LOVE Boston -- LOVE the course -- LOVED being able to start with Lark (a new friend, who is so incredible)!!!! 
Part One (first 5K):
Started WAY WAY WAY too fast!!! BUT ... my reasoning was good (or so I tell myself). Lark and I were literally at the start line of the second wave. I have NEVER had the opportunity to lead a race, and knew that I would likely NEVER have the opportunity to do so again. BUT ... here we were ... it was BOSTON and I had the chance!!! Took off way fast (for me) and stuck with a group of 5 that was leading the way!!! Was able to stay right behind the motorcade for quite some time. Knew I would pay for it later but I was just so excited to be running after taking 3 weeks off and in the BOSTON MARATHON ... just couldn't pass this up (plus, I didn't even know if I was going to finish, so I was going to grab this memory). Decided I would find my pace after the 5K mark!!!
Part Two (miles 4 - 17):
Found my pace, right under 8 minute miles. Thought for sure I could run a sub 3:30. Had a HUGE grin on my face most of the time. Leg was painful, but it was doing better than I had expected. My stomach was acting up, probably had WAY too many pain meds in me (I won't even admit to how many) but I was able to keep the bulk of the miles right where I wanted them. I was one happy girl!
Part Three (the demise):
Things started really going south!!! STINK!!! Nothing was responding. I could not run relaxed and I thought that if I took any more pain meds that all heck might break loose. Tried to keep it going, but could not. Began throwing up in my mouth and swallowing it. Leg felt like it was going to bust open. Felt the consequences of starting out way too fast and not running for 3 weeks. STINK!!! It was getting EXTREMELY ugly. I was far too cocky the preceding miles and I was paying for it now. Watched my average pace go down down down down down. Dug as deep as I could but got no response!!! Tried to concentrate on the amazing aspects of running Boston but really just wanted to lay down in the middle of the street.
Sadly … my Boston Marathon pace ended up being slower than my long training runs!!! BUT … I ran it!!! I finished!!! And I gave it ALL I had!!! (And I have two cool jackets.)
Part Four (the aftermath):
My leg looked like it belonged on a Cabbage Patch doll for a couple of days! My cute hubby had to take me to all of my classes and pick me up because I could not walk. (HOWEVER, today it is starting to really improve.) The Ogden marathon by necessity has to be out. But would I do it again??? Yeah, I think so!!!
A special thanks to all of my friends for making Boston AWESOME!!!! Being part of such an amazing race is something I will NEVER forget!!!!
I love you guys!!!
My other Ry and me :)
So much fun with my SSF and the girls :)
Kelli and Scott Rock!!! :)
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