Wanderers Prevail at Boston Marathon

by Chris Moore

As a sophomore to Boston, I had severely scaled back any expectations in light of the weather forecast (nor'easter). Having run the early downhills before, I went out very cautiously wanting to avoid last years painful final few miles. Sticking to a pace just above 7:00 minutes, hoping my Ultra training would serve me well later in the race to get back some time if conditions permitted.

Rolling consistently on pace through 10 miles and then halfway, I was quite happy, feeling that I had plenty left in reserve (versus the previous year when he knew I was on borrowed time already).

Spirits were good, but the miles did begin to seem longer and longer, I was now just hoping to get through the hills of Newton and have something left for the last 10K. The Newton hills were not nearly as taxing on the legs as last year, but making matters worse was that despite the cold and heavy rains having subsided, strong wind gusts seemed more frequent.

With Heartbreak Hill behind me, I finally reached the urban landscape and knew it was now just a matter of time. From here on out, I struggled. Despite never stopping, the pace seemed to be further and further away from even my adjusted goals.

Oh well, he had much more fun this time, and even picked up the pace a few times even if only for a few 100 meters at a time. I finished just under 3:15. About 3 minutes more than last year, but hey, I'll be 35 next year, so chances are I'll be back in Boston next year.

PS - The only thing less fun about running this years race might have been watching it. Much respect to both Phil and Leslie for suffering in the cold for but a fleeting glimpse.

Photos and Personal race-Reports:

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