long and pinched into a funnel but the crowd was mostly orderly. I came in from the side and I weaseled my way towards the front. Once in I forced myself to drink a big cup of Gatorade in the start area. It was COLD from sitting outside and made me shiver with every sip.

Finally found the line to get to the start corals and was feeling good about the B seed. I had run a 1:35 ½ marathon to get into here and the old rule of thumb is double your ½ marathon and add 10 minutes. Thus on paper I should run a 3:20 but that is theory and my history was a cruel reality that it doesn’t always work that way!

Got into my B coral with 30 minutes to go before the race. It was fenced in on all 4 sides and they had people checking to make sure you belonged. It was bizarre inside the fence. People were running around the perimeter of the coral gates like a mini oval race track. I guess 26.2 isn’t enough for some people or they would rather wear out then freeze. I prefer to sit somewhere, back to the fence, and conserve every ounce of energy. Only problem is – it felt VERY cold and my knees were shaking!

I always had every intention of going out with the 3:20’s so when the Nike+ pacers came in I was surprised they positioned themselves pretty close to the front of the B Coral. I gave up my seat and moved up parallel with them. I was having serious misgivings of going out with them and thought I should just set a PR of 3:30 vs trying to get a Boston Qualifying Time of 3:20. I wasn’t confident I could hold on regardless of the many 20 mile training runs I did this time (10 at least) and how often I completed them at Marathon Pace. Also the day before I was exhausted and had to take a nap and still felt tired (and was worried I was getting sick). Add to that twisting my ankle Thursday, hitting my knees on a table the night before, and pulling an oblique on the train when I tried to grab Ava when the train lurched – and I was wondering how this day might end up.

At 7:15AM they completely closed the corals so anyone not in there had to go to the open coral. Ouch! There are WAY to many runners to pass early from the open corral so a really competitive time is nearly impossible. Not surprisingly, I saw a dozen guys hop the fence.

The Mayor (or someone important) came on and gave the world’s shortest welcome speech (which for a politician was probably harder then running a marathon!) and then they had a professional singer do an awesome job with the national anthem. I belted it out. It was overcast and still cold but the day had potential. At 7:25 the sweaters started flying as people got rid of clothes. Everyone is packed in now like sardines and all you see are shirts flying through the air towards the fence. The game seems to get them over the fence on one side and it often came close. Worse – some people just drop them and you can trip over them. Tripping and getting trampled are a real concern at these things and not something you want to happen to you before running 26.2 miles!

Before I knew it or felt 100% ready – the volunteers storm in like an army and grab the gates that separate each area. Instinctively people start walking up towards the start line. From my vantage point I could easily see the start about 100 yards ahead. A look behind provides a surreal view of the rest of the 34,000 runners packed in ready to go. Then - the gun went off and we were moving. It took a little over a minute to reach the start line and click my Garmin GPS watch on to record my marathon. We all ran over the RF mats that record our chip times. It makes an eerie ringing sound and it pauses as it records a hit. Sounds kind of like an alien bug or something.

As is so typical for me despite 1000x telling myself not to – the first mile felt way too fast. Of course much of the first mile is spent being cheered by many thousands and thousands of spectators and everyone is pumped up! You go under some big bridges/underpasses too and people are all yelling and hooped up! It is awesome and a part of the Chicago Marathon experience no one ever forgets.

By mile 2 my pace is still too fast as we head up State Street and some of the classic landmarks of Chicago. We then went up LaSalle and back across the Chicago River with people 10 deep on each side cheering, hitting cow bells, and blowing noise makers. I always tell people it is like running in the Rose Bowl parade as a celebrity. This year to add to my celebrity status I wrote my name with a sharpie under my number. Unfortunately – people don’t see it down low and it didn’t help. Those that wore their names up high get hundreds of people cheering them on by name. When you cross any bridge they have a grate that lets water through but isn’t great for running. They place this green Astroturf carpet over the bridges but they are narrow (8 feet wide) and the runners are so thick that if you haven’t planned ahead to be on them you can’t use them. As for me - I just run over the grates. You think they would bother you but they don’t. The only downside it you end up looking at your feet instead of enjoying an otherwise awesome view of the city.

