2021 Barkley Fall Classic Recap

by Running Dad | Sep 20, 2021 | Featured, Race Reviews

I realized I hadn’t added this race recap to my site. Maybe I was trying to put it out of my mind. Somewhere along the way in Frozen Head State Park, I destroyed my knee. I am nearly 100% certain that it was this race that I tore my meniscus at the root and have not recovered since. Regardless, here is my short recap I shared on Facebook after the race.

The The Barkley Fall Classic was a very tough race, both physically and mentally. I was not sure if I was going to do it at all less than a week out. It fell on Lucas’s birthday and I was seriously debating if I wanted to run the race I had tried to get into for three years, or do a mileage challenge to raise money for the Lucas Fund. I had some guilt and anxiety going into the race, after deciding to just do it while I have the chance. And I really had not trained a whole lot. It was going to be hard.

Boy was it ever.

But at the same time, fun in a sick kind of way. If you have watched the Barkley Marathon documentaries, you are familiar with terms like “The Yellow Gate”, “Rat Jaw”, “Testicle Spectacle”, “Chimney Top”, “The Prison Tunnel”, “The Meth Lab” and of course, Lazarus Lake. Throw in a thunderstorm and torrential downpours, bees, hornets, and you have one mean race course.

The short and sweet version of a quite long and muddy race report is that I made it through all of the famous landmarks and pulled out at the second half of the ascent of Rat Jaw. I am guessing around 23 miles in. Even after dropping out, I still had to walk/run 3 or so miles to get back to the finish line to officially quit.

DNF.

It was a surreal experience. I made a lot of cool memories.

Thanks go to Becky for keeping me company, being my crew, and catching some cool photos of the action.

And thank you to all who donated to the Lucas Fund on his birthday. It means the world to me to keep his memory alive and help others at the UVA Childrens Hospital.
www.forlucas.com

2019 New York City Marathon Recap

by Running Dad | Nov 27, 2019 | Featured, Race Reviews

The New York City Marathon. In the running world, Boston and NYC are pretty much on the same level. Most people don’t know qualifying for NYC is actually tougher than for Boston. Another race full of history, excitement and one of the largest marathons in the world.

This race review is a departure from my usual jovial race recaps that revolve around port-o-pot mishaps or bloody nipples. Fortunately, this race had neither of those, but it lacked something else. Unfortunately, NYC felt more like an obligation than an adventure.

I had mixed feelings going into the New York City Marathon. I was originally supposed to run the 2018 race, but decided to defer my guaranteed entry to 2019 due to too many scheduling conflicts with Connor’s soccer schedule. As the race drew nearer, my excitement to knock off the largest marathon in the world (50,000 plus runners) was not all that high. I am not sure if it was my sub-par performances at recent marathons, missing out on Boston 2019, or the fact that I don’t like large crowds of people; and New York City is, well, New York City. All of this factors led to a state of anxiety that I am not used to when doing something that I love – running.

Jen and I drove to New York Friday afternoon and visited the expo to pick up my race bib. The expo was a mile or so walk from our hotel and we cut right through Times Square. Too many people. Fortunately, the expo was spread out and not crowded. So that anxiety was relieved while we checked out the latest running gear and gadgets on display. After the expo we headed in the general direction of our hotel to grab dinner and head back.

The next morning, I got out of bed as the sun came up and headed downstairs to do a shakeout run. As soon as I left the hotel, another runner was holding the door and she said, “Are you going for a run?” I responded that I was and off we went. We ran to and through Central Park with no real route or routine and chatted while doing a few pickups along the way. Runners are awesome. Instant friends.

After that, Jen and I went for breakfast and then back to Central Park to further explore. I felt like Central Park was my escape from the big city, so I enjoyed walking around in the beautiful park. It is truly a gem tucked in the middle of a big city. We did not do much of anything the rest of the day besides grab dinner and head to bed early to be ready for race day.

