All in for Boston 2014!
 |
| My ride today was after work and I chased the sunlight all the way home. |
Sunday, March 9, 2014
43 Days Till Boston
I will take two days off a week from running and the road bike will be my friend on these days.
All in for Boston 2014!
All in for Boston 2014!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
44 Days Till Boston
Six weeks and a few days.
A month and 13 days.
22 days and 22 days.
However you slice it, it is going to happen. I am excited and know what to expect this year. I am beginning to be more focused on my training, even though it is abbreviated. I have a goal in mind and it is within reason. Now more than ever, it will be important to make the best of my time.
All in for Boston 2014!
A month and 13 days.
22 days and 22 days.
However you slice it, it is going to happen. I am excited and know what to expect this year. I am beginning to be more focused on my training, even though it is abbreviated. I have a goal in mind and it is within reason. Now more than ever, it will be important to make the best of my time.
All in for Boston 2014!
 |
| RidgeRun5K 22:11 & Masters Champ |
Friday, July 26, 2013
El Scorcho
I did it. I did not mean to, but I did it. I think I disrespected the distance. I swore I would never do this, but I did it. I was not ready for El Scorcho.
El Scorcho bills itself as as so.....
What is El Scorcho? Now in its seventh year, El Scorcho continues its ridiculously foolish tradition of staging an endurance run at midnight in North Texas in the middle of the summer. El Scorcho brings you the best no-frills 50 km frolic in all of Fort Worth. There's also a 25 km option for those of you who aren't quite ready to step up to the plate. But you should. Because, really, what's the difference between 50 km and 25 km except twice the distance? In the end, it's up to you. Both runs take a certain fortitude. Or stupidity. Your call.
El Scorch is run on several different terrains. Crushed Limestone Trails, Asphalt, Concrete, Small Bridges, and Basketball Court. It is noted on Athlinks as a Trail Run, but I would not go that far.
This was my first run at El Scorcho and I did tackle the 25K (15+ Miles)
My training for El Scorcho began shortly after Boston in late April. This gave me nearly 3 months to maintain base mileage and prepare for hot running.
I did injure myself during this period in May. My recovery has included some time off from running and an an aggressive plan at Mansfield Chiropractic. I also began Cycling in this period. I figure this will only help save my knees and develop different parts of my body.
I ran 191 miles in this training period. Most runs were short four to six milers. Only three runs in my training were over 10 miles. I did three Trail Runs, two Hill Repeats Workouts, two Speed Workouts, and zero Tempo Runs.
If I had El Scorcho Sie7e to do over, I would have stuck with more short speed workouts and weekly slow long runs.
The event was cool. Chris Medley and I met at 10pm Saturday Night. I packed a small ice chest with Waters, Gatorade, and Rags. I brought four Powerbar Gels and some Gummi Bears for food. My choice of Flashlight was a handheld model as I do not own a head lamp. I pinned my 523 Bib to my Race Belt as I did choose to run shirtless.
The race began at 12:00 Midnight with the 50K runners. Ten minutes later, we 25K runners were off. 505 Runners in all were running Sunday Morning on Trinity Trails in 78 Degree Cool Texas Temps. The course is a 5K Loop and every time around is a chance for friends or yours and others to cheer you on. I never thought I would like such a setup, but it really does work. The loop also gives you a chance to set up your own race hydration and food to carry less on your person.
Here is how the race went:
5K 23:26 (pace 7:31) Went out too fast and paid later.
10K 48:08 (pace 7:42) Legs feeling so heavy
15K 1:14:35 (pace 7:58) Tried to keep up with a top female runner and did for nearly a lap
20K 1:41:17 (pace 8:07) Just got passed by the 25K winner
25K 2:08:29 (pace 8:14) Had enough left to finish somewhat strong.
I really wanted to run a 7:30 pace in total. My training just was not right for this type effort. I learned a lesson from El Scorcho and that is respect the distance. As a runner, I failed to realize where I was and went out too fast.
See you next year El Scorcho Ocho. I will be ready for you next July.
El Scorcho bills itself as as so.....
What is El Scorcho? Now in its seventh year, El Scorcho continues its ridiculously foolish tradition of staging an endurance run at midnight in North Texas in the middle of the summer. El Scorcho brings you the best no-frills 50 km frolic in all of Fort Worth. There's also a 25 km option for those of you who aren't quite ready to step up to the plate. But you should. Because, really, what's the difference between 50 km and 25 km except twice the distance? In the end, it's up to you. Both runs take a certain fortitude. Or stupidity. Your call.
