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FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. "Some Like It Hot" may have been a fine movie, but when it comes to marathons, no runner likes it hot. Especially me.
I managed to finish Mondays Boston Marathon in 4:37:42, in 15,232nd place out of 21,554 finishers. It was by far the worst time of the 10 marathons I have run. Although the raw numbers are disappointing, I am proud that I didnt give up. Out of 26,656 registered runners, 22,480 started. Another 926 dropped out during the race. Temperatures soared into the high 80s, one of the four hottest races in the 116-year history of the event.
Boston Marathon officials offered a deferment option to runners Saturday, and it was tempting. But I decided to go through with it. I had more confidence than in 2004, when I also ran Boston in another high 80-degree day. I finished in 2004 and figured I could do it again. I also had a hydration plan, which was more than I had eight years ago. I was ready for a 26-mile heavyweight fight.
The first 10 miles went smoothly. I adjusted my pace because of the heat and came through 13.1 miles in 1:52:28. The conditions took their toll, however, and by mile 16 my gas tank was empty. Nothing in my running bag of tricks energy gels, water, Gatorade, alternating walking and running did much good. The temptation to walk off crossed my mind frequently.
I walked for 2 entire miles, from 22 to 24. My quads and back hurt. At one point, I asked my legs to start running. It lasted all of 60 seconds. Over the last 2.2 miles, I jogged a little bit and was just trying to get to the finish. When I reached Boylston Street, I wanted to run the final 385 yards. I couldnt even do that. I did manage to jog across the finish line.
I felt dizzy and lightheaded shortly afterward and sat for a moment in a wheelchair while medical personnel monitored me. I lay down for a few minutes, felt better and stood up. Big mistake. I fainted for a second and was whisked into the medical tent. I spent 90 minutes there and took an IV for hydration.
The crowd support was amazing, and the volunteers and staff did an outstanding job. If not for the encouragement of the fans that lined every mile of the course, I dont think I could have made it. If it was any marathon other than Boston, I would have walked off or not even started.
In the end, I got my third Boston Marathon finishers medal. It probably costs $9.95, and it means nothing to anyone except me. What it represents, however, is something that is priceless.
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