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Boston Marathon 2016 Race Recap

I have to say, it feel strange writing a race recap where I will not focus on a time goal, but rather just how the run actually felt for me.  The Boston Marathon 2016 was all about letting go of pressure and treating myself in a way that would allow me to really enjoy myself – after all – I don’t think I’ll be running a marathon again, let alone the Boston Marathon in the near (or far?) future!

I know I’ve talked about the reasons that time was not at all a focus for this training cycle/race, but to sum it up, the bottom line was that my body and mind (mostly mind) needed a break from intense training with a focus on hitting paces or even levels of effort.  After training really hard for the NYC marathon, only to wind up with warm weather and dehydration, Boston this year was the perfect follow up.

So, to preface, I will say a few things.

1.) I had zero time goals, regardless of weather.  I didn’t train with a watch, and my long runs showed an avg. pace of 9:30-ish so I figured this is around the pace I would run the marathon, but promised myself I would run by feel, whatever that meant on the given day.

2.) I swear I was the only runner not wearing a watch, and I had time to look around while waiting.  It felt incredibly freeing to go into a marathon with no way to check my pace.

3.) Even without the pressure of time, the weather forecast definitely made me nervous that I’d be able to finish the marathon at all.  I am a COLD weather runner and honestly sort of hate running in the summer or even at the gym because it’s too hot.  I am the underdressed runner who likes to be cold.  Since I run super early too, even in the summer the warmest temps will be in the 70’s and I usually feel like I’m dying.

Okay enough of that, let’s get on with the recap!

Boston Marathon 2016 Race Recap

Pre-race: Yup I knew it would be hot.  It was already warm enough to not need sweats while waiting in Athletes village and the sun was already burning my shoulders and legs.  Other than that the morning went seamlessly – Adam dropped me off at the bus in Boston and fueling, bathroom stuff – all was well.  I felt fine and not even tired since I’d slept pretty well the night before.  Shocking!

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It didn’t feel like I had to wait long at all to start, most likely because it wasn’t cold!  I was wave 3 corral 2 and had plenty of time to use the bathroom twice, drink water, eat my banana, and try not to freak about the heat!

Somewhat at the last minute I grabbed a full Poland Spring bottle and decided to run with it for the first few miles since it was already about 70 degrees and my main goal was to stay hydrated.  That, and run slow!  The last thing I wanted to do was push myself and then have to drop out from heat illness.

Miles 1-5

I tried so, so hard not to think about how hot the first few miles felt!  I ran steady, comfortably and relaxed and it seemed like basically everyone had passed me by mile 3.  In my book, this meant I was running slow enough so it was a good thing!  The water bottle didn’t bother me at all, and my hydration strategy became to take two cups of water at each stop and dump one on my head and use the other to fill my bottle.  I stayed with this for most of the race and it kept me somewhat cool.

According to the tracking app, which I didn’t look at until Tuesday, I crossed the 5k at a 9:29 pace which felt about right I think.

Miles 5-12

These were tough miles, maybe the toughest of the whole race.  To start, they were the hottest miles, or at least felt like it to me, plus this was the point where I needed to start fueling along with hydrating.  I had my Larabars ready to go but dealt with some side cramping after eating and drinking around mile 7, although no nausea thank goodness!

I knew my family would be in Framingham around mile 5-6 and I wound up seeing them just after mile 6 which gave me a nice boost!  They were cheering and clearly having a good time – nothing better than seeing that.  After they saw me they were headed up to the half so I knew I had that to look forward to.  Even though it felt so hot for me I was glad that at least they had nice comfortably warm weather.

The miles following about the 10k felt pretty long and slow, and I just stuck with my strategy to hydrate and dump water on my head.  I had to massage out a side stitch a couple of times but luckily was able to do this and got it to where it was a mild ache.  I always get side stitches when I’m either out of shape or not acclimated so it was no surprise.

Miles 12 – 21

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Miles 12-21 are the golden miles of the Boston Marathon in my opinion!  I felt this way the last time I ran in 2014 too.  The crowds in Wellesley are incredible and really the crowd support throughout the tough miles is just extremely helpful and motivating.  I high-fived countless spectators and just focused on taking in the energy and love coming from the crowd.

I was so euphoric around the half that I had a grand fantasy that Adam and I would run the Chicago marathon together in 2017.  I was so adamant about this at the time I wanted to stop and tell him when I saw him!  Of course this lasted probably 10 minutes before I’d forgotten it, but still, just a marker of how invigorated I was feeling during these miles!  I did wind up seeing my family at mile 14 which was awesome, and then I just focused on heading into the hills strong, well fueled and hydrated.