I quickly left the 3:20 group behind and guestimated my pace was closer to 3:10 then 3:20 early on (not a good thing). My heart rate was higher then it should be too (upper 150’s/min which was a no-no). I made a mental note to slow down as we approached the first drink/aid station. I tried to do the “squeeze cup and then drink” think but was choking on it and getting it into my lungs. I remember a guy my age who BQ’d who told me he always brings a squeeze bottle of Gatorade to get fluids early. Smart guy. I also remember how important fluids are early so despite feeling a terrible need to use the restroom – I choked and drank what I could. It was there I decided I would stop for fluids early and just catch up.

By the second water station (where I did stop for Gatorade) I was just a little ahead of the 3:20’s (right behind me). The pace groups run in such a tight mass that they are like a gang of bikers. You have to stay in front or behind them but getting over run buy them is a mess. I still felt I was out too fast but kept telling myself this was the only way to get to Boston at this point. I was feeling warmer and starting to sweat so decided to lose the sweater vest and a mile later pulled the cap off too. I was cold but not too cold and felt the less I sweat the better.

By miles 5 we enter Lincoln Park where the crowds were thinning out a little. I like it since it is the first time the road really opens up width wise and you don’t feel so boxed in. Unfortunately, I was really feeling like I still had to go to the bathroom and unfortunately it felt like it wouldn’t pass. I was also starting to filter out the crowd at times and all you could hear was everyone’s feet hitting the pavement. It is a strange thing when you are alone every single training run – perhaps passing a few dozen others over the course of several hours - to all of the sudden running in a human stampede!

I was also aware of the breathing of others. You could really hear the ones running out of breath. One person was telling me that the elite runners were ½ done when we were just starting. The way he said and his breathing opened up a conversation. I asked him if this was his first Marathon (it was). He said he felt he was going too fast. I told him he may want to slow down and save some energy for the last 10k (he did but I feared it was too late for him). I wonder how he did but am guessing it didn’t end well. Been there – done that – got the technical shirt.

Unfortunately – there was a lot of shade and the sun didn’t come out on the northern part of the course. I contemplated putting my hat back on but thought the cool would help keep me from sweating - which has been my #1 enemy on past marathons.

The farthest part north is Addison and Broadway – commonly understood as Chicago’s Gay Community. The men all dress in drag and dance for the smiles and chuckles of the runners. It is really a fun and energetic place to run through and a welcome break from the misery of the marathon.

By mile 9 we are heading back south and I really started scanning the crowd looking for Sandra, Brett, Cris and the 6 kids. I knew they were going to try to catch me about mile 10 so I didn’t want to miss them. Unfortunately – the streets are very wide and the runners are VERY thick. If you don’t know what side of the road to run on there is no way to go to the other side. I also hate to run anything over 26.2 so I try to always position myself on the inside of turns. On a big turn you nearly slow to a walk - compared to the people on the outside running 5x faster (and farther) around a turn. Over a marathon I bet the difference is ½ mile of extra running!

All this looking around started to slow me down. I kept looking over my shoulder for the onslaught of the 3:20 crowd too. Also – I decided my bladder wasn’t going to let me go on the whole race. Now there is an official rule in the packet that anyone trying for a Boston Qualification time can (discretely) um “go” while running on the course. The thought of even trying to do this while running and then continuing on for 16 miles wet, cold, and um - smelly was not how I wanted my day to go. Yet lurking in my mind was “what if I miss my BQ time by 45 seconds all due to a bathroom break?”. In any event – my mind was made up and I started looking for an aid station with bathrooms (they are marked on the course). The first one came upon was on the wrong side of the street and there was no way to get over without killing myself and knocking over 20 people. The second one came and I took a break from running. The break did me well as I felt stronger and more determined. The bad news? Between looking around, stopping for drinks, and stopping for nature – the 3:20 group was now 100 yards in front of me. This was very discouraging for me. What’s worse – there was no sign of friends and family so had to keep on trucking on.