El Scorch is run on several different terrains. Crushed Limestone Trails, Asphalt, Concrete, Small Bridges, and Basketball Court. It is noted on Athlinks as a Trail Run, but I would not go that far.
This was my first run at El Scorcho and I did tackle the 25K (15+ Miles)
My training for El Scorcho began shortly after Boston in late April. This gave me nearly 3 months to maintain base mileage and prepare for hot running.
I did injure myself during this period in May. My recovery has included some time off from running and an an aggressive plan at Mansfield Chiropractic. I also began Cycling in this period. I figure this will only help save my knees and develop different parts of my body.
I ran 191 miles in this training period. Most runs were short four to six milers. Only three runs in my training were over 10 miles. I did three Trail Runs, two Hill Repeats Workouts, two Speed Workouts, and zero Tempo Runs.
If I had El Scorcho Sie7e to do over, I would have stuck with more short speed workouts and weekly slow long runs.
The event was cool. Chris Medley and I met at 10pm Saturday Night. I packed a small ice chest with Waters, Gatorade, and Rags. I brought four Powerbar Gels and some Gummi Bears for food. My choice of Flashlight was a handheld model as I do not own a head lamp. I pinned my 523 Bib to my Race Belt as I did choose to run shirtless.
The race began at 12:00 Midnight with the 50K runners. Ten minutes later, we 25K runners were off. 505 Runners in all were running Sunday Morning on Trinity Trails in 78 Degree Cool Texas Temps. The course is a 5K Loop and every time around is a chance for friends or yours and others to cheer you on. I never thought I would like such a setup, but it really does work. The loop also gives you a chance to set up your own race hydration and food to carry less on your person.
Here is how the race went:
5K 23:26 (pace 7:31) Went out too fast and paid later.
10K 48:08 (pace 7:42) Legs feeling so heavy
15K 1:14:35 (pace 7:58) Tried to keep up with a top female runner and did for nearly a lap
20K 1:41:17 (pace 8:07) Just got passed by the 25K winner
25K 2:08:29 (pace 8:14) Had enough left to finish somewhat strong.
I really wanted to run a 7:30 pace in total. My training just was not right for this type effort. I learned a lesson from El Scorcho and that is respect the distance. As a runner, I failed to realize where I was and went out too fast.
See you next year El Scorcho Ocho. I will be ready for you next July.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Thoughts While On The Shelf (Kinda)
I took some time off from running. Running is one of my joys. It ranks in my top FIVE.
1. God
2. Wife
3. Kids
4. Running
5. Baseball, Food, Coffee, Good Days At Work, Bad Days Fishing, Golf Stories
From May 28th till June 11th I rested. My back was sore and twisted, probably from years of the grind. My X-Rays were tough to look at. Almost like a needle going into someone else's arm. I am under professional Bone-Crusher Care now and a lot of the rehab is stuff I need to be doing daily anyway.
I have learned from the time off from running.
1. Running defines me. If I miss it, I feel empty and useless. I NEED TO FIX THIS.
2. I make excuses about my poor diet choices. INTFT
3. Cycling helps and is less jarring, but nothing beats running. NO NEED TO FIX THIS.
4. I think I treat the ones I love worse when I am not running. INTFT!!!!!!!
5. I think the 15 days off will help grow me.
I have run the past two days and it is GLORIOUS. Now I must begin to give back, share, improve, and move on from what I have learned while on the shelf.
Today, I sent an application to The Showdown Half Marathon to help pace a group at their October 12th. Helping fellow runners reach their goals is fun and a good way to give back.
I am challenged to find ways to volunteer and grow this joy and I would also challenge YOU.
1. God
2. Wife
3. Kids
4. Running
5. Baseball, Food, Coffee, Good Days At Work, Bad Days Fishing, Golf Stories
From May 28th till June 11th I rested. My back was sore and twisted, probably from years of the grind. My X-Rays were tough to look at. Almost like a needle going into someone else's arm. I am under professional Bone-Crusher Care now and a lot of the rehab is stuff I need to be doing daily anyway.
I have learned from the time off from running.
