Two huge booms that changed everything

I heard two huge booms, very loud, within seconds of each other but it just did not register. After running 25 ½ miles my mind failed to figure it out. I thought briefly, “It must have something to do with Patriots Day.” Then there in the center of the road was a Boston Police man, asking us, almost begging us to stop. “There has been an incident at the finish line, we need you to stop right here.”

I started running late in life and took up road racing because I loved the competition. I had only run a few races when I decided that, for me, marathoning was the ultimate test. Before I had run my first marathon I wanted to qualify to run Boston. To get a spot in the Boston Marathon you have to run a qualifying time in another marathon. For anyone who calls themselves a distance runner, qualifying is the ultimate prize. Not many people make it and, the percentages are against you. When you are young the qualifying times are fast. When you are old, well you’re old and the times seem even faster.

A large group of runners started to back up behind us. Spectators and runners with phones started to get the news – Finish line, Explosion, Injuries. My family and friends were near the finishing line waiting for me. Panic instantly set in. It was cold and since I had unexpectedly stopped running I was now freezing. I managed to find a spectator, bless her heart, who let me use her phone. I called my son William but it went right to voice mail. The cell phone network was overwhelmed. Every phone in Boston was being used; all at the same time with everyone frantically trying to locate their family and friends.

After my first marathon, I almost qualified and I thought qualifying one day would be easy. On my second Marathon I missed my qualifying time by just a minute. After coming so close surely I would be able to attain my goal on my next attempt, but the next two marathons went badly and perhaps it was not to be. So I gave it one last shot and in 2009 managed to get my Boston Qualifier. I ran the Boston Marathon twice and this year was to be my third Boston and my 10th and final marathon, – I was retiring.

As it would happen I was stopped right in front of our first apartment in Boston. So when I left William a message it was easy, “Will, I am in front of 384 Comm Ave. Please, try to get here, we can meet here, I am OK, I hope you guys are too.” Now I was really scared.

My family was headed to the finish line when the bombs went off. Just four blocks from the explosion. The day turned from happiness and excitement to sheer terror in just a moment. People were running towards them and away from the finish area, some screaming, some crying, everyone obviously fearful.

I was shivering almost uncontrollable at this point. The combination of cold and worry had sent me right over the edge. Then I heard someone calling my name, “George, George where are you?” It was the woman who had lent me her phone. She said, “I have a text from your family they want to know where you are.”

It took an hour to actually get us all back together. We were all safe. The city reacted so fast. First everyone – I mean everyone – helped each other, helped the runners, helped the injured, the sick, the just plain scared. People were wonderful. It is hard to describe, as suddenly, we were all in it together. The sirens were unending as police, ambulance, fire fighters, EMS and every resource you can imagine rushed to help. Then in what seemed like a moment there were police everywhere, dressed for combat, and on most street corners, guarding the hotels. It was a show of force that was both comforting and terrifying.

The running community in Boston is large but also very small. I knew so many people who were running The Marathon, my nephew’s wife and friends, 40 people from my running club and dozens of my running buddies. We are so very lucky. No one we knew was physically injured but we were all effected and we will never be the same.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the many people impacted directly by the events on Boylston Street. We also are concerned for everyone involved in The Marathon as the sights and sounds will have a lasting impact on us all.
On Marathon Monday in Boston two men did horrid things – then thousands of people did heroic, kind, wonderful, heartwarming, brave things for people in need. The goodness of everyday people to those around them is the memory of this day that I chose to focus on.

My note to the BAA

To the staff and leaders of the BAA and to all the Volunteers;

You put on the most incredible event, the greatest race in the world. Wonderfully run, beautifully staged, organized to a T, we the runners are treated to a very special day.

I know it takes hundreds of you to get it just right and we appreciate your efforts more than we can ever tell you.

I am so sorry that your work was stepped on by these unspeakable acts. But know that your efforts matter and is deeply appreciated.

Know how you have changed lives, all for the better. Millions are raised for worthy causes, thousands know the joy of accomplishing something so incredible and a whole series of cities and towns come together and share in excitement, fun and joy that could not replicated in any other way.

 I am a fan; I run the BAA’s 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and for the third time The Marathon. It is no mistake that I used the capital T and M. I would love to run The Marathon again. I am to quote Kara Goucher, “Obsessed.”

