4.17.2012

The Boston Marathon: A recap

Yesterday was the most physically tough day of my life.  I finished the Boston Marathon in near record-breaking heat.  In 8 years of running and racing including another hot marathon I have never experienced an event such as yesterday's race.  Besides the 26.2 miles I also ran the gamut of emotions.  Anger and frustration at the weather and my body's inability to adjust to pure and utter joy at seeing the Entering Boston sign. The beginning of the race was much harder than anticipated, I thought I was going at a slow enough pace to maintain in the heat but I was so incredibly wrong.  Had I not (further) slowed down both my pace and liquid consumption I was preparing to walk off the course when I saw my family at mile 10. Fortunately, they had a cooler of frozen goodness (sponges, shammies, ice pops and coconut water) that replenished my body, mind and spirit.

Soaked and sweaty but smiling at Mile 22
After that it was a tough, yet truly amazing experience.  I got to run alongside Tedy Bruschi, stroke survivor and one of my favorite Patriots players several times over the course.  Along the dreaded Newton Hills I drew inspiration from Team Hoyt embarking on their 30th trek up Heartbreak Hill.  Seeing them in action was awe-inspiring.  The world-renowned crowds did not disappoint; bringing out ice, sprinklers, garden hoses, orange slices and salted candy for the masses.  As someone at the back of the pack I cannot express how wonderful it was to see so much support on the course at the end of a very long, hot day.
With my parents, part of my phenomenal pit crew
                                                                    Source: activeinspiration.tumblr.com via Cara on Pinterest


It was my slowest marathon to date, but is easily the one I am most proud of.  I fought through the physical and mental pain to make it all the way to Boylston Street. I can now wear my marathon gear with pride forever. At some point I may even appreciate these killer blisters.  Until then I'm going to prop my feet up, watch some terrible TV and eat some pizza. :)  

15 comments:

welldressedmaker said...

Congratulations, Cara! Go ahead and chill. Relax! you totally earned it, you amazing woman, you!
♥ laura
the blog of worldly delights
the shop of worldly delights

Tracy @ Honey and Nutmeg said...

Congrats! This is such an amazing accomplishment. I am far from a runner and runner a marathon is just astonishing to me. YAY!

honeyandnutmeg.blogspot.com

Court said...

Congratulations! I ran three miles in yesterdays heat and found it incredibly stifling, I can't imagine how it would feel after 20+ miles.

Style Me B.A.D said...

That is effing bad ass! Congrats to u!

Amanda Raborn said...

Super impressive- You go girl!! Hey, the runs that are the most trying on your body are always the ones to be the most proud of. Way to go!

Now, enjoy your pizza and TV!

Amanda
It's an Easy Life

k said...

wow way to go!! i can't even run a marathon so at least you even did the boston!

Nicole Rene said...

Wow girl!!! Sounds soooooooo ridiculously difficult!!!! You should be so proud of yourself! That is an amazing accomplishment!! :) Congrats!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Way to go, Cara! :) It's amazing how much of yourself you put into training (mentally and physically). You look so strong and happy. You defintely deserve a pizza. :)

Fash Boulevard said...

Go girl! So awesome. Thanks for sharing, love. If you get a sec, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my latest outfit post. xo

www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

Samantha said...

Oh my gosh!! That is AMAZING Cara!! You are awesome and so glad that you are proud of that moment!!!! Congratulations girl!!!

xo, sam

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Good for you! That's amazing! People who are able to run really are inspiring! You should be very proud of yourself :)

hope in high heels said...

Congratulations - what an inspirational achievement! I can't fathom even running a mile, let alone 26. How many of these have you done/ planning to do?

Rach said...

So awesome! Congrats on your amazing achievement!

Carina said...

Congrats!! :))

Loved your blog!

xoxo

http://sweetlittletips.com/

Charlotte said...

Holy COW! This is awesome! I am running my first 10k tomorrow and I am freaking out. THANK YOU for your inspiration! Wow wow wow!! You go girl!

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