I ran my 11th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 19. I ran a 2:56:19, not a great time, but also not a bad time for a 50-year-old man. The weather was nice and a cramp in the right calf 1 mile into the race almost ended it. I slowed quite a bit and just toughed it out. I didn't think I would break 3 hours. But eventually the cramp went away and I had a very strong finish.
I flew to Boston on Saturday, went to the expo to get my race number and shop, then went back to the hotel. It was dark, rainy and cold Saturday and Sunday. By Monday, the weather cleared and conditions were ideal for running. After finishing the race, I went back to the hotel to clean up, then went to the airport to come home. I am not too sore today but that calf is all red and swollen. It will heal in a few days and I should be back to normal.
The Model of Consistency -- I ran almost the same pace the whole race, even through the big hills from mile 15.5 to 20.5:
