Goodtimes in Beantown!

[Lightning]

What a super, duper, awesome, amazing race that EVERYONE can and should run! Did I believe I could shave an hour off my time after my first marathon 5 years ago? No! But I did...took a full hour off with lots of hard work and patience. Did I think I could train and run Boston well 13 months after having our son? Yes! But I didn't. And now you are forced to hear all about it.

Quick story: girl runs a couple of halfs, wants to train for ATB in 2006. she keeps on going and runs a full in Spring 06 with a 4:40. Keeps running and qualifies for Boston in 2009 with a 3:39. Two weeks later: girl pregnant and had to get a deferal from Boston 2010 to Boston 2011. Ran a marathon in November 2010 to make sure I could do it...time was much slower than my old time with a 4:06. Trained for the longest I have ever trained with mileage and workouts that matched my trying-to-BQ training while training for this year's Boston. HONESTLY thought I could run Beantown in 4 hours or less. I was sorely mistaken!!!

I have no good reasons or excuses; I just simply was not fit enough to pull off a sub-4 in Boston! Right from the start I was off-pace and finally readjusted my goal around the 10k mark. I ran the first half in 2 hours flat, the last in 2 hours, 2 minutes and 15 seconds (the last half included a 1 minute and thirty second potty break! ) Final time was 4:02:15. I was happy with how I ran the hard hills but my quads are still sore two and a half days later!

I loved Boston and would love to run there again! I always said after Boston I would dial back my running, but now I want to see if I can get my time down again!!! The crowds were unbelievable and so supportive, the race organization was second to none, and the jacket I have wanted forever was worth the wait. We went for dinner with CinC and her hubby and friend(it was AWESOME to meet CinC), went for a Red Sox/Jays game at Fenway, and spent some awesome alone time together as our son stayed behind and GASP...was fine without us.

Everyone told me that I would surely tear up at the end of Boston! I did not. I guess I was saving my tears for when I saw my husband and s-i-l deerdree...yes, I had thousands cheering at the race but the ones who have supported my goals are the ones that truly matter! I broke down when I saw them. I love them so much!!!! Thank you guys for your support.

HRM, you deserve every shout out in the world! I feel there is no cattyness in our little thread and you all fully supported me and even pretended to be inspired by me! That really made me feel like I could do this, and I did thanks to you. Thank you times ten to all of you!!! I am now in full support mode for all of you, and can only hope I am half the friend you have been to me.

Boston Marathon, I will be back and I will beat YOU next time!!! Thanks for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10150547213140375&set=a.10150547209890375.645141.715205374&type=1&theater

[Tori]

You did awesome!!!! Congrats on Boston, you waited a long time for this race to come. I am sure you will get another chance to run it again.

[jes]

I've been waiting for this report! And you didn't disappoint!

I didn't realize you've taken over an hour off your marathon time! That gives me hope that I can get to Boston some day!!

[AndyM]

Congratulations again! Your accomplishments are simply outstanding! The time and dedication that it takes to pull this off is incredible. But you must be nuts to be thinking about doing another so soon!!!

[anners]

Damn allergies...

I think you're amazing, but you already know that! You've already run TWO marathons since having your son and you're thinking about training again! Craziness, I tell you! But in the most respectful way Well done!!!

[Habs4ever]

I've been waiting for this report.
You are truly an inspiration for all. It was so much fun tracking you on Monday.
You did awesome, and I have no doubt you'll get back there again.

[Hammie]

Congrats on a well run race - fitting in family, life & work is never easy, and the time committment for running can feel like a part-time job on top of all of the things that you need and want to do. I am in awe of what you've done.

Wear that jacket with pride!

[VeloCarrie]

[Pat29]

Congrats!

[HCcD]

Congratulations on an awesome race, an awesome support crew and an awesome race report, Colette ...

[Doonst]

Good stuff Colette! You are an awesome hard working runner, be proud of that time on a tough course. I have no doubt that you will rock it next time!

[Sir Crashalot]

Woo! Hoo!

[MikeM]

Congrats on running Boston!

[CinC]

awww - you made me tear up - because as much as I know that SIL of yours thinks you're a rockstar, and then after meeting your DH, I KNOW how much they have supported you on this. And the amount of pride they have in what you have done. You're amazing.

You rock sweetie! I'm so happy we got to finally meet and share a celebratory meal together - here's to the next one!

xoxo

[Marg]

You so awesome and truly inspiring. People love you because of the person you are. Easy to love someone who is so wonderful.

[La]

So happy for you! You are AWESOME!

My friend Leo (who also ran Boston) saw a photo of you on FB (maybe from a comment you made on my status) and said, "That Colette is pretty hot!" Just thought you'd want to know.

[Miss*Smiles]

I don't think anyone pretended for a second to be inspired You are pretty inspirational. Not one but TWO marathons after having a baby?! That's incredible!

Congratulations on getting the coveted jacket (looks great on you by the way!) and on your run.

[toobusy]

Woohoo!

[West Grey Runner]

Boston is special, you made history! Congratulations on a great run.

[IronColl]

I am so proud of you but I call BS when you say the HRM "pretend to be inspired by you". I knew you took an hour off your time to eventually get to Boston. I am inspired by that, but also that you were still able to complete marathon training twice since Isiah was born and still be an amazing wife and mother. What the students have done for you last week shows they are inspired too.

Well earned jacket friend!!

[purdy65]

Nice job Lightning!

Yep, lots of us are inspired by you! You finally got that jacket! Wear it with pride.

Lisa

[chunkymonkeymelonhed]

Fantastic report! And I'm another who finds you inspiring. It takes dedication and hard work to accomplish all that you have.
Well done.

[Robinandamelia]

That's an amazing result, congratulations! Well done.

[Robbie-T]

Awesome!! You are very dedicated runner and have a wonderful support system!!

[scrumhalfgirl]

no pretending - inspired for sure!!! congrats!