I will be back, I will run with you again because you the Volunteers, you the BAA and you Dave McGillivray make a great events.

 Thank you, thank you so much for all your help, support and understanding.

 You have made the world a better place – know that – believe that.

The Boston Marathon stopped right here

When I passed this sign I decided that I was going to run the last mile of my last Marathon. Little did I know that just ½ mile later I would be stopped. Not stopped because I want to stop, but stopped. I heard two loud booms one after another but given my condition it did not register. I briefly thought Patriots Day stuff? But then, there they were, two Boston Police Officers almost begging us to stop. “There has been an incident, we need you to stop right here.” I could see the runners that just a moment before I had been right behind disappearing down under the Mass Ave bridge, ready to make that right on Hereford and left on to Boylston Street that every Boston Marathoner dreams about.

 It quick became apparent that there had been an explosion. Runners and spectators with phones were getting updates and trying to make calls. At this point I was so cold I could barely control my shivering and then to make things even worse, I threw up. The people around me were so nice; a girl gave me her jacket, others offered water and a very nice man talked with me to make sure I was OK.

 I pulled myself together and knew I need to get in touch with the family as they were at the finish line. I borrowed a phone and called William but it went right to voice mail. I left a message and almost cried at the end of it. The message did not get through at first but the missed call notice did. William recognized it was a number he did not know but guessed that it could be me. He texted the number and the nice girl whose phone I had used found me again (“George? George? Where are you?” she called out) and then texted William my location.

 In short order the family found me. You can only imagine the fear, joy, relief, anger and sadness that came pouring out in the moment. After giving me a heavy shirt and a coat we managed to walk a mile to our hotel.

 I was incredibly lucky, 2 minutes, just 2 minutes faster and I would have been on Boylston Street. I wasted 2 minutes at mile 16 waiting for a port-o-potty.

 I love the Boston Marathon – it is The Marathon. I am obsessed with running it.

My running world has been changed forever.

 It hit me driving home today – I was frightened, really scared. It was way to close. I can only imagine what I put the family through. I can even imagine how to process it all.

It seemed hard to believe that people were doing normal things. I thought, “What is that UPS man doing delivering packages? Has he not heard the news?”

 To those who were physically harmed, to those who lost loved ones, my thoughts, and prayers are with you.

A letter to the BAA

I love running BAA races. They are always a joy to run. Not the cheapest races but you can always count on a first class day.

Last year I ran the Distance Medley, a new series from the BAA combining the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. Combined time from all three races was the method for determining the winners. The 1st place man and woman got a huge check, $100,000. I knew no check was coming my way but I wanted to do well in my age group.

The races were fun, but I thought the BAA really missed the mark with the age group awards. I heard B.A.A. Executive Director Tom Grilk say that the runners were special and that they wanted to treat them well. So I drop the BAA a note to tell them what I thought. No response yet …. we shall see.

 Hello Marc,

Thanks for the note, I did enjoy Training Clinic #2.  I appreciated Tom Grilk taking the time to stop by and share his thoughts. Mr. Grilk’s mention of wanting to treat us right caught my attention.

I am a big fan of BAA races, I have done them all, 5K, 10K, Half and of course The Marathon. The BAA and David  McGillivray and his crew put on wonderful races, always super organized, with the right level of support.

I’d like to mention something that I think you guys got very wrong last year.  I participated in the Distance Medley and although I knew I was not going to get the big check, I did have a goal of doing well in my age group. Although there is a web page devoted to Age Group Information I was disappointed that the standings for age groups were never displayed. Even more disappointing was the lack of awards for the top finishers in the various groups. Surprised is, I guess, the best word I can come up with.  Frankly, not very BAA like and not really up to Mr. Grilk’s standards I would suggest.

I will be back again this year for the Medley, as well as The Marathon, and I remain a friend of the BAA.

Thanks

My award for a 3rd place finish in the 2010 BAA Half:

BAA Half Group Award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Look up the results today and it says I finished 2nd. Don’t know what happened to that guy who was award the 2nd place plate – failed his drug test? 

How to run The Boston Marathon or at least one guy’s view

The Boston Marathon course provides a number of unique challenges.  Although it is very much a net downhill course I think that provides as many problems as aides.

I divide The Course into four parts miles 1 to 6, 7 to 16, 17 to 21 and 21 to the finish. Each section has its own characteristics and I want to tailor my strategies to each section.