My pace had slowed from the first 5k somewhat steadily and I was running about a 10 min pace according to the tracking app for most of the race.  Even when I was feeling good, I didn’t want to push it because I knew if I did I’d likely start feeling badly in the later miles which I wanted to avoid at all costs.

The Newton area is amazing in my opinion!  I actually love the hills – when you aren’t fighting for time the hills actually make things fun and interesting and it’s a thrill to get over each one leading up to Heartbreak Hill.  The crowds are also just incredible – handing out bananas (which I took) water, sprinklers, wet towels, basically anything you could possibly need.  I FINALLY ditched my water bottle right before Heartbreak Hill, feeling like there was so much water along the course at that point that I wouldn’t need it.  It was also breezy and cooling down a few degrees which felt awesome to me!

Okay maybe I don’t look all that happy in the above photo, but, it’s near the top of Heartbreak Hill dang it!  I was actually a lot happier than I appear 😉

Miles 21-26.2

Hard miles, ya think?!  But yes, once again my opinion only, but after the high of getting past Heartbreak Hill there is a low point from around 21-24.  This is when my legs really start to ache and particularly my quads will feel the effect of the hills.  This is also when there is more shade on the course though, and, this time around it was significantly cooler and I even felt a shiver here and there with the wind, which made me happy.

These miles feel long though, there is no doubt.  I was still nibbling on a Larabar when I crossed over the 23 mile mark, at which point I said f-it, I never want to see a Larabar or water for that matter ever again.

Of course all of that negativity turns into pure, raw emotion when you know you’re about to make that famous right on Hereford St and left on Boylston.  Seriously incredible feeling, more so this time because I knew exactly what was coming.  Running up to the finish on Boylston is unlike anything else I’ve experienced both times I ran – there is such a grand, wide open feeling to the road itself and the crowds make it that much better.  Plus the whole “I get to stop running and get my medal” feeling kicks in and BOOM!  It’s pure heaven.

The finish/post race

I actually ran several steps after I crossed the finish line which I took as a sign that I “finished strong” and I also wasn’t limping or feeling weak or anything else like I have in past races.

Yes, this was my slowest marathon to date by quite a bit (official finish time 4:22:10, about 10 min pace) but I wouldn’t change a thing about it.  I ran smart, didn’t pressure myself, fueled and hydrated well, had no stomach issues, no bathroom issues, no nausea or heartburn, and mentally I was positive probably through 85% of the entire race.

So, I’ll just look at it as a “time on feet” PR rather than anything negative related to time – I can love running and not be a “fast” runner – this is an important thing I learned at the Boston Marathon 2016.  What an incredibly freeing feeling to know I can just be myself, treat myself well, and run how I feel like running.  So much gentler on the body and mind this way, too.

I met up with my family pretty easily afterwards and was so glad to hear everyone had a great time.  We walked back to the car and headed home right away!

Since it was such a late race, even leaving right away meant we wouldn’t get back until 8:30 pm – the kids were seriously great and we had no problems in the car.  Sure, we stopped at McDonalds and got them ice cream, but, you do what you have to do sometimes, they did in fact survive the ice cream, at least so far.

#BostonMarathon 2016 full race recap #runbold #fitfluential

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Linking up my race thoughts today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday 🙂

What helps you stay positive during a marathon?  

Have you ever run a marathon holding a regular old water bottle?  It’s not as bad as I imagined!

Share any running/race/marathon related thoughts you have in the comments!

 

 

 

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Reader Reviews & Comments

  1. Congrats again! I think this is the perfect way to run Boston. I always think about if I qualify how I may not want to train for a goal time, but would rather just go into it looking to enjoy the experience. I have been at races where they were giving out water bottles on the course and usually I don’t mind running with them for a few miles. It’s nice that you can throw it away when you don’t want it any more versus a handheld water bottle that you’re stuck with throughout the race .So glad you had a good experience. You look so happy in the pictures!

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  2. so amazing! congrats again 🙂 you ran the smartest race and were able to enjoy it which really is the best part. I haven’t run a marathon but I remember running the hat trick races at runner’s world festival —- with pressure off of trying to race and just enjoy myself, it really was a wonderful time. I recall running the half which was the third race in the series and yes, even the hills felt better because I was running at a more leisurely pace, no pressure of time and just taking the scenes all in. — I love the kids’ posters!!

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    • Pressure versus no pressure is a totally different race experience. A little break from time pressure is nice after training hard for a while!