The ½ marathon point came and went with another bridge crossing. Apparently you cross 5 bridges over the course. I was starting to feel a little beat up and remembered my ½ marathon training run the weekend before went poorly and how worn out I felt. I didn’t feel any better this time and started to have really big reservations of even trying to keep up with the 3:20 group. I really thought I better just scale back to a 3:40 pace and try to cross with the 3:30 crowd but as usual with me I made the decision to hold 3:20 till I blew up and had to walk “lock legged” for 6 or more miles.

We start running though a lot of residential areas at this point in the race and were heading right towards the Sears Tower. It stands as a beacon to the runners and I found myself focusing on it when I wasn’t looking for family. I had been stopping regularly for drinks through mile 14 and felt like I may have to use the bathroom again! Rats. Coupled with the fact that I completely stop for a drink is when I made up my mind that I wouldn’t have anything else to drink on the course. I figured I would use the extra time most people take to slow down as my last best way to catch the 3:20 guys. Skipping fluids for the last 12 miles is NOT what most “experts” would advise - but I was not sweating badly and figured the fluids consumed early in the race would carry me through.

I continued to be discouraged at my pace but seemed unable to do much about it. I could still make out the 3:20 group but they were getting almost as far as I could see away in front of me. My heart sank that I couldn’t keep up and they started to pull away. It was then I first saw Sandra. I was unfortunately on the left side of the street and started making my way over to the right side through tons of runners and traffic even though the risk of tripping or getting tripped was pretty high. I cupped my hands to my mouth and started screaming “Sandra” as she hadn’t seen me and was scanning the crowd for me.

When she saw me she let my fan club know and a huge cheer went out for me! I smiled so big and high fived the kids and kept going. I suddenly felt energized like only a marathon runner can when supported and cheered by the ones you love most. I decided I could “do this” and went on a quest to reel in the 3:20 group – step by step and inch by inch. I couldn’t believe how slow going it was to keep them in sight and start to close the gap. It felt like it took miles – because it did!

   

By mile 19 I had caught up with the 3:20 pacers and was cruising as we entered the Pilson neighborhood also known as the Mexican area of town. People were cheering for our group “Way to go 3:20! You can do it 3:20!” and my personal favorite from people that don’t know how hard the last 6 miles are “You are almost done 3:20!”.

Then it started as it had on every marathon run before. The dreaded boinking. Boinking is when your muscles (typically my right hamstring or left quad) start locking up. Some say it is lack of fluid, others say it is lack of carbs, other still say it is mostly mental. Whatever it is – it stinks. When this happens you want to stop – at which point the muscle fires all neurons and the muscle spasms. This happens every single time I run marathons. First the boinking, then eventually the stopping, then the spasms, then the walk of shame after standing in place for several minutes). I ran 10 training runs of 20 miles to keep this from happening this time – yet the process had begun. I shortened and quickened my stride to try to keep it from getting worse without loosing too much time. I slowed down some and tried to plow through it – but unfortunately – I was losing the 3:20 group again and this time felt it seemed it was for good. Last year I crashed at this point and walked in to an unimpressive 3:48 time. Looking like history might repeat itself – again. Rats.

But a funny thing happened. I didn’t fall apart. I just talked myself through it to keep going – never knowing when the cramps would knock me out. I also kept checking my watch and figured I would make time even if I didn’t catch the 3:20 leaders. So I tried to just relax and stay focused.

By mile 21 I was in China Town and that is always a fun place to run through. The crowd is alive and the sounds and sights are really cool. Then it happened. Someone from behind me ran up on me and tripped me up. I screamed “woo!” and leaned forward and tried to keep my legs churning so I wouldn’t go down. Luckily I stayed up and noticed there was a girl behind me looking guilty and moving to the other side of the road. I know she didn’t mean it but the pre-boinking started as your muscles don’t like any jolts or new things. I tried to ignore it and hoped the muscles would forgive me and keep going a little longer.