1. Running defines me. If I miss it, I feel empty and useless. I NEED TO FIX THIS.
2. I make excuses about my poor diet choices. INTFT
3. Cycling helps and is less jarring, but nothing beats running. NO NEED TO FIX THIS.
4. I think I treat the ones I love worse when I am not running. INTFT!!!!!!!
5. I think the 15 days off will help grow me.
I have run the past two days and it is GLORIOUS. Now I must begin to give back, share, improve, and move on from what I have learned while on the shelf.
Today, I sent an application to The Showdown Half Marathon to help pace a group at their October 12th. Helping fellow runners reach their goals is fun and a good way to give back.
I am challenged to find ways to volunteer and grow this joy and I would also challenge YOU.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Change
Here we go.....
Last June and the first ever Aggie Metzger Graduation!
 |
| Jessica is out of school! Whoop! |
 |
| Jessica, oh so long ago. |
September's Sioux Falls Marathon!
 |
| Second Marathon at 3:24:09 |
 |
| Frist Marathon at 3:58:20 |
December's Holly Jolly Jog! Kathy and I made our debut as Race Organizers.....
 |
| Even with plenty of volunteers, it was a Do-It-Yourselfer! |
 |
| Nearly 300 Runners came out to Rose Park! |
Our son, Brandon (our youngest), became first child to buy his own vehicle!
 |
| Saved up and bought his own! |
 |
| First he drew it, then he found it and bought it! |
February's Cowtown and qualifying for Boston 2014!
 |
| I may never run this fast again! 3:16:17 |
March. Good Bye Kroger. Hello Sprouts!
 |
| Welp. See ya later. |
May. My little girl Jessica gets married!
 |
| Quite a moment. Quite a day. |
 |
| My how time has flown! |
The kids have really grown up.
 |
| Little Brandons birth with the girls. |
 |
| Great looking bunch! |
Not really a change but some fun additions.....
 |
| Trails! |
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| Cycle! |
I have learned a lot this year and want to leave you with a verse from the Genesis Study from BSF. By the way, you need to try BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) as it really helps you grow closer to God.
Genesis 50:20: You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Remember through the changes, that God has a plan. Seek Him.
What are some changes you have noted?
Sunday, April 28, 2013
The Boston Marathon: A True Test
I had made it. Qualification was done. The hard part over. Time to soak it all in and enjoy the run. I told myself I would take pictures, tweet, look around at faces, check out the scene, make a friend, high-five some kids, and run a race. I probably should have planed a little better.
The trip had all gone as planned. No major hiccups or setbacks. Our hotel, The Boston Park Plaza, was just a few blocks from all the happening spots. Boston Common, The Charles River, The Boston Marathon Finish Line, and The Health and Fitness Expo.
We arrived Saturday in time for check in and a walk to the North Side for Dinner at Ernestos Pizza. It was a blast walking around and seeing all types of people visiting and just being Boston.
Sunday was our day to visit The Expo and pickup my race bib and bag. We could have spent all day at the Expo as there was so much to see, do, taste, and buy. We also had dinner later with our Golden Adventures Group at Magianos. We called it a short night and headed to bed to be ready for Marathon Monday.
After a good night sleep, I woke up and tweeted this:
Speaking of Monday, it sure was weird not running on a Sunday. That long wait through the weekend was a different feeling. As was waiting till past 10am to start the race.
In retrospect, the only thing I forgot Monday was the two Advil I wanted to take that morning. Other than that, everything was spot on. As I stated in my Remembering Boston BLOG, I will wear a long pant if I do Boston again as the wait in Hopkinton was a tad chilly. Time did fly in Athlete Village and soon it was my time.
At 10:21am, I started The Boston Marathon. I had been told on many different occasions to NOT try and run past and zig-zag through the crowd the first several miles. The downhill start coupled with the cool temps and MASSIVE ENERGY would make it hard to resist this, but I did.
Mile 1 8:00
Mile 2 7:45
Mile 3 7:44
My race plan, if you could say I had one, was to run relaxed and see what happened. I guess in thinking back I saw this, but did you know there are water stations EVERY MILE? This may have been part of my undoing. I say undoing, but I am happy with my time, just not the way I felt during some of the race.
Mile 4 7:29
Mile 5 7:41
Mile 6 7:29
I was taking either Water or Gatorade at every stop. I did stick to my PowerBar Gel plan of every 4 miles and at those stops chased it with H2O, but I probably drank too much through the first 2/3's of the race. I think I felt it most in miles 8-12 or so.