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  3. Great job Michele! It takes courage to let go of expectations and to do what you really want. To me, 5ks -10ks and half marathons are RACES . Marathons are an ADVENTURE. There are so many factors that come into play. You have to do your best with the conditions you face during training and on that day. Purists would hate me but I do listen to music during a marathon. It keeps my mind calm and entertained. I don’t need it all the way but I need to know it’s a possibility if I need it. Because I need a lot of salt in my running drink, I carry it in a belt. I am used to it now and for me, the benefits outweight the annoyance 😉 Hope you will rest you will give your body and mind a good rest now that Boston is behind!

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  5. This is type of race that I had planned for Boston: truly a victory lap. And I must say that i am impressed by your not wearing a watch! I love the dedication, and knowing yourself well enough to know that you needed to do so.
    You ran the right race, you fought the right battles, I couldn’t be more proud of how you ran. Awesome, Awesome job, Michele!

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    • Thanks so much! Agree that Boston just has to be enjoyed for what it is. I knew wearing a watch would annoy me more than anything else even in good conditions, definitely glad I didn’t decide to wear one last minute.

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  6. You’re amazing, do you know that? I still can’t even fathom running a marathon! You’re awesome and I love that you just went out there and got it done! I love you’re little family supporters 😉 Good motivation!
    Congrats and another fantastic run! You inspire me 🙂 xoxoxo

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    • Thanks so much Rebecca! I think it’s impossible to imagine the distance until after you’ve run it, and then it’s easy to forget just how long it really feels! The little supporters were very helpful during the race!

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  8. I loved reading this and I’m so happy for you! “Time on your feet PR” is such a great (and healthy) way to look at it and I will be stealing that for the future. I ran half of my first marathon with a water bottle filled with coconut water. And at points through NYC Marathon too. It really isn’t awful, especially since I’m used to holding my phone anyway. Love the posters!

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    • Maybe that will be a new thing, lol 🙂 Now that I know I can run holding something I might have to try the coconut water especially over the summer.

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  10. Congratulations on your marathon finish – I so love that you ran without a watch. I can’t imagine how freeing that must have been and you’ve inspired me to try. Your family is so cute – I love the sign!

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  11. You raced so smart and you should be really proud! Most of the people that I was following started out way too fast (like 7:30 miles), and by the end were running 11+ minute miles. Goes to show that if you start with a smart strategy it pays off 🙂 Way to go!

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    • Thanks Gretchen! It was a tough day and there’s no way I was about to ruin it for myself by starting fast. I’ve done it in the past and it’s a terrible feeling.

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  13. Congrats! Thank you for this post. I really needed to read something like this. My last marathon was so awful and I now realize I put too much pressure on my finish time. I thought that race ruined me from ever running another marathon…until I read this post. You have inspired me to run another one – but this time run it smart. Thank you!

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    • This makes me so happy to hear! I think we’ve all been there with pressuring ourselves and there really is another side to it. Good luck!

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  14. This may very well be my favourite race recap that I read! I love that you focused on enjoying the marathon rather than trying to beat a certain time, and I can imagine it must have been a little difficult to leave the watch at home after being so accustomed to running with it. You’re amazing, lady! And congrats again for such a great race 😀

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  16. Congratulations on such an amazing day. I think the fact that you felt good (other than your passionate anger toward Larabars) is as much an accomplishment as the race itself in a lot of ways. You crossed the finish line strong, not crying or crawling – as I anticipate I might do…

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  17. You are amazing. I am very injury prone and cannot push myself too hard when I run. I don’t really have a desire to run any races since I run purely for hobby, my generalized anxiety, mental sanity and me-time, but reading this made me feel like maybe one day I will run a couple just for the fun and experience. What a great, smart race you ran. <3

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    • For years I didn’t race, I think when I started I really got carried away but I’m hoping that going forward I can find that happy place where I can enjoy running and race without making myself nuts! And thank you so much!

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  18. so happy for you ! i have been feeling really bad about my running self lately cuz im not that into it and im super slow. i have run farther than 3-4 miles since before xmas. your reminder that you can be a runner and be “slow” is a great message. im at a hotel today working and was debating a workout at lunch on the dreaded treadmill since its raining and im on a main road with no sidewalk. but im going to go down and do it ! even if its slow !!!!! congratulations. you seem to have had the perfect race in my opinion !