By mile 23 you are on the far south side of the course near where the White Sox play. At this point I was again starting to reel in the 3:20 group but was discouraged every time someone around me hit the wall and stopped. It was sad to see people you had been running with for so long giving up. I would try to say or mumble something to them but realized it was having an impact on me too. In other words it was effecting me mentally and made me want to stop too. I broke another long standing rule and decided from that point on I would focus on my feet and only looked down. I didn’t want to look up and see all the people quitting in fear it would make my mind quit too. Of course this is terrible for your posture but I knew watching someone give up would cause me to do the same. Looking down while running made time stand still.

It was then I heard my name from my buddy Brett. He was on the opposite side of the street and I couldn’t make it over there. I saw everyone cheering for me and all the signs waving and all I could do was give a quick smile and a little feeble wave – then eyes back down and moving forward. I wanted to hug them all, tell them how much their support meant to me, how selfish I felt dragging them out there on a cold day with no other purpose but that to support my running addiction. Most of all how much I loved them and they meant to me. But all I could muster was a smile and a quick wave. Again – I got a turbo charged boost that only loved ones can give you when they believe in you - and carried on.

      

It wasn’t long after I saw my family that I actually caught up to the 3:20 group again. I was actually running with the pacers this time and decided I would stay right with them till the end (God willing). I started singing songs in my head and actually out loud to help pass the time. They were random songs but ones I tended to like on long training runs. Again – more people started dropping out and it killed me to see them giving up on their goal time. It reminded me of some war movie where people had to keep going when others went down. Surreal.

We hit mile 25 and I told myself 1.2 to go. I thought of how far that is from my house and how easy it was to get to. I prayed for the strength to keep going. I knew my time would be close and tried to avoid thinking about my legs, quitting, and all the negative things you think can happen in the last mile. It is really difficult to think at all, let alone stay positive. The pacers really helped by staying right with them ever step of the way.

It seems that single mile was longer then 10 miles. The time and distance from 1.2 miles to 1 miles was ridiculously long. I focused on the road making sure to avoid broken pavement or anything that would alter my step or pace and force muscle spasms. Again I was aware of the sound of all those runner’s steps hitting the pavement. It was an odd thing to focus on but the time started to pass. I then started repeating the mantra “let’s go to Boston…let’s go to Boston” over and over and over again.

Near mile 26 you turn up a hill, go over a bridge, and back down to the finish. We hit the bottom of the hill and again I quickened but shortened my step. I remember scouting out this hill the day before and knew exactly what it looked like. I felt like I was flying but was just barely keeping pace with the group leaders. Some people out kicked me but I didn’t want to fail so I figured I would stay put. On the course my race bib kept flying up which means they throw out your picture since that is the only way to know it is you. To prevent this I actually ran with one arm holding down my race number so the camera would capture my finish! We crested that last hill and turned to the downhill part of the last couple hundred yards or so – so close! I remembered in 2008 how I had to stop (in agonizing pain for several minutes) just 30 feet from the finish line! Not this time! I crossed right with the pace guys, one hand up, one hand holding my number down.

Then it happened. The biggest smile ever. I had done it. I had reached a goal only 1% of all runners accomplish – a Boston Marathon qualifying time. I quickly turned to the 3 pace leaders ( they were congratulating each other) and I shook each of their hands and thanked them from the bottom of my heart. I know there hard work was a big part of my success and I don’t think I could have made it without them.

I then started to notice how cold I was. Medical people were helping a few people who collapsed or needed assistance. They handed me a blanket (tin foil basically) and I wrapped it around and put my hat back on. My legs were toast but everyone else was doing the shuffle step too so I fit right in.

People were congratulating me from all sides and I guess my smile said everything. I took a couple very cold Gatorades and proceeded moving forward one step at a time through each station careful not to fall down or stop. If you stop or lie down they take you to the medical test where you have to stay there till cleared by a doctor. You don’t want that.