Mile 7 7:30
Mile 8 7:36
Mile 9 7:42
Temperatures started at the mid to upper 40's and they seemed to be climbing. The sun was out and there was just a hint of a breeze coming across the West to East course. I was definitely comfortable with the singlet, shorts, beanie, and MySleev. I soon took the beanie off and used it as a cool rag to sponge off.
Mile 10 7:38
Mile 11 7:41
Mile 12 7:41
I had my phone with me for any photo/ tweeting moments and knew there was one upcoming. As I removed the phone from my running pouch, I could hear the girls from Wellesley. I wanted a video of this. I had no plans of saliva exchange, but I did want a video. FAIL! I guess my true guy roots came out and yes, I can not operate a phone video camera and run a marathon at the same time. I though I was capturing awesome footage for what seemed to be a 3/4ths of a mile. After the race, I find all I got was a small one-second clip. You must believe me. It was loud, uplifting, rambunctious, and like nothing I have ever seen.
It led to this tweet which I was able to perform while running a marathon....
Mile 13 7:53
Mile 14 7:38
Mile 15 7:54
My training always includes Hills and/ or Hill Repeats. I felt ready for The Newton Hills. There had been some small hills in the first 15 miles that were obviously affecting some runners. I felt OK. What did affect me was the massive downhill runs. I believe there must be adequate training for downhills if I ever want to run Boston FAST.
Mile 16 7:49
Mile 17 8:19
Mile 18 7:52
I remember stopping at the Mile 16 water station to get a PowerBar Gel down really good and take a good drink of water. I really wanted to give my best for the Newton Hills. The next 5 Miles were tough. The series of 4 hills grows to a final smack in your face with Heartbreak Hill for most of mile 21. Boston is the best from around the world and many were walking the hills. A steady drum beat is one thing that helped guide me over Heartbreak and to the final miles home.
Mile 19 7:54
Mile 20 8:12
Mile 21 8:21
I saw no indication I was done with the hills. I knew from studying the elevation map, it was all downhill from here, but somehow I did not believe it. The breeze was picking up and soon got cooler as we approached the finish. I wanted to find a good, tall, strong runner to sneak in behind and draft the rest of the way home. I chatted with one guy who seemed at my pace. He was helping a gal PR. She was not running with him, but was positioned back some 10-15 yards, but was gathering much support from the crazy crowds.
The crowds were insane. Many families were there together and I am sure made the day of this event. Kids lines the course waiting for a high-five from a marathon runner. I tried to oblige as many as I could. Some were being instructed by mom and dad of how to hold the orange slice so runners could grab as they ran past. I also snacked on these energy treats. Thank you Boston for such giving spirit.
The college kids turn out as well. They obviously were trained well by their parents and high-five, shout your name ("Go SPROUTS"), and drink mighty heavily all day while lining the course. OK, maybe two out of three.
Mile 22 7:55
Mile 23 8:03
Mile 24 8:09
I don't know how I missed it, but I do not remember passing The Fenway Park area. OUCH! Oh, I recall the Citgo Sign beckoning me home from about 5 Miles out, but I must have been distracted as I ran by the Hallowed Fenway Grounds. Next Time I Will NOT!
The excitement grew as we got closer to the finish. I ran with what seemed to me a father/ daughter team for a while. He was tall, so I kind of ducked into his draft and kept soaking in the moment. I think she was helping him PR since she would swing out to the water stops and bring him cool refreshment back. She even asked if I wanted one. I did without those last few miles and lived on adrenaline alone. What a feeling. What a scene. I felt like I was with so many other first-timers. I felt like everyone respected the course and the traditions of Boston. I felt honored to be there in that moment and everyone around me seemed to have that same sense.
As we ran down Commonwealth Avenue, all I could think about was "Get this right! Right on Hereford! Left on Boylston!"
The place was electric. The final stretch was so cool. And then....I hear...."Hey Curt!" It was Blackie. Chris Blackman, a co-worker with Kathy, was finishing too. We raised our hands in triumph as we cruised down Boylston.
Mile 25 7:47
Mile 26 7:40
Final 0.2 7:02
3:26:30
I never saw Kathy. She took this picture and was screaming my name, but I never saw her there on Boylston.
.JPG)
You get a sense for the size of the crowds there in Copley Square. It now brings a lot of things into perspective. I am so glad she saw me and knew I finished. I am glad we had a plan of where to meet and she got away from the spot she was watching from. I am glad I had my phone and was able to call her right after my finish and confirm those plans.
Yep, lots to me thankful for and lots to plan for next year.