To get to the race, I elected for the midtown bus. I had to be at the Midtown Public Library at 5:30 AM. My race start time was 9:40 AM. That’s a long wait. So, early Sunday morning I was up and out the door. It was chilly that morning; about low 40’s. I bundled in some throwaway sweats and pullovers. I walked a few blocks and found the line for the buses and waited patiently until we boarded. The ride is a little over an hour to the starting area. I passed the time chatting with a guy from Chicago, learning about that race which is on my calendar for 2020. Once at the starting area, you are ushered to your corresponding corral color. I was Wave One, Green Corral B. Each color corral has its own little athlete’s village with coffee, donuts and drinks. There, I nervously waited as the minutes slowly ticked by prior to heading out to the starting line. It was cold just sitting around with not much to do besides people watch. I walked around a bit to keep my nerves at bay and make sure I was where I needed to be when I needed to be there. Maybe it was because I was flying solo at this race, because I usually have a few friends with me to take the edge off the nerves, but I was anxious to get out on the bridge and get going.

Finally, they called my wave and they moved us to another waiting area. There was time to use the bathroom again here. Then it was time to walk onto the bridge. My group would be on the lower bridge. Fun fact – I had heard that you don’t want to run on the outsides of the bridge because people pee off the top. I definitely made note of that. There were announcements that bridge pee-ers could be disqualified. I hadn’t planned on peeing off the bridge although that does sound quite liberating. Kidding. We all packed the start line like sardines and shed the last of our warm attire as the time drew close to the starting cannon.

And BOOM! We were off! The course meanders through all five boroughs. A running tour of the city. My plan was to complete it in under 3 hours and 20 minutes which is my new Boston Qualifying time. I wanted to keep a pace of 7:15 to 7:35 minute per mile for the duration. The first mile was tricky due to the congestion on the bridge but I managed to knock out it out in the desired pace window. I started in the center to avoid any golden showers. I got tired of weaving around the slower traffic. I saw a window to the left that looked like clear sailing and piss-be-damned, I went for it. I was able to run along the left side with minimal resistance from the crowd. It was glorious. Once the bridge was done, I emerged pee-free, the crowd thinned a little, I settled into a groove and kept the pace rolling comfortably along as my nerves relaxed and I was doing what I love – running. The theme of the weekend so far had been LOTS OF PEOPLE. And this held true for the race. There were so many spectators. Bands playing music on nearly every corner. It really helped keep my mind off the miles and just run.

The first half went by smoothly with no issues. One thing I noticed, or did not notice, was which borough I was in. I never really got a sense when I entered or exited a certain area of the city. I was expecting a “Welcome to the Bronx” banner or sign. My GPS watch was giving me strange pace data where it would tell me I was doing an 8:30 mile when I knew I hadn’t dipped my pace that much. At the end of each mile it would buzz and say 7:10 or somewhere right in the range I was shooting for. I am not sure what was causing that since it was outside of the tall buildings. Maybe too many GPS watches in one area confusing the satellites.

The second half had more long, deceptive hills that started to put pressure on my pace window. I started to falter a bit. More mental than physical since I didn’t cramp up. Fatigued, yes, but not muscle shutdown mode that I have had before. I kept thinking about stopping to walk and regroup, which is a terrible idea. I managed to keep running all the way through as I made my way back to my safety zone – Central Park. I was doing the math in my head and I knew I would be close. Besides pace being off, my distance on my watch had me about a quarter mile longer, so I had more real estate to cover in less time. I was running out of steam coming up the final hill, but managed to get across the line at 3:18.

Done.

Give me my medal.

Give me my poncho.

I am ready to go home.

I had a plan. I stuck to it. I succeeded. Will it be enough?

Is 3:18 enough to get me into the 2021 Boston Marathon? I have my doubts.

The race itself is well organized, great crowd support and a challenging course. The 2019 NYC Marathon was just not at the right time for me. Sometimes, your goal races are not all you dreamed they will be; and that’s okay. I may give it another try some day, along with seeing more sights in New York City.

Erie Marathon Race Recap

by Running Dad | Sep 17, 2018 | Featured, Race Reviews

I had such a great time with my running family at this race that it makes up for how I actually performed on race day. Which says a lot because I really pooped the bed. I signed up for this race to try and improve my Boston qualifying time and ensure my spot in the 2019 Boston Marathon. At the 2018 Boston Marathon I ran faster than my age group qualifications to get the privilege of registering for the next year’s race. That does not guarantee I get in, though, since the race has a limit on number of participants and the people who beat their qualifying standards by the most time get first acceptance. I am sitting on a paltry three minutes and thirty-one seconds of cushion. It will be a nail biter.

Anyway, back to the race. If you are looking for a fast race, this one is for you. Especially if you want a BQ. 46% of the participants this year ran a BQ time! That is astounding! And here I am … in the 54% who didn’t … Cue the “whomp, whomp, whomp” sound effects.

THE RACE: The Erie Marathon was held on September 10, 2018. 2200 runners registered for the race to make it a completely sold out event. It is a favorite among runners looking for a last ditch effort to get into Boston since the race is right before the opening of Boston Marathon registration. Erie has a high percentage of finishers hitting those qualifying times that they seek.

Getting in and out of the race area is easy. Catch a bus at a nearby amusement park with ample parking to get to the start. Catch a bus afterward to get back to your car. Check in and registration is very easy as well. When you pick up your race bib, they take a photo of you with it to verify that is is you running the race and not a bandit or bib mule. There is not a big expo like larger races, but a few tents with essentials if you forgot gels, chews, chafe cream, whatever.

THE COURSE: A two-loop course, the race runs through Presque Isle Park on paved roads. The peninsula is very flat, only a few “hills” which are bridges over water. There are water stations every mile and the volunteers are awesome! Most of the stations had a theme and they all competed for “best in show”. The local swim/dive team won with their speedo clad young men handing out water.

There are a few spots along the course that spectators can watch and cheer. A bus can take them form spot to spot to see their favorite runners go by. At the finish you get your finisher medal, water, bananas, bagels, chocolate milk and a Subway box with sandwich, chips and a cookie.

MY DAY: My main running goal for the day was a sub 3 hour time. My secondary goal was to secure a time better than 3:10 so that I could feel confident of acceptance into the 2019 Boston Marathon.

My coaching goal was to see the handful of runners that had followed my training plans, trained with me, logged countless miles with for the past 5 months, meet their goals.

At mile 16, I knew my main running goal was not in the cards. I hit the halfway mark exactly where I wanted to be, but slowly the energy and momentum faded. I had missed a week late in my training cycle due to a hip injury and it clearly impacted my time. Not too long after, I knew my secondary goal was out the window as I struggled to keep any kind of pace going. So I ran and walked my way into a not-so-great finish time. I hate to say it was a bad time, but I had trained for a specific time and missed the mark big time. It happens. I tell my athletes all the time, run the race you trained for. I did not do that. I guess either lead by example, or set the example.

The good news, though, is that four of my athletes got new personal best times and three of them got Boston Qualifying times. Yeah!! That far outweighed the bad.

Any negativity I have from the race is not with the course or the organizers. This race is very well organized and if you like a flat, fast course, Erie Marathon at Presque Isle is the marathon for you. It was my own accord to push for a fast time I was not properly trained for instead of running smart and at least meeting my secondary goal.

If you are looking to BQ and coming down to the wire for races to run prior to the deadline, the Erie Marathon is perfect for you.

I am very proud of Team Runner In Training and thank you to our families/support crew that helped!

2018 Boston Marathon Recap

by Running Dad | Apr 29, 2018 | Featured, Race Reviews

Before you skip over this thinking “Not another run-blogger telling us it was the worst conditions for the Boston Marathon in 30+ years blah blah blah”, I have more to the story than a weather report. It was my fourth consecutive Boston and the one I had the most fun running. The wind, rain, and cold just added to the challenge.

The two years prior, the weather was on the hotter end of the spectrum. Conditions that I do not do well in. I remember at quite a few points on the course this year when I thought to myself, “I was already struggling at this point in the race last year”. My momentum came to a crawl fairly last year and I could never regain it. The temperature was cool in 2015 with scattered showers that started about midway through my race. I ran my fastest Boston that year. I was also better trained for that one and several other factors lead to it being a successful race for me.

This year, though, I went in not quite as ready as I would have liked. I never really found a groove to lock in on a fast marathon time. Running 26.2 miles was not an issue at all, but running it at a fast pace was not in the cards for 2018. I had a lot of races mixed in prior that truncated some of my Boston prep. I had a career change, and the stress related to that, in the middle of my training cycle. So I never had that laser-focus it takes to get to the next level of training.

But I was OK with that. Life gets in the way sometimes and you have to make the best of what you have available on race morning. I had set goals of sub 3 hours, or if that was not happening, a Boston Qualifying time. For my age group, that time is 3:15. I had run “easy” at Shamrock a few weeks prior and finished in 3:17. I was confident I would hit at least one of those goals.

PRE-RACE BOSTON

Once again, our good friend Sharon opened her home to Jen and I on marathon weekend. Without her generosity, I doubt we would do the race every year. Her location makes it so easy for us to move about the city without any real stress. A large contingency of Shenandoah Valley runners embarked on Boston as well, making it feel like a big family vacation. Jen and I flew into Boston the Friday before the race and met Sharon at her apartment, then went to dinner with the McGraw family, Mario, his niece and her boyfriend. Mario and I had done the race before, so it was cool to see Becky taking in the whole experience of her first Boston. We had all trained together leading up to this, so there is a bond shared between all of us as we prepared to cross that start line on Monday.

Saturday was the Boston 5k. The weather was perfect. Cool temperatures, but not cold. Sunny, but not steamy. Running the race this year in our group was Jen, Sharon, Mario, Becky, and Becky’s son Dylan. Becky’s husband John and mother-in-law Marcelle as well as Mario’s niece were there to cheer us on. The race accommodates around 10,000 runners. Among those runners are some of the fastest in the world. Ben True. Molly Huddle. True elites. And as usual, I ran into fellow Running Dad Mike Wardian and got a chance to chat before the race. I always enjoy chatting with such an accomplished and down-to-earth runner.

Mario, Becky, Dylan and I lined up as far forward as we could squeeze. Jen and Sharon found a spot in a pace group they were comfortable with a little bit further back. The first few turns of the race are usually pretty congested with runners settling into their paces. I did not have a real time goal for the race, but Mario had said “I want to race.” Well then. Let’s do it. I didn’t want to push too hard though and jeopardize Monday’s race. I ran right next to Mario at a steady pace until we made that historic left turn on Boylston. Mario said “Go get it, Coach,” and I couldn’t help but surge ahead. I still felt comfortable, not running at top effort. I crossed the finish a few seconds in front of Mario, who was only a few seconds off his own personal best time. Dylan and Becky ran together, making memories on the streets of Boston. I got to share this experience with Connor last year and it is something special we will always cherish. Jen and Sharon had fun running together and hamming it up for the cameras, enjoying time together since they do not get to see each other much during the year. Jen even set a new personal best 5k time along the way! Everyone had a great time. And if you know our group, you will know our next stop.

Beer.

After breakfast, we all met up at Sam Adams Brewery to take a tour and sample some of their beers. I highly recommend taking the tour if you find yourself in Boston. We have done it twice now and it is fun and informative. And there is free beer involved. Win! We bounced around a few other destinations before returning to our temporary homes for the night.

Sunday’s agenda was a morning shakeout run along the Charles River, packet pickup and dinner. Jen, Mario, Becky and I met local running friends Shane and Renee to do our shakeout. As we ran, we passed another friend, Duane, doing his shakeout with a group. Sunday’s weather was a good bit cooler and a lot windier. A sign of things to come. Later, when we headed to the expo to retrieve our packets containing race bibs and goodies, it began to snow. As Sharon told us, if you don’t like the weather in Boston, wait 15 minutes, it will change. Not always for the better. That evening we all met up for dinner at Mother Anna’s, joined by more of Becky’s family that came to cheer her on. We all enjoyed chatting and strategizing how we would deal with the weather Monday morning.

RACE DAY

The plan was to meet Mario at the corner of Beacon and Charles at 5:55 AM. Busses board at 6:00 and I am habitually early for everything. Fortunately for me, Sharon’s home is close to that location, so I could get up, dress, eat something, and easily walk to the corner. My race gear included from top down:

For Lucas Headsweats hat
Goodr sunglasses (rain shields)
Jen’s fancy pink Buff
Rabbit Singlet customized with Running Dad and For Lucas Logos
Arm sleeves
Racedots
Gloves – 2 pair
SpiBelt with fuel – dates stuffed with peanut butter, Pickle Juice Shot, Sport Beans
Shorty shorts
Injinji socks
Altra Escalante Racers – Boston Edition

I covered all this up with some throw-away sweats and grabbed my clear bag with trash bags, snacks, heat shield, and essentials for athletes village. Off to the corner I went to wait for Mario. I waited. No Mario. 6:15 rolled around and I decided I am a horrible friend, but I am outta here. I boarded the bus and took off for Hopkinton.

Once in athletes village, I found a spot under the tent furthest away from the busses and set up camp to meet our crew since we had predetermined this to be the meeting point. It had been raining all night and morning. Top say it was muddy is an understatement. It was a mess. I put bags over my shoes and treaded through the muck and mud, laid down a trash bag, wrapped up in a heat shield blanket and waited. And waited. Finally Becky sloshed her way through the mud to join me. Then Tom, a friend from the Outer Banks who I have raced with before joined us. Still no Mario. I was feeling guilty for not waiting, imagining him standing on the corner waiting for me in the rain. What a horrible friend I am. Then I hear Becky say, “There’s Mario!”. I looked to my left and outside of our tent was Mario wrapped up in his heat shield, looking like a baked potato with legs. Turns out, he thought I said 6:55. Whew! I am not a horrible friend! I did not strand him on the corner. And he had less time to have to wait in the rain and cold. Win! I could tell he was cold though. Being Guatamalen, he is more attuned to heat than cold. There was an announcement for wave one to start heading to the start. Mario and I were in the same corral, so we headed out together, wishing Becky luck as she waited for wave two to be called. Here we go. Almost race time!

Mario and I settled into our corral with enough time to do some running around in circles to loosen up and try to stay warm. I planned to keep my sweats on until the last minute. Also in our corral was local runner, Courtney. She was shooting for sub 3 hour as well. We all chatted and made friends with the runners around us. The Elite Women and wheeled racers had already started and we got the announcement that the rest of the field would start in one minute. I shed my sweats and braced again the chill. It was cold, but I knew once I started moving, I would be fine.

And we were off! Mario and I planned to stick together since our goals were similar. It continued to rain and the wind buffeted us from the front, slowing us a bit and making us work a little harder. We settled into a comfortable pace and tick off the miles. At mile 11, Mario needed a bathroom stop. I expected him to jump off, take care of business and then come storming back up to catch me. I continued on, getting a big rush from passing through Wellsley and high-fiving every screaming college girl I could get a soggy gloved hand on. They were loud! I think the nasty elements just ramped up their enthusiasm and they shared that energy with the runners. I know my pace picked up after passing through the scream tunnel.

I continued a steady pace, nearing what I knew would be the make or break point in the race – Heartbreak Hill. It broke me last year. I had been reduced to a fast walk up those hills. This year, I was feeling much better and my pace dropped, but I was still running at a good pace. Midway up, I planned to take out some of my food to eat. Unfortunately, my hands being cold and covered up by 2 pair of soggy gloves made it next to impossible to get the fuel out of my belt. The only thing I could fish out was the pack of Sport beans. I had wanted another few peanut butter stuffed dates. They had given me a nice boost at the hour mark of the race. I managed to rip the top off the beans, but could not get the top to open. I kept an eye on the spectators, looking for someone who looked like they had enough finger dexterity to help me out. I found my target, made my way over and asked a young lady to assist. She tried her best but struggled as well. It seemed like forever. I figured Mario probably caught and passed me by this point. Finally her friend grabbed the pack and ripped it open. My hero! Back on track I downed a few beans and got the boost I needed. Up and over Heartbreak I went. Only 6 miles to go and I was feeling like a million bucks. Not super fast, but not on the pain train. Still on pace for a BQ. I locked in, put a smile on my face and surged through the puddles. Right on Herford, left on Boylston and down the home stretch. I spotted Jen in the crowd, waved and picked up my pace for the last bit of my fourth Boston finish. I crossed the line at 3:11:29. A BQ time!

I made my way through the finish chute, grabbing my medal, space blanket, and food. I had told Jen, Sharon and Mario that we would all meet at the George Washington statue in Boston Common. I got there first and was still feeling warm from my run. I had not felt cold during the race at all. I dug into my food bag, finding chips and energy bars to eat. Then my temperature started to drop. Brrrr. I stood there huddled alone until Jen and Sharon came around the corner. I asked about Mario and how Becky was doing since Jen had everyone on her tracking app. Mario had just finished and Becky was on track with a good pace. I could not stand there shivering any longer and once again, I abandoned Mario. His niece was going to meet him, though, and Sharon waited a while after Jen and I headed back to get me in the shower. So I am not a horrible friend even though I felt quite guilty leaving. Again.

After I was showered and feeling human again, I checked on my friends. Mario found his niece and Becky had finished and found her family. Our plan was to all get together for a celebratory beer, but the shuffle to get warm again made it impossible to meet up afterwards. Jen, Sharon and I went to a nearby pub, medal around my neck, and grabbed a beer and wings. Perfect. Another Boston in the books.

