For a day that end with blizzard like conditions as the Patriots trounced the Titans, the Baystate Marathon started out innocently enough with a cool and overcast morning. Those unfamilar with New England would consider that perfect marathoning weather, but, as predicted in the unpredicted New England, the temperature soon dropped and the clouds opened up on the record number of runners seeking Boston-berths. What a day to qualify for Boston? The results were mixed for the Dream Team and Greg Cullen.
Greg's goal: Run under 3:30 and re-qualify for Boston. Reality- 3:32 and did qualify again despite horizontal rains and post-race lower extremity cramps.
Amber's goal: Break her PR of 3:16 and re-qualify for Boston. Reality- 3:21 and did qualify for Boston despite three separate instances where she had to stop and stretch out her IT band and curse at Danny(she'll be using the run as a long run for Manchester Marathon).
Dan Frisch's goal: Qualify for Boston with the scorching time of 3:10 or better. Reality- Ran a 3:13! Great first marathon, solid performance and had it not been for a 10+ mile hike the weekend before in the White Mountains, Dan probably would have had enough in the tank for that 3:10. Better luck next time Danny Boy!
Deidre's goal: Qualify for Boston with 3:40 or better. Reality- After nearly a month of hamstring issues, Deidre expected them to miraculously subside which of course they did not. There is no doubt with a dedicated month of rest and stretching, Deidre will be back and ready to take on the marathon again.
Danny's goal: Run a PR. Reality- 2 weeks of training apparently is NOT enough time to prepare yourself for a marathon. On pace for 3:06(not a PR), but when he passed Amber he decided he'd pretend to be chivalrous and run with her. In reality, he was using the much needed decrease in pace to be able to stop the tears that were forming acutely at the edges of his eyes.
All in all, despite Dan's tears and several near-hypothermic runners, Baystate was as exciting as predicted with Dan and Deidre's first marathons ever, Greg showing that he is a man of consistency, Amber muscling through a tough IT band issue and Danny managing to consume more calories than he burnt during the race(thanks to several GU stations!).
Danny and Amber will see you at the Manchester Marathon on the 1st!
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