I do hope to run Boston 2014. I do hope to run it with Chris Medley who helped me qualify for this year. The road to 2014 starts now. Proper diet. Proper strength training. Proper mileage. Proper hill training.
I do hope Kathy is able to and wants to come with me. I do hope for a safe and fun race in 2014. We should still #PrayForBoston and be #BostonStrong.
The trip had all gone as planned. No major hiccups or setbacks. Our hotel, The Boston Park Plaza, was just a few blocks from all the happening spots. Boston Common, The Charles River, The Boston Marathon Finish Line, and The Health and Fitness Expo.
We arrived Saturday in time for check in and a walk to the North Side for Dinner at Ernestos Pizza. It was a blast walking around and seeing all types of people visiting and just being Boston.
Sunday was our day to visit The Expo and pickup my race bib and bag. We could have spent all day at the Expo as there was so much to see, do, taste, and buy. We also had dinner later with our Golden Adventures Group at Magianos. We called it a short night and headed to bed to be ready for Marathon Monday.
After a good night sleep, I woke up and tweeted this:
 | Curt Metzger @distance66 | 15 Apr |
This is it! I just can't explain my feelings this morning. Something special is about to happen. #BostonMarathon
| ||
Speaking of Monday, it sure was weird not running on a Sunday. That long wait through the weekend was a different feeling. As was waiting till past 10am to start the race.
In retrospect, the only thing I forgot Monday was the two Advil I wanted to take that morning. Other than that, everything was spot on. As I stated in my Remembering Boston BLOG, I will wear a long pant if I do Boston again as the wait in Hopkinton was a tad chilly. Time did fly in Athlete Village and soon it was my time.
At 10:21am, I started The Boston Marathon. I had been told on many different occasions to NOT try and run past and zig-zag through the crowd the first several miles. The downhill start coupled with the cool temps and MASSIVE ENERGY would make it hard to resist this, but I did.
Mile 1 8:00
Mile 2 7:45
Mile 3 7:44
My race plan, if you could say I had one, was to run relaxed and see what happened. I guess in thinking back I saw this, but did you know there are water stations EVERY MILE? This may have been part of my undoing. I say undoing, but I am happy with my time, just not the way I felt during some of the race.
Mile 4 7:29
Mile 5 7:41
Mile 6 7:29
I was taking either Water or Gatorade at every stop. I did stick to my PowerBar Gel plan of every 4 miles and at those stops chased it with H2O, but I probably drank too much through the first 2/3's of the race. I think I felt it most in miles 8-12 or so.
Mile 7 7:30
Mile 8 7:36
Mile 9 7:42
Temperatures started at the mid to upper 40's and they seemed to be climbing. The sun was out and there was just a hint of a breeze coming across the West to East course. I was definitely comfortable with the singlet, shorts, beanie, and MySleev. I soon took the beanie off and used it as a cool rag to sponge off.
Mile 10 7:38
Mile 11 7:41
Mile 12 7:41
I had my phone with me for any photo/ tweeting moments and knew there was one upcoming. As I removed the phone from my running pouch, I could hear the girls from Wellesley. I wanted a video of this. I had no plans of saliva exchange, but I did want a video. FAIL! I guess my true guy roots came out and yes, I can not operate a phone video camera and run a marathon at the same time. I though I was capturing awesome footage for what seemed to be a 3/4ths of a mile. After the race, I find all I got was a small one-second clip. You must believe me. It was loud, uplifting, rambunctious, and like nothing I have ever seen.
It led to this tweet which I was able to perform while running a marathon....
| | Curt Metzger @distance66 | 15 Apr |
Wow. Wellsley. #BostonMarathon.
| ||
Mile 13 7:53
Mile 14 7:38
Mile 15 7:54
My training always includes Hills and/ or Hill Repeats. I felt ready for The Newton Hills. There had been some small hills in the first 15 miles that were obviously affecting some runners. I felt OK. What did affect me was the massive downhill runs. I believe there must be adequate training for downhills if I ever want to run Boston FAST.
Mile 16 7:49
Mile 17 8:19
Mile 18 7:52
I remember stopping at the Mile 16 water station to get a PowerBar Gel down really good and take a good drink of water. I really wanted to give my best for the Newton Hills. The next 5 Miles were tough. The series of 4 hills grows to a final smack in your face with Heartbreak Hill for most of mile 21. Boston is the best from around the world and many were walking the hills. A steady drum beat is one thing that helped guide me over Heartbreak and to the final miles home.
