My Fondest And Funniest Boston Marathon Memories

In celebration of today’s 122nd running of the Boston Marathon, I’m sharing some of my fondest and funniest Boston Marathon memories from the two times I ran this amazing race in 1998 and 2010.  Before I jump into those memories, though, I want to wish all of my friends who are running to have a wonderful race.  You’ve worked hard to get to the starting line in Hopkinton; so run hard, run happy, and take in all the sights on your 26.2-mile return to Boston.

Dubbed the granddaddy of all marathons, Boston is legendary for being the oldest and most famous marathon to be held in the United States.  With amazing spectator support from start to finish, it’s a definite bucket-list marathon for those able to qualify or be selected as fund raisers for the marathon’s selected charities.

Blessed to have qualified for Boston twenty times and to have run it twice, I’m honored to be able to share these fond and funny Boston Marathon memories…

2010

My First Time Meeting A Real Live Boston Marathon Qualifier

My first real memory of having any particular thoughts about the Boston Marathon was in 1989 when my new acquaintance Miles told me that he had qualified for Boston. Even though I didn’t know a lot about the race, I knew that runners had to qualify to enter, and I was instantly in awe. It would be another eight years before I would be inspired to run my first marathon.

Don’t Even Think of Running Boston With A Corporate Bib

While training for my first marathon in 1997, my by now good friend Miles, and I were talking about Boston. I mentioned that since Bill worked at Digital, one of the race sponsors, I could run with one of their corporate family bibs. Miles was quick to tell me that I should only run Boston if I earned a spot in the race, and based on my track and long run times, he felt sure I could qualify.  That fall, with Miles’ guidance, I qualified for Boston at my first marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon.

Mom, The TV Cameras Won’t Be Following You

A few days before we left for Boston, I set up our VCR to record the race.  My eleven-year old son said, “Mom why are you recording it?  You know that they will have the cameras following the fast runners, and not way back where you will be running.”

Having Dinner With A Boston Celebrity

During my 1998 trip to Boston, Bill and I opted to take part in the official pre-race dinner, and were seated at a round table with about six to eight other people. As the evening wore on, we realized that one of the older ladies at our table was someone important in the running community, but sadly, neither of us can remember her name. We were honored that night to also meet Boston Marathon legend Johnny Kelly.

You’d Better Lube Up

While waiting in the tent in Hopkinton for the race to begin, an older man stood up, bent over, pulled down his pants, and started rubbing Vaseline all over his bare behind. I was stunned and embarrassed, but he was just barrassed – get it? 😉

May I Have Your Autograph?

As the other runners and I made our way to the starting line in Hopkinton, little girls were standing along the side of the street asking for autographs. I was flooded with such mixed emotions – I was proud, yet humbled. There I was, a measly runner feeling so very honored to be able to run her first Boston Marathon, yet to these little girls, we were elite athletes.

I Laughed At Heartbreak Hill

In 1998 when I crested Heartbreak Hill, a volunteer shouted, “Congrats, you made it to the top!” I asked her which hill, and she said that it was Heartbreak Hill. Incredulously, I said, “That was Heartbreak Hill?” Later, when I told Bill the story, he said that I had laughed in the face of Heartbreak Hill! Looking back, my Heartbreak Hill split was an 8:51, so I guess he was right!

Heartbreak Hill Got The Last Laugh

In 2010, Boston seemed much hillier than in 1997. I certainly didn’t remember so many hills from 1998, but of course, as one of my friends was very quick to point out, I was twelve years younger back then! After what seemed like endless hills, I finally crested the top of Heartbreak Hill. I reminded myself of how easy Heartbreak Hill had seemed the last time I ran Boston. This time Heartbreak Hill got the last laugh!

A National Sports Celebrity, At Least To My Parents

Once I returned home to Virginia after my 1998 race, I received a gorgeous congratulatory floral arrangement from my mom and dad with a note that read, “To a national sport celebrity. Not just anyone can run in the Boston Marathon.  We love you, Mom and Dad.”

Every Princess Needs An Entourage

When I returned to run Boston in 2010, a total of six Cruisers made the trip. Three of us had qualified and three others would be running the Boston 5K and cheering on the marathoners. Because three of the guys and I would be staying together, they quickly labeled me the princess and they were my entourage.

A Presidential Suite Suit For A Princess And Her Entourage

As my entourage and I were checking into the Hyatt Regency, I inquired about getting another roll-away bed for our suite. The girl behind the counter peered at her computer screen and said to me, “Oh, I see we’ve upgraded you to the Presidential Suite. I think you’ll be very happy with your accommodations.” I thanked her, not really paying attention to the word “presidential.”

The four of us hopped on the elevator and headed up to the room.  We made our way to the 22nd floor and stepped into our Presidential Suite in awe. We estimated that it was at least 1,300 square feet. The suite had a marble foyer with a powder room right next to the entrance. The main room had three sitting areas with a dining room to its right. The dining room table sat eight and was complete with china. There was a full kitchen off the dining room. On the opposite end of the main room there was an office and beyond that was the bedroom. Next to the bedroom, there was a dressing room with a sink and two sets of mirrors for make-up, etc. The bathroom was beyond the dressing area and had a large shower and a separate Jacuzzi tub. We even had a balcony the full length of the main room.

Eating With Our Gloves On

Having had such a fantastic experience at the pre-race pasta party in 1998, I insisted we do the same in 2010. Once we arrived, we waiting in a long line to get inside. It was pretty cold with a threat of rain, but fortunately, the rain held off. When we heard an announcement that Bill Rogers was serving food, we didn’t mind the wait; however, when we got to the front of the line, we were sent to a different serving area and didn’t get to meet him. After we got our food, water bottle, and a tiny glass of wine, we were sent back outside to eat. We were so cold that we ate with our gloves on…

Carrying A Camera Isn’t So Bad

A lot can change in twelve years and technology was one of those things. Going from a larger film camera to a small digital camera made it easy to carry my camera along and capture moments along the entire course. Social media also played a huge role in my second Boston reminding me that all things must be captured!

Rounding The Corner Onto Boylston Street

As I rounded the corner onto Boylston Street in 2010, I looked for my friends and they were exactly where they promised to be! As I ran past my friends, I could see the finish line and almost burst into tears. As I approached, I noticed how beautiful the American flag looked flying in front of the finish line banner so I pulled over to the side and took a photo. Those lost five seconds meant nothing to my finish time, but this picture means everything to me.

I’ve run a lot of marathons over the years, forty to be exact, and Boston will always hold a very special place in my heart.  These fond and funny memories will be mine forever and I hope they brought a smile to your face…

• Questions:
• Have you run or spectated the Boston Marathon?
• Are you, or do you know anyone running Boston today?
• Have you run the same course that seemed much more difficult one year over another year?