Saturday, April 18, 2009

Final Thoughts Before Boston

That’s it folks. My bus ticket is printed. My bags are packed. I’m leaving New York for Boston first thing in the morning. As I’m trying to anticipate what I’ll forget to bring once I leave (and I will forget), it’s beginning to dawn on me that this Boston Marathon thing is really going to happen. I’ve been fielding good wish calls from friends all week. I’ve been reading forums and books and articles on the marathon all month. I even did a podcast with a few friends from the Runners’ Lounge on the race a few days ago. Yet it was the simple act of packing and the prospect of leaving home that finally made me realize that this race is no longer a pipe dream and is really going down in three days…

"Are you ready to run this race?" Everyone around me has been asking for the past few days. "I don’t know…I think so." has been my patented answer. In a way, I do know since I’ve trained hard and feel pretty confident that this will be the race for me. In another way, I truly don’t because so many extrinsic factors beyond my control can ruin the day. All I can promise is that I’m preparing to give my all to run a smart, fast, and tactical race. So if the running powers that be are on my side on race day, I’ll bring home the sub-3 with plenty to spare.

To all you ladies and gents who’ve virtually come with me all this way, thanks for all the celebratory congrats on all the good runs and the kind encouragement on all the bad ones. Words really cannot express how appreciative I feel for all of your support. You people are simply amazing! I really would have never been so inspired to train for this race if it were simply me. But since I felt such a collective virtual presence on all the training run and races, I simply felt obligated to always put forth a good effort. And now that that effort has carried me all the way to the Boston Marathon I sincerely feel very blessed and grateful. Even though all of you won’t be around in person on race day, you all will virtually be with me as I run this race.

So look for me on Patriot’s Day in the third corral of Wave 1. My race bib number is #3135 and I’ll be rocking Boston with a bandana on my head and a whole blogosphere out cheering for my success. It’s going to be a great race, and I officially cannot wait. Alright Boston. Bring. It. On.

So check me out on race day (you can use Athlete Tracker on the B.A.A. website), and I’ll follow up with all of you on the other end of Bolyston! Enjoy the race everyone!

39 comments:

sRod said...

I've never understood the "are you ready to run this race?" question. Of course you're ready. Aside from an act of God, I don't think anything will stop a runner who has poured everything into training from crossing that finish line.

If the question is "are you ready to run a sub-3 race?" well, that's in the hands of the running gods. All you can do is cross your fingers.

Good luck buddy! I, unfortunately, will be traveling all day on Monday and won't be able to watch the race (totally bummed), but you will be in my thoughts at 10am and again at 1pm--when you will be wearing that coveted medal and the proud owner of a new PR.

Cowboy Hazel said...

Good luck, Number 3135! Hope you have a good race and enjoy the whole weekend of marathon festivities. It should be fun. I'll be anxious to read your race report and take notes for next year. :-)

Irish Cream said...

WOOOO! GOOO LAM! I wish you the best of luck and nothing but love from the running gods! :) Also, is it weird that I am experiencing all kinds of anxiety myself about Boston? I'm just so excited/nervous for all of my awesome RBFs! Ha. I'm weird. Anyway, can't wait to read the report. Kick asphalt out there! ;)

Ms. V. said...

My text alerts are all ready to go...I'll be getting a 10K, half, 30K and finish report.

WTG. I'll be at work, but I'm cheering from California!!!

Internal Pigdog said...

have fun race day. if you run your splits, you'll do well. i can't stress enough how hard it is to stay relaxed and not go too fast the first few miles. it's downhill, you'll be surrounded by some very fast runners and the excitement of starting after the bus to hopkington is hard to resist. be tough. my prediction: 2:56.

M*J*C said...

I'm so psyched for you LAM! You're going to ROCK Boston! I will totally be following (scratch that, I'll be CHEERING) along! If you get a chance before the big day, stop over to my blog....there's something for you there!

Jamie said...

I don't think I'll be working much on Monday - too busy cheering you on virtually! Good luck and I hope it's all you hope it to be. I can't wait to read all about it!

Lindsay said...

good luck, go get 'em! hope you have a blast and aren't too nervous. you are prepared! i'll definitely be "watching" from work monday.

Username_Not_Available said...

Good luck Lam... you are going to race like never before.

joyRuN said...

Good Luck!

Sara said...

good luck! although i joined you late in your journey, i've been impressed with your dedication. good luck and have fun out there, can't wait to hear how you do!

Felice Devine said...

I hope your travel went smoothly!

GOOD LUCK, Lam! I'll be cheering you on as I watch the marathon online. Yes, I'm that geeky!

Have a great time -- can't wait to read your race report.

Anonymous said...

Lam you are so ready. Rock it tomorrow.

J said...

GOOD LUCK!! Keep thinking those positive thoughts!

Michelle said...

Good Luck Lam! I am so with you on this in my mind! I feel as though I will be right along side you cheering you on!

You are awesome!!!

Run For Life said...

Have a great run tomorrow - we're all rooting for you!!!

jb24 said...

Best of luck! Have a great race. I'll be tracking you throughout the morning.

Vava said...

Good luck! I'll be watching.

Susan said...

Good luck!!! I'll be cheering you on from Chicago!

Aron said...

have an amazing race tomorrow lam!!! all your hard work will pay off... soak up every second!! i will be routing for you!!!!

C said...

Good luck, Lam!!!

Vava said...

Great pace through the first 10k Lam! Keep it up!

Lindsay said...

you are rockin it thru 15k now! keep it up lam!

Vava said...

On pace through the HM! Great stuff. Keep it up!

M*J*C said...

You're lookin GOOD!!!!!!! Stay strong, we are all cheering for you!!!!!!

Vava said...

Still rockin' through 25k! This is exciting indeed!

Vava said...

Continuing on pace through 30k. You're doing amazing! Go get that big hill!

Vava said...

Alright! Through 35k at 2:29:50. That means that Heartbreak Hill is past and you are still on track to reach your goal. Very exciting! GO GO GO!!!

Vava said...

40k split just popped up. Come on LAM!!! Come on!!!!

Ax said...

I'm a little late to wish you good luck, but I did just see your finish time. So, congratulations!! That is an excellent race time for Boston. I am very envious. I wish I could have been there too! Way to go!!

Vava said...

yes, to echo Reid's comment, a great finish for Boston indeed. Very good racing, and I can't wait to read all about it. Congratulations!

Run For Life said...

Congrats, Lam!!! Like Reid and Vava, I can't wait to read the race report. YOU JUST RAN BOSTON!!!!

Ms. V. said...

WOW!!!!!!!!!

Was cheering for you all morning over here in California!!!! WTG on your finish!!!!

Great job, and you just did the freaking BOSTON MARATHON!

Jamie said...

Tracking you all morning - Way to go Lam!!!

M*J*C said...

Great Job LAM!!!! It was so exciting to "follow" you, you are an amazing inspiration. Can't wait to read your report!

Chic Runner said...

YAY! I tracked you like the stalked I am and great job!!!! :) Hope you enjoyed it and I also hope that you got your gift certificate... let me know if you didn't :)

Anonymous said...

Awesome job-- 3:02 is great! Especially since you had to train through such awful weather!

Michelle said...

You rocked it Lam!!

I am in awe of your speed! Amazing and like the others said YOU JUST RAN BOSTON!!!

WOO!!!!

Marie said...

I hope you did awesome today!

 
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