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    • I know exactly how you feel, it’s tough to break away from that feeling and mentality! I’m glad you’re running even if it’s “slow” and I hope you enjoy it! In the end I guess we have to ask why we do it anyway. Thanks so much, I’m happy with the experience it was!

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  21. Well done Michele! You should feel so proud. So glad you could enjoy the race for what it is and not worry about your timing; just staying upright and happy. You ran smart! When I ran my marathon, I let the time get me down (it was also super unseasonable hot) and while I was still so happy in the accomplishment, it did weigh on me while I was tackling the dreaded miles 17-22! I don’t think I’ve ever run with a regular bottle…

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    • Thank you so much! It’s so hard when it’s hot – if we trained hard it’s tough to abandon time goals, that happened with NYC with me and it taught me what NOT to do! This time was just for the experience and it was great all around 🙂

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  22. so…..I don’ t run at all, but reading your posts make me feel like I should….but…maybe that feeling will pass ( teehee). I love the way you write about it and thank you so much for giving us this insight. I think you are doing exactly the kind of run you need….I do bike and kayak and feel a little bit how you talk about when maintaining a particular pace. I am very interested in your blog and thanks so much for giving us the insight….

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  23. You should feel proud of what you accomplished. It was not an easy day and from what it sounds like and the general consensus, extremely hot. Nice work and it sounds like such a fun time.

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  25. Congratulations 🙂 Brilliant stuff & glad to hear you enjoyed the day. It really is so liberating to just run a race without a watch or a pace goal & a good reminder to yourself as to why you enjoy running. I’d love to run this race some day & you made it sound like a great one to do. Enjoy a rest & some good recovery time 🙂

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  27. Congratulations on such an amazing accomplishment! I really admire the way you chose to run this marathon. I’m like you too, always needing to be fast and push myself so hard. Our bodies let us know when we need a break. Some of us listen, and reap the benefits from that. And clearly, the way you felt when you crossed the finish line, that’s the way you want to feel after a race! Great job and thanks for the inspiration 🙂

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    • I used to be not so good at listening but those days are long gone and I’ve learned my lesson! A great experience this time around, and thanks so much!

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  28. I honestly cannot tell you how much this post inspires me – I am getting ready to run my first marathon and get so freaked out when I think about having to run super hard. I love running without a watch and seeing your happy positive attitude in this race makes me feel like it’s okay to enjoy it. And you still absolutely rocked it!! So amazing what you achieved love it. Xx

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  29. I really admire your attitude about this race! It’s great to push yourself sometimes but it’s also nice to just slow down and enjoy the run too. Congrats on finishing another marathon 🙂

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  32. I needed to read this today! I ran my 2nd marathon Saturday and finished at 4:01:54, but my goal was 4 flat. I put so much pressure on myself that at mile 23 I was hallucinating and it got scary. Now I can just be proud that I finished and not obsess over my 1:54 time overage. Running is about enjoying life and showing my kids how to persevere and stay healthy!

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  33. Great write-up and run! I’ve run Boston 4 times and absolutely agree that miles 21-24 (well, 25 for me!) are the hardest. When I get to the top of heartbreak I cringe knowing the pain I WILL feel in my quads going DOWN by Boston College. Ouch 🙂

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  34. I started the race with a 750ml bottle of Gatorade, but I had to ditch it after 6 miles because it was way too heavy for me! I then proceed taking Gatorade at every single water station and throwing 3xcups water on myself. That’s the only way I was able to have a successful race in that heat! Also… ice cubes in my bra 😉 Congrats on your second Boston!

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  37. LOVE this post. I have been training for my first marathon coming up this May- Maine Coast. Peak week ends tomorrow with my last 20 miler. This past Wednesday I fell during an early morning run. I think it was from exhaustion. This is the second time during training I have fallen. I was able to blame the last fall on ice, but now I am not so sure. My body has had it. You have really given me A LOT to think about. I have been putting way to much pressure on myself. Thanks!

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    • It really is a lot of pressure and easy to lose perspective when we’re far into the world of training! I hope you’re okay, definitely enjoy the rest post-race and good luck!

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  39. sounds like you did amazing! to be able to run a marathon for the heck of it and enjoy it, that’s a win!! i hope you are recovering well 🙂 and what did Adam saay when you mentioned chicago 2017? 😉

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  40. Congrats again, Michelle! I didn’t get to comment when I read this last week and wanted to come back to it. I know that feeling of no more marathons well- I was amazed that you went right from NYC training into Boston, mentally it takes so much out of you! Not to mention physically. Boston is an awesome race to run for fun- especially on such a warm day, I’m glad you could enjoy it!

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