Section One: Six miles steeply downhill at first with an overall a net loss of some 250 vertical feet. Here the object is to go easy, not let the emotion of the day get to you, conserve energy and not pound your legs down the hills. The road is fairly narrow and very rural and you will have lots of company. Follow the plan and just run easy taking in all the sights and atmosphere that a great Marathon has to offer. Although not strictly at the 6 mile mark the Framingham train station is a good signal that you are down the hill and transitioning to the next section.

Section Two: The next 10 miles are essential flat and now is the time to really settle into your rhythm. By now I would expect to be right on my Marathon Pace and clicking off the miles within a very narrow range. I as a mental crutch I count upwards until mile 16 (after which I countdown) so at mile 10 we pass through Natick Center, then by the Wellesley College Campus, into Wellesley Center and so on. This section ends with a HUGE downhill, the largest drop on The Course. This downhill takes you down 118 vertical feet with an average grade of -3.7% and a peak grade of -5.2%. You have not seen anything this steep since mile one. From Wellesley Hills down to the Charles River in Newton Lower Falls. Caution all, this hill can wreck you for the next section. Use that elevation drop wisely. Take food and water at the bottom of the hill setting you up for the hills.

Section Three: The Hills – Hospital, Firehouse, Kelley and Heartbreak. Starting when you cross over the Charles River you start to climbing, 1st over the Interstate 95 (a.k.a. Route 128) a devious hill as it is strictly speaking not part of the Newton Hills and does not have the reputation of the hills to come. It takes you up 75 vertical feet with an average grade of 2.4% and a peak grade of 3.2%. It is exposed to the elements and can be windy and cold plus not many spectators want to hang out on a highway bridge. My strategy, My race day mantra is, “arrive at the hills with my legs under me” and then “run the hills strong.”

Making the turn

Now  my favorite place on The Course, the right turn at the Fire House, the first turn since you started the race 16 ½ miles ago. (The Course only has 6 turns!) The crowd has grown by leaps and bounds. There are supporters everywhere. Now comes the famous 3 1/2 of miles hills, with 3 climbs. On the first I mentally put my head down and push. I stop paying attention to anyone or anything other than my running. Focused on form and pace I push up the hills. 1st Firehouse Hill at 74 feet, 4.7%, and 4.9% then Kelly Hill at 63 feet, 3.0%, and 4.5%. (Look carefully for the John Kelly statue hidden over to the left) (If you ever get the chance, rub the shoes on the statue, it will bring you good marathon luck) Now it is time for the most famous hill in Marathoning, Heartbreak at 97 feet, 4.6%, and 5.2%. It is a real hill but if you followed the plan and arrived at the Fire House in good shape then it is up and over and almost literally all downhill (-250 vertical feet) from there.

Section 4: The final five miles are more or less a cruise all the way down Beacon Street. The crowds will build with every block. There are a couple of landmarks to mark the miles and a gradual downhill to help along the legs. If I (or if you) survive the Hills then you can do this last part. I know you can. My plan or perhaps my dream is at this point that I can really run. I see myself having enough left in my legs that as I turn on to Beacon I can race to the finish.

Kenmore Sq right in front of Eastern Standard

There you have it. Really, it is a simple plan. Four sections, each with a plan. Execute the plan, enjoy everything that is going on around you and run a fun race. You can do this!

Where have I been – What have I been up to?

Not that anyone cares but I have to find a way to reenter the world of my blog. Through most of the spring of 2011 I actually posted about Marathoning and The Marathon. Then wham-o. Nothing. The long silence.

 

Then one little post after the blow up in Philly.

 

Now, I’ve decided to bring back Marathon George as he cruises to Marathon retirement. More about that later.

 

So after Boston I ran a couple of races, mostly for fun.

BAA 10K Bib

 The Run to Remember Half Marathon and The BAA 10K. I viewed these as prep races, fun races as I prepared for what was The Real Goal (TRG) – a Fast BQ in Chicago. You see it is no longer good enough to BQ. Now you need a BQ less 20, 10 or 5 minutes to assure entry.

The R2R half was run on a hot and humid day and I ran a very uncomfortable 1:46. Saw a number of my Fernando training buddies at the race which was fun.

