Boston Marathon 2011

 It seems like forever ago since I ran Boston in 2011.  The entire experience was totally amazing with the exception of the Marathon I tried to  Run. I don't know what I was thinking but I really believed I could BQ at Boston and went for it.  Live and learn I guess!!!!  Not being real thrilled about my run I didn't  fork out the big $$ for the race pictures.   I received an email recently offering me the pictures at a 40% discount so I figured why not ... there was one good one of me crossing the finish line.

So here is my day in pictures ....

Waiting for the race to start in Hopkinton is unlike anything I have ever experienced.   It was cold,  really cold and the place was alive with energy and pre-race jitters.  I was 100% relaxed loving every minute soaking it all in...I was running Boston!

I made it through the 1/2 at a 5:00 pace felling a bit tired but still OK.

I get a kick out of the next three shots.  Its like the guy in the red shirt thought I was going to keel over!

I think I am getting close to the finish trying desperately to keep it together.

This picture captures how I really felt.


































There is nothing quite like crossing the finish line!

How quickly we forget! 

The weekend before the Boston Marathon

Carrie and I left for Boston Saturday April 16 mid afternoon. The majority of the people on the flight were running the Marathon. When we arrived in Boston it quickly became apparent that this city was Marathon crazy. From the baggage carousel , on the "T" and in the hotel it was Marathon mania.



Hotel Elevator Door....





Shortly after checking into the Hotel I just had to do it ...run to the finish line. I headed out on a rather blustery evening along Summer Street towards the Boston Commons.



It was 2K to the Boston Commons and another 1.5K to the Finish Line




On Sunday we had a busy day planned. I jumped on the T headed off to the Expo to get my Race Kit at 09:00 am. The pickup was quick and efficient, I was also able to get into the Expo purchase the obligatory Adidas jacket. Headed back to the Westin to get Carrie and we were off to the Canadian Tea Party Brunch at 11:00am. After brunch I we walked along Boylston to the race finish and a few more pictures...







We then headed off to Fenway to see the Jays and the Red Socks play Ball. The "T" was absolutely packed with Runners and folks heading to the Game....






The weather was a little blustery at the start of the game but it soon cleared off. It was pleasant afternoon in the Sun wathcing the Red Sox beat the Jays...













After the game we headed back to the Hotel and had dinner at the Irish Pub. After dinner it was back to the room for some last minute race preparation. Retired around 10pm , the wake up call was for 4:45 am.

Boston Marathon 2011

OK, you can't take the Kid to Disney Land without letting him go for a ride! Ran from the Hotel to the race finish via the Boston Commons.

The Finish Line was a magical spot ......

Logged a 7.5K easy run tonight ...tomorow I rest, Monday I Run "The Boston Marathon".