And the taper begins...

Yesterday, I ran my last long run with my running club, along the course route. We met up at town center at 5:55am, and our two transport vehicles promptly left for Hopkinton at 6:00am. We drove to the starting line, where I marveled at the simplicity of it. Hopkinton is a small town in central Massachusetts. If it weren't for the marathon, I'm doubtful anyone would have ever heard of it. It's cute enough, but quite unremarkable. I'm sure it will look totally different with 30,000+ people lined up on race day! We then drove 4 miles along the course to Ashland, where we were dumped from the cars and started our run. HUGE snaps to our drivers - they acted as our support vehicles throughout our run, meeting us every 5 miles so that we could reload our drink bottles, gels, act as privacy guards for "nature breaks," etc. They ROCKED.

It was incredible to run along the course, with folks who were Boston veterans. They gave me great tips about what to expect all along the way - where the crowds got thin (a VERY short stretch around mile 6...), where the downhills can kill you if you aren't careful, etc. It was also fun to hear all the old race stories - I just kept thinking that I can't wait to do the same for a Boston newbie someday. "I remember my first Boston marathon, many years ago. You'll love this story..."

The miles just clicked by - before I knew it, we were turning onto Comm Ave, heading into the Newton Hills (aka Heartbreak). As I had already known, they aren't in and of themselves all that bad - it's that they come at mile 20, after nearly 20 solid miles of downhill running, and that kills you. I still felt good after getting through Heartbreak, but I did start looking at my watch once I hit the 19 mile mark. It was AWESOME to be with folks I've run with for years when I clipped my 19.34 mile distance PR - we all whooped and hollered for me as I passed that milestone! By then I was getting tired, and hurting a bit. My feet and ankles hurt, which was a new one for me. I don't think it was anything bad - just the newness of running 20+ miles. The curbs we occasionally had to maneuver felt like they were each the size of Mt. Everest, and I was insanely happy to see the famed Citgo sign and Fenway as we approached the final mile. Turning onto Boylston St. was incredible - knowing that it's going to be about 10,000 times more incredible on race day is just mind-boggling.

I came just up to the finish line, but did not cross it - that's special. And I can't wait to do it a mere 3 weeks from now!!!!

I was tired and a bit sore for the remainder of the day, but generally felt pretty good! Today I feel great and can't believe I am honestly ready for this.

So now I start my taper, and before I know it, race day will be here!