I am so glad I get these opportunities to share these experiences with my family and friends. The Boston Marathon truly is a treasure for the running community. Even if you do not run fast enough to qualify, or have no real desire to run a marathon, you owe it to yourself to take in the city during Boston Marathon weekend. You will leave with a renewed passion for running and proud to be part of the running movement.

Race Recap – Kauai Marathon 2017

by Running Dad | Sep 5, 2017 | Featured, Race Reviews

Quick Kauai marathon recap: Jen and I arrived in Kauai Friday evening at 7:30 Hawaii time, 1:30 home time. We set our alarm for early the next morning to do a group shakeout run with Bart Yasso. The run was at the Hyatt which is where the expo was located as well. There was also a Keikie Run (kids run) at the Hyatt that I knew Michael Wardian’s, my running idol, boys would be running. Unbeknownst to me, Jen had emailed Mike and arranged for us all to get together after the kids run for a bite to eat. After the fun run with Bart, we watched the kids run and met up with the Wardian family.

We all went to the expo to get our race packets and then headed to Living Market for brunch. We sat and talked race strategies. Mike had run Kauai 3 times prior to this year, placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd. His goal was 2:20-2:30. Mine was 2:50-3:10. It was surreal sitting and talking about running with one of the top runners in the world. His wife and kids were really cool, too, and we all enjoyed just relaxing and chatting. This was definitely an experience I won’t forget.

Fast forward to race day. Jen and I walked to the start from our hotel. The stars were out (5AM) and the roosters were starting to crow. I somehow ended up at the front of the line heading to the start lead by traditionally dressed Hawaiians. I lined up near the front, and ended up bumping into another local runner, Karsten Brown. Yasso walked by and I got a high five. Mike Wardian lined up in front of me and we wished each other luck before the gun went off.

I hit my goal paces for the beginning miles of the race. There is a point in the race where marathoners go right, half marathoners go left. At the first aid station after the split, I asked how many runners were in front of me. Just one, they informed me. What? Second behind Wardian? Wow! I continued running a decent pace, slowed by hills but on track on the flats and downhills. After a big climb from miles 14 to 18, the hills gave way to a stunning vista overlooking the ocean. I hit mile 20 with the prospect of a podium finish a strong possibility. Then things got a little fuzzy. The shaded roads gave way to more sun exposed running. Temps were in the mid 80s and I was feeling it. It seemed like every downhill had a tough uphill. My steady pace turned into a walk. I was soon passed by a speedy girl and then another guy. Maybe I could hang on for a male podium finish. Nope. The wheels completely fell off and I hoped to make it to the finish without passing out on a roadside ditch.

I finally crossed the line at 3:32 in 6th place. Not my best. Not my worst. After a few beers and a ton of potato chips, I returned to the land of the living and enjoyed a nice post race party. I earned 3rd in my age group. Wardian took first overall at 2:45.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first 20 miles of the race and the pre and post race activities. I’d like to forget those miles at the end, but overall, a great destination race. I’d highly recommend this race. Nicely organized and the scenery was breathtaking.

Now it is time to recover with my butt in the sand and a drink in my hand.

Connor’s Corner – Boston Marathon Recap

by Connor Sanders | May 8, 2017 | Connor's Corner, Featured, Race Reviews

My Boston Experience

Boston 2017 was amazing! I loved seeing all the cool sights and the outrageous runners. Every day was a new experience! We ate good food, ran super well, and saw so many amazing things!

The 5k was a really good experience! We talked to Mike Wardian before the run and I got to see him in his famous Elvis costume! He passed us near the finish of the race. I got to see Rick and Dick Hoyt just after the start! But the best part was that I came across that finish line with a nice new pr! I ended up getting a 20:32! I also got 503 overall and got 15th in my age group!

Before we went to the expo we had lunch and yelled at Dean Karnazes from out the window! At the expo we got to see Mike Wardian, again, and we got his autograph!

When it came to marathon day we watched some of the Team Running Dad runners finish. I got right up at the gate on the side of the road right across from the Expo Center. Mario came in in front of my dad. Dad came in at a 3:14:35. They all ran their best due to the bad running weather.

I had so many cool things to show off at my school when I came back. I got the 2017 Boston jacket for my birthday. It was an amazing experience, but I am still waiting for my trip back to be one of the runners in the marathon.

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