2011 BAA Medals

Ran the BAA 10K in June and I love racing in BAA events. Dave McGillivray who organizes The Marathon among other races always put on a great race and the BAA wanted the 1st running of this event to go off flawlessly. I ran a descent race, 44:56 (7:14) and a 5th in my age group.

This was another race with lots of Fernando trained runner and after the race we got together for a group photo. Now these runners are fast, well trained and in another league from me but I have a blast training with them as they push me to train harder and run faster.

Not only are they all fast but they are also Goon Squad Runners, well except me.

After the BAA 10K I settled into my Marathon training all aimed at Chicago. This would be my 4^th Chicago and I had high hopes for smashing my PR in this race.

As we start 2012 I am now fully recovered from my calf injury and working my way back into Marathon shape. Our first session with Fernando is tomorrow night and the weather is taking a turn for real winter. But what could be more perfect than 20° to begin serious training for a Spring Marathon?

 

 

What defines a good Marathon result?

What defines a good marathon result? We all have our personal standard and we like to say things like; I gave or did my best, I had fun, I was competitive, I meet a goal. Is what we say publicly the same standard that we hold deep in side? Do you reveal to others your true feelings about your marathon?

When I qualified for Boston 2010 I told people I was just happy to have qualified. Achieving a BQ is one of the hardest accomplishments in amateur sports, I would say, and now getting to run the world’s greatest Marathon was just a reward. As I trained through the winter and the spring leading up to 2010 Marathon my private and public goals were miles apart. I thought I had another BQ in me, I thought that after running 3:30 in Chicago that a 3:45 in Boston was very doable.

My sister (commenter: older little sister) caught wind of my changing goals and called me on it. She asked, pointedly, “I thought the goal was to have fun?” I dodged and weaved. Public verse private goals.

Dead on Hereford

Boston 2010 was a disaster. I did try to race it hard, went for that BQ, went for a PR and paid the price. I exploded in the hills and had to walk home. My worst Marathon ever and I was mental crushed – for weeks.

I was determined to make Boston 2011 different. I ran the course, ran those hills that did me in, a lot, leading up to The Race. I trained hard through a tough winter to be a distance runner. (Boston had tons of snow making road work near impossible) My public goals and personal goals this time were in complete alignment – 3:45.

Why 3:45? Because running a Boston Marathon qualifying time (or faster) has become my personal measure for a good result. If I am going to train for and run a marathon then I want a BQ time.

I had what I thought was a tough day on The Course in 2011. However, I pulled myself together at near end and ran the last few miles as hard as I could.  I finished in 3:45:19.  After such a huge improvement from the previous year and given that, as far as most people would think, I had hit my goal was it a good performance?

The BAA, after the turmoil of 2011 registration process, had announced a number of changes to the standards, including taking away the “extra” 59 seconds on the qualifying times. So those 19 seconds meant, I thought, I had not qualified.

I love this picture. Sitting on the steps of Grille 23 where I meet the family after the race. I look pretty happy and in many ways I was. Gosh it was such a better result than 2010. I am determined to not let those 19 seconds bother me. I thought at the time I am just going to enjoy what a great race it was. Soak up all the positives from the day, forget the 19.

Over the next few weeks I thought about those 19 seconds a lot. It helped shape my future race plans. On morning runs I would think about where I could have “saved the 19″. It is less than a second a mile! If you asked me, despite the 19 I still said I had a great race. But deep down, I was disappointed, no BQ.

This week when I registered for the BAA 10K I happened to look at the qualifying time page. I realized that the magic 59 seconds was not going away until 2013. I had run a Boston Qualifier on April 18th after all.

So  – What we say versus what we really think. I was pleased with my 2011 Boston Marathon. I told people I was happy and I never let those 19 seconds get me down. Now that I know that I ran a real BQ in Boston this race has been elevated. I still ran the same 3:45:19 I had a few weeks ago. It is silly really, how can meeting someone elses standard, make such a difference? Perhaps it makes me shallow or vane or obnoxious to put so much value in that standard. But it is not someone elses standard its mine and it is a very hard and very public standard as well.

So what is a good result in a Marathon? Everyone has their own definition for that one. It should be what ever makes you happy. I was happy on April 18th when I finished. Now I am even more pleased with my 2011 Boston Marathon. One BQ was very special, a second, on The Course no less, just as special.

Marathon Weekend and a look back

Beginnings:

It All Starts Here

Training for The Marathon is for the most part a very individual, solo, on your own kind of adventure. The experience is tough to share, hard to talk about (without driving your friends, family and coworkers insane) and by its nature a personal battle. It started in December and has resulted in me spending hours and hours alone out on the road. Having the drive and dedication to complete the plan, to get up at 4 in the morning on a winter morning to run, to run in the rain, run when it hurts, run when you do not want to or do not have the time, that is a personal battle that you have to do alone. The satisfaction and pride that comes from the process is personal and is hard to share with those around you.

Lonely, solo, on your own, yep. Personal and selfish, yes to that one too. However the support from the family makes it all possible. You give up a lot, so do they. Although they may not understand or even appreciate the significance (or certainly not in the way you do) of what you are and have accomplished I am thankful for all the support. They have made it possible for me to be a Marathoner.

Middle:

The Hill of The Marathon

No matter what happens on Monday the training plan and coaching were on target. I love working with Fernando Braz and training with his team of runners. Although Going the Distance is not a club we all feel like we belong to a very special group. I don’t really know any of the runners I train with outside of running. I do know them as runners and training partners and have had a blast running with them. Really not that long ago (it seems like forever) we were running in the snow and dark through a run down industrial park on the edge of Lawrence Massachusetts. I am thrilled when I see how great these guys do and I know they have (a little) hope for me too.

The End:

This taper has been different that any of my six others. The mental demons were everywhere. I had never experienced the level of anxiousness before.  It is hard for me to imagine that you do not approach every marathon with a level of trepidation. The distance is daunting, so many things can go wrong, weather, pace, clothing, water, food, a misplaced step, it goes on and on. Something so small can end it all. Since it takes, literally, 6 months to get to the point that I am ready, well, ending it all is not a pleasant thought. This time it has been different. The questions for the most part suddenly turned to ability. After months of confidence – suddenly none. I have come around and I now know what has driven me crazy, it is simple really. I am scared. Scared of this Course. the Course  that beat me once, badly. Knowing that I am scared makes it all easier to deal with.

Ok, enough. Off we go into Marathon Weekend. I love this weekend in Boston. This afternoon I will head into town for dinner and a Red Sox baseball game. Tomorrow the Expo and then dinner in Boston tomorrow. Sunday rest and Monday – execute, control and enjoyment.

Just a week to go

I am struggling. It is all in my head – or is it. I feel off, the taper is supposed to be easy, but my runs are taking work. My brain is spinning, what is really going on?

Before Chicago I was supper confident. I knew I was going to do well. The training both physical and mental had gone so well and I was ready to run that Marathon a couple of weeks before the actually date. On race day, it all fell into place – perfectly. Before I ran Boston last spring I was in the same place.  Super confident and so ready to go. Race day, huge disaster. However, it was not about my training, I was ready. My mind and my execution let my down last April.

So here I find myself in a different place. I am not so confident. For the last 10 days my runs have just been off. I have struggled where I should not have. Everything has been just a little too difficult. I am still following the plan, to the letter, but it is just not feeling like I think it should. It has made me question my fitness and my preparation. What scares me is not that I am not ready, physically, how can I not be with the miles I have put in. What makes me shudder is that so much about this race is mental. On race day I need to believe, believe in myself and if the doubt is with me now – what will I do some place around Newton Lower Falls when I am spent and the road turns upwards? The distance, it still scares me and always will as you just never know and by the time you do know, it is way to late.

So now is the time, there still is time, to get focused on a positive outcome. Visualize running strong as I turn right on Hereford and then left on Boylston Street. See the finish, hear the crowd, realize my goal.

So time will tell – is it all in my head, is it just taper madness.

Boston Marathon Corral Signs

Weekly update 4/03/2011

For the week ending 4/03/2011

• Week’s Total: 51 miles
• Year to Date: 632 miles
• Weeks Until The Marathon: 2
• Days Until The Marathon: 14

Highlights:

• March was a 230 mile month – my largest monthly mileage ever.
• Ran on The Course again – with less than positive results.
• A tough night at track on Tuesday – lots of one mile repeats
• However – here I sit 14 days from Patriot’s Day, healthy, happy, and  with 4 months of solid training behind me. Now two weeks of taper and I will be ready to run my 2nd Boston Marathon!