The day after the Boston Marathon (Tuesday) I couldn’t walk normally, as my quads were shot. The famous Boston downhills and the intense headwinds (with 50mph gusts) made me work so hard during the race and now I paid the price. I was not sure how I would be able to run. I went down to the gym and got my legs moving on a stationary bike to see if I could clear the garbage from the legs. 30 minutes later I felt better and went to take a shower, but an hour later the legs were stiffer than ever. Anyway, I had to work today, so I checked out of the hotel and headed to the airport to work at the Admirals Club (my flight wasn’t until 5pm, so it gave me a chance to work most of the day).
My travel took me from Boston to NY, where the flight to London was much cheaper (500) and I got an upgrade. I stayed overnight Tuesday in NY at my mom’s house, we went to dinner, and then Wednesday I also worked since my flight was in the evening. I tried to run about three miles in the morning and it was miserable. No more running until the marathon…..
Landed in London Thursday morning and met Katie (my wife, who was also running London). When we got to the hotel, had already chatted with some endurance athletes and they said I had no choice but to get serious deep tissue massage on my quads……So I got this treatment Thursday and Friday from a Romanian lady who was terrific. I spent Thursday and Friday taking it easy walking around with Katie. By Saturday morning breakfast, I could navigate stairs again and on Sunday morning, it was the first day I was essentially pain free. I was so relieved.
My goal for Boston had been 3:20, which was missed due to the weather. And my goal for London had been 3:40. Now that my legs were going to give me a shot at running, I was going to try for 3:25. Unfortunately, my legs weren’t there and the weather didn’t cooperate. It was the hottest London Marathon on record – a beautiful day to spectate, with 75 degrees and 60% humidity, but it was full sun and felt hot (even for someone from Miami, and especially after coming off the coldest Boston Marathon ever). I was happy just to finish after my body ran out of juice at mile 14. I had a 1:37 at the half, followed by a 2:03 back half where i really gave it all i had, for a 3:40. But I came out of it uninjured and had a terrific time with Katie. The fans in London are just as good, if not better than NYC. It was a great experience, only not so great 5 days after Boston. And again a big thanks to Marathon Tours for a great experience. The ride to the start and all the weekend events were an A+ as usual.