Mile 19 7:54
Mile 20 8:12
Mile 21 8:21
I saw no indication I was done with the hills. I knew from studying the elevation map, it was all downhill from here, but somehow I did not believe it. The breeze was picking up and soon got cooler as we approached the finish. I wanted to find a good, tall, strong runner to sneak in behind and draft the rest of the way home. I chatted with one guy who seemed at my pace. He was helping a gal PR. She was not running with him, but was positioned back some 10-15 yards, but was gathering much support from the crazy crowds.
The crowds were insane. Many families were there together and I am sure made the day of this event. Kids lines the course waiting for a high-five from a marathon runner. I tried to oblige as many as I could. Some were being instructed by mom and dad of how to hold the orange slice so runners could grab as they ran past. I also snacked on these energy treats. Thank you Boston for such giving spirit.
The college kids turn out as well. They obviously were trained well by their parents and high-five, shout your name ("Go SPROUTS"), and drink mighty heavily all day while lining the course. OK, maybe two out of three.
Mile 22 7:55
Mile 23 8:03
Mile 24 8:09
I don't know how I missed it, but I do not remember passing The Fenway Park area. OUCH! Oh, I recall the Citgo Sign beckoning me home from about 5 Miles out, but I must have been distracted as I ran by the Hallowed Fenway Grounds. Next Time I Will NOT!
The excitement grew as we got closer to the finish. I ran with what seemed to me a father/ daughter team for a while. He was tall, so I kind of ducked into his draft and kept soaking in the moment. I think she was helping him PR since she would swing out to the water stops and bring him cool refreshment back. She even asked if I wanted one. I did without those last few miles and lived on adrenaline alone. What a feeling. What a scene. I felt like I was with so many other first-timers. I felt like everyone respected the course and the traditions of Boston. I felt honored to be there in that moment and everyone around me seemed to have that same sense.
As we ran down Commonwealth Avenue, all I could think about was "Get this right! Right on Hereford! Left on Boylston!"
The place was electric. The final stretch was so cool. And then....I hear...."Hey Curt!" It was Blackie. Chris Blackman, a co-worker with Kathy, was finishing too. We raised our hands in triumph as we cruised down Boylston.
Mile 25 7:47
Mile 26 7:40
Final 0.2 7:02
3:26:30
| | Curt Metzger @distance66 | 15 Apr |
3:26:30! All I can say is WOW. #BostonMarathon
| ||
I never saw Kathy. She took this picture and was screaming my name, but I never saw her there on Boylston.
.JPG)
Yep, lots to me thankful for and lots to plan for next year.
I do hope to run Boston 2014. I do hope to run it with Chris Medley who helped me qualify for this year. The road to 2014 starts now. Proper diet. Proper strength training. Proper mileage. Proper hill training.
I do hope Kathy is able to and wants to come with me. I do hope for a safe and fun race in 2014. We should still #PrayForBoston and be #BostonStrong.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Remembering Boston
My new boss called me on Monday evening to make sure I was OK. After I told him Kathy and I were not harmed or immediately affected by the blasts, he left me with a final statement/ directive that really took a while to sink in. He said, "Be sure to look after the Mrs. She was there. She was close. She may be a little upset and freaked out. Just keep an eye on her."
Anticipation was growing since late September 2012 and I thought the day would never come. Boston is the pinnacle of road racing and getting there was important. The hard part of qualifying was over. The best part of running and soaking in the moment was drawing near. Boston was finally here.
 |
| Can you tell I love flying? Thank you Xanax! |
Kathy chose Golden Adventures to plan our stay and some activities. Boston Park Plaza Hotel would be our Mother Ship for 4 days and 3 nights. This fine building has been welcoming tired souls since 1927 and is beautiful. Our room was 1134 which was pretty close (kinda) to my Bib #11032. The staff there was wonderful. If you ever stay there, REMEMBER to visit the 15th floor for breakfast (inside tip) and check out the artifacts from their past.
 |
| Beautiful Lobby of Boston Park Plaza, the Official Hotel of The Red Sox! |
 |
| The Prudential Building saying hello Sunday morning during a walk down Boylston.
|
 |
| L-R Kenneth, Bart, and 2 dudes I need to get names for.... |
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| Meb signs copies of his book at Elliptigo Booth. |
.JPG) |
| Dinner at Magianos with Kathy. |
.JPG) |
| Ready to leave for Hopkinton. Me, Diana, and Chris! |
In Hopkinton, it is just HURRY and WAIT. Next time, I am wearing jeans or sweat pants. Yes, it was cold in the shade. I was not uncomfortable, but pants would have been much smarter. The police presence was big in Hopkinton and they made sure all runners used ONLY "Approved Rest Rooms" and wrote tickets to those "Wall Waterers".