Moving through the finish area I finally got to where they put on my medal. I smiled even larger and started to feel a huge emotional rush come over me. I thought of all the Sunday training runs, all the failed marathon attempts, all the crazy weather conditions, all the doubt and despair, the arthritis, the back pains, the ankle sprains, the calf sprains, the sciatica, the stresses of life, being overweight - and everything else – on this day I did it. I reached my goal through years of hard work, discipline, and determination. Not bad for the “fat kid” that never ran and was usually the last one picked for anything!

It is always surprising how long the finish area is. There are stations for everything including chip removal, snacks, finish pictures, and my favorite part – a free Goose Island beer! I had quit drinking for 1 month prior to the marathon and had been looking forward to this moment for a LONG time! It tasted awesome but I was so cold I couldn’t finish it and did something I never do – toss out a perfectly good beer after only a couple sips! Man – it was good tasting after all those miles!

Finally I exited the human conveyer of finishing stations and started making my way north to Millennium park where I knew Sandra and the kids were supposed to meet me. I still had the million dollar smile on my face as I wandered alone and people all around me stopped to congratulate me. A photographer picked up my smile and asked to take my picture.  She moved in and I knew she was just getting my face and that smile.  Maybe I am in some local newspaper! LOL. It really was a great feeling that couldn't be hidden.

I then walked and chatted with a young guy running his first marathon from NC and he has just run a 2:38! He was disappointed he couldn’t do a 2:35 but he said Chicago was awesome and it would be tough to do any other marathon.  I agreed 100% with him.  I told him that was an incredible time and I too reached a BQ time. We went different directions but congratulated each other and closed with a “see you in Boston” good bye.

I crossed over to Millennium park and started heading towards “the Bean” and the big fountain. There was a shortcut with stairs but I took the long way to avoid them. As I approached the fountain I saw Sandra and the kids and again the smile got bigger - if that is possible.  I am surprised I didn’t hurt myself smiling!  I gave them all a long big hug and their returning smiles were as big as mine.  They were all so proud of me.  I put on all the extra cloths that I packed for after the race and we started sharing stories and information.  After every 3 or 4 sentinces someone would interupt - "Dad, you did it!  you are going to the Boston Marathon!"

Sandra told me of the day from their perspective and how hard it was to keep up with me at my pace. They missed me 2 times but would jump in the cars with walkie talkies and go to the next area without missing a beat. Also hilarious was the story of having to cross over the running path with hundreds of runners all around them – one at a time. They would each sprint across like some crazy movie until only my 7 year old Tommy was left on one side of the street. With 40,000 runners there are no breaks and they were all screaming for him to go for it - but he wouldn’t budge. Finally an older lady gave him a big push and he then did his best “Frogger” video game impersonation and made it across!

Well that is my story as I remember it and here are the pictures of the entire day/weekend. Of course – life caught up with us as the next day Tommy was complaining non-stop about his head itching.  Well mom started checking him out and found a couple surprises.  Tommy’s scratching was actually head lice and we had to vacuum, disinfect, wash, and treat everything and everyone!  What's worse, after all my buddy did for us and all they gave up to host us I had to call and tell him to check the kids and wash everything we touched.

As for my planned day off to recover I worked non-stop on the house and went up and down the stairs 50 times. No rest for the weary! Such is life…

And yes – I am still wearing that smile.

 


Warm Regards,
 
Nick Matteucci, Co-Founder www.VCSonline.com
VPMi = Simple + Sensible + Supportable SaaS Project Management
 
About the Author: Nick Matteucci is a co-founder of VCSonline.com a web 2.0 project management software company headquartered in St. Louis Missouri. Mr. Matteucci is also past board member and the Chief Technology Officer for the PMI ISSIG. When not obsessing over virtual project management best practices Mr. Matteucci enjoys spending time with his wife and three small children. He also enjoys travel, running, and all things automotive. 

 

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