Boston Thoughts from 2006

These were my thoughts right after the race in 2006:

Boston Thoughts:

Helping that kid from El Paso out at the T (A guy from El Paso, probably about 19 or so, FIRST TIME IN A BIG CITY, he was shooting for about a 2:30, but was a little overwhelmed by the city)

The nice guys helping everyone out at the Blue Line connection (They had two volunteers at the Metro station there, basically gave me directions on how to get to where I was going)

Getting lucky on the Green Line, picking the right Green Line car to get on

Nice Hotel (My mom works for Hyatt Hotels and squared me away with a nice room)

Seeing the CITGO sign for the first time (Mile 25) when I walked to the hotel from the green line (The CITGO sign is a landmark in Boston, it also marks mile 25, it was pretty cool seeing it when I was there)

There were a LOT of people at the Expo (TONS, and they all looked fast)

The nice lady talking me into buying the lube for my chafing, It worked (Sports Shield, www.2toms.com I am an economy sized runner, so, I get a lot of chafing on my chest during a race and in other areas . . . )

Hitting the busses just right (you take a bus from downtown Boston to Hopkinstown for the start, every school bus in the area is there because it is a state holiday: Patriots Day)

Getting to Athletes village TOO EARLY and FREEZING for 3 hours, talking to guys there (After the bus ride, you go to a local high school football field and just SIT THERE with all of the other people who are worked up because they are finally at THE BOSTON MARATHON)

Everyone was so friendly (I love hanging around with runners, really friendly people)

There were more porta potties as you get closer to the start line, right behind the grocery store, so no need to stand in the line at the village

All those people going nuts all along the start (THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, all along the course. Patriots Day is a state holiday, and the Boston Marathon is THE EVENT. Everyone comes out and watches the race. The race goes through a lot of smaller towns and suburbs, folks all come out and cheer you on. Totally cool)

The Harley Club having their BBQ, reminded me of the folks here in Fayetteville (The Brats smelled goooooood)

All the kids with oranges, need to take some of those next time (Every little kid on the course wanted to give you oranges)

All the kids that wanted a high five, I think more high fiving won’t cost me any time next time

WELLESLEY CHICKS ROCK AT MILE 13 – If I ever get married, it will be to Wellesley Chick, I can’t believe they had to have police ladies holding them back. I truly felt like a rock star (You could hear them about half a mile away, girls going nuts! They are all trying to get on the course and hug or kiss a runner. WILD. This year, I am wearing two shirts, I will toss the first one into the sea of females and see what happens)