Magic

When it comes right down to it, what happens on marathon day is probably 70% training and 29% making it to the starting line healthy, relatively rested, carbed, and well hydrated.  The other 1% is pure luck. In any case, 26.2 miles is a long way to run no matter how you slice it. So, I have learned the fine art of running for fun even if it might not feel fun the entire way.  What ever is going to happen is going to happen, so why worry about it?

Weaving my way through the crowd in Hopkinton to find my corral I didn't have even an ounce of nerves.  The gun went off and I just started to run. Four miles in and I knew it quite likely would be my day for a good run.  But, anything can happen… so I told myself to relax and just run.

The hip started to whine near mile 14, but the crowds were thick and loud as they swept me along. The hip shut up or was simply left unheard. Up and over the hills I kept the pace.

At mile 20, I felt strong.  I was relaxed and distracted yet very focused.  I knew I had it.  My mind kept asking me how was I doing this?  Why wasn't my hip freezing up?  Why weren't my quads on fire? Best not to think.  I just kept running.  And, I did!  Then, the line.

How does 3 hours and 27 minutes 27 seconds go by so fast?  It wasn't a dream.  I didn't have to wake up.

Magic!