Heartbreak Hill tops out just before Boston College. This may be the only time I ever say something nice about BC, but as per usual they know how to party and show their support on Marathon Monday. I mistakenly high-fived a BC student at the start of the steep downhill on the backside of Heartbreak, and made a point not to do it again. We were all Bostonians that day, but a 2-time BU grad can only do so much!
After taking advantage of the downhill momentum, Alison and I rested as we passed the graveyard section of Comm Ave. Aptly named for both the dead legs and the actual graveyard that borders the course. We were about 4.5 miles from the finish, and the first 22 had obviously taken its toll on Alison's ankle. I thought she finally tore through her angry tendon every time her leg gave way due to the pain. There was just no quitting now. We passed the 35K sign and time sensor, proving to anyone tracking us online that we were still alive. "Remember the 15K sign when it was 27K to go? We're only 7K to the finish now!"
Cleveland Circle was another amazing adrenaline rush. The crowd was still three deep as we turned right on Chestnut Hill Ave, and left on Beacon Street. Only two more turns to go. We knew a lot of our friends would be staked out along the course waiting for our arrival. My friend Jenna captured a few action shots while we were trying not to trip on the T tracks:
Six towns down and two to go. The three mile stretch of Beacon Street through Brookline is seemingly never ending. Thankfully there was plenty more support out there to break up the monotony. The thousands of random strangers were still providing a non-stop cheering line ushering us to Boston. I want to send a special thanks to Mandy, Steph, Will, Jenna, Maria, Sara, Zach, Katie (and the athena crowd), Adrienne, Jen, Andy, and the Fox family who stuck it out to provide some sweaty hugs and the loudest cheers around, whether I saw you or not! Please forgive me if I've left you off the list, but feel free to shame me in the comments.
After taking advantage of the downhill momentum, Alison and I rested as we passed the graveyard section of Comm Ave. Aptly named for both the dead legs and the actual graveyard that borders the course. We were about 4.5 miles from the finish, and the first 22 had obviously taken its toll on Alison's ankle. I thought she finally tore through her angry tendon every time her leg gave way due to the pain. There was just no quitting now. We passed the 35K sign and time sensor, proving to anyone tracking us online that we were still alive. "Remember the 15K sign when it was 27K to go? We're only 7K to the finish now!"
Cleveland Circle was another amazing adrenaline rush. The crowd was still three deep as we turned right on Chestnut Hill Ave, and left on Beacon Street. Only two more turns to go. We knew a lot of our friends would be staked out along the course waiting for our arrival. My friend Jenna captured a few action shots while we were trying not to trip on the T tracks:
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| Rare evidence of Alison not smiling through the pain! |
The pain on Alison's face was almost unbearable to watch now. Mile 24 brought another medical tent stop to release the compression wrap that was now way too tight around a swelling ankle. The volunteers knew where they were on the course and were going to do everything possible to make sure we made it to the finish. Yes, that included the requisite medical care, but they also provided smiling faces and priceless words of encouragement. I hope I can remember their attitudes when I think I've had a long day.
Just before we left the tent, we started hearing a commotion out on the course and spectators were scrambling to get a better view. We had no idea what was going on until we left the tent and started moving again. While testing Alison's newly taped ankle, we noticed a sea of red singlets ahead of us. As we approached the swarm of runners, it became obvious what all the excitement was about. It was quite possibly the most inspirational sight you could hope to see in the Boston Marathon:
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| No words can describe this sight. |
Dick and Rick Hoyt were less than 2 miles away from finishing their 32nd Boston Marathon together. 2013 was supposed to be their final race, but the world had other ideas and they weren't allowed to finish last year. Team Hoyt epitomizes Boston Strong and wouldn't go out like that! Many members of their fundraising team made sure to let everyone know who was on their way to Boylston Street. Our final challenge: Get to the finish to see them arrive!
Next Chapter: A Grand Finale
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