The walk to The Start Line is NOT short. There is NO DOUBT which way to go and when to go. Remember, RUNNERS are patient people. RUNNERS are giving people. The one booth I remember seeing in front of a simple home said ALL FREE: Sharpies, Band aids, Water, Bananas, Oranges, Tissues, Gloves......WOW. Note to self, "Next Time, write your name on your arms with FREE Sharpie."
 |
| Her Story...Doctor said nothing faster than 4:30...she talked him down to 4:00! |
 |
| Starting Line at Hopkinton. You would not believe the bags of clothes collected from runners! I gave my gloves. |
My memories of the run are this:
- EVERY TOWN turns out to cheer! LOUD!
- Never felt alone.
- Water and Gatorade EVERY MILE!
- Plenty of food from the PEOPLE of Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and Boston. Oranges, Bananas, Water, Beer....you get the idea!
- Wellesley....WOW.
- Newton Hills.....WOW!
- The turn down BOYLSTON.....just WOW!
- I have chills now thinking about it.
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| The wind and cool breeze was really picking up at the finish! |
My finish was 3:26:30...about 1:48pm according to AT&T Athlete Alert. I slowly made my way down Boylston to get water, food, blanket, my clothes bag, and meet Kathy. I called her and made sure she knew the plan to meet at the family area and we talked. I am so happy we got to talk.
I finally met up with Kathy, by the "M" Family Area and behind a bus....so funny as we were standing right beside each other just looking around. SO MANY PEOPLE.
It was while she was waiting for me that she heard "Thunder" and looked to the sky. She thought nothing of it......
We made our way back to the hotel and our phones went wild.
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| #PrayForBoston |
I started to get texts like crazy. I posted to Facebook and Twitter "Kathy and I are fine. We were not by the marathon explosions." I then hopped into the shower, still not knowing the magnitude of what had happened.
Kathy was fielding calls, when the phone service came back up, and many texts and posts did not go through on first, second, or tenth tries.
We tried to contact our kids, families, and friends but some still were missed and had looking questions.
We watched TV and connected with some NEWS agencies from DFW.
Before we knew it, it was 6pm and time to get dinner. Was it safe? We decided to just cross the street and eat at Flemming's Steak House with Blackie and Diana. It was good to get our minds off of what was happening.
While we ate, there were sirens and passing emergency vehicles. The SWAT TEAM van sped by with armed servicemen hanging from the back.
I ordered a Sam Adams.
The next day, after not much sleep, we got up not knowing what to do. Originally, we would have done a little more sight seeing, but now we felt like we better get to Logan early.
We did take time to #RunForBoston at The Charles River. This is what we saw:
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| The leering press gathered at Boylston and Arlington. |
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| A look down Boylston toward the finish line. |
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| Just a street away from all the carnage...beautiful! |
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| Arthur Fiedler Bridge to get to The Charles! |
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| The trail around The Esplanade and The Charles River. |
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| General George in the Garden. |
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| Weeping Willow and Flag! |
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| Park Plaza paying respects. |
Our walk/ run together was good. It was healing. It gave Kathy and I time together. It helped me think about how I see things.
We had been asked many questions by family, friends, and news agencies. We told them our story and I felt like it was not much of a story. I had not heard the blast. I did not know it happened until TV and Texts. I never felt in danger during the event. My story was not one of a close call or a rescue. It was not exciting and news worthy. Then it hit me......Then it smacked me square in the jaw. It is not about you Curt. Think about others. You are a runner. You share. You are patient. You need to love more. What about others? Remember what your boss told you. Don't forget about your wife. Be sure and hold her and make sure she is OK.
Later that night as we boarded our plane at Logan Airport, I got to sit next to the most loving and beautiful person in the world...and she held my hand as we took off.
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| Touchdown in DFW! |
Oh, and by the way. Those posters they gave away at The BAA Expo....I never got one at The Expo. BUT, an awesome runner at Logan Airport gave me one of hers and made me smile.
ALL IN FOR BOSTON!
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