View Workout (Ben Yavitt)
Off Day: Boston Marathon
April 21, 2014 (Morning)
Exercise Type: Other
Comments:
Didnt get in a run today. A lot of other people did though! Its Marathon Monday aka Patriots Day. Big deal in Mass and in Boston. We got to sleep in a little bit. Still sore from the air mattress. We decided that we would watch the beginning of the race on TV in the dining hall, then we would know what time to head out and watch the runners. We saw the wheelchairs on TV, but those guys were so fast that they finished before we could get out on the course. We saw the women start and the men start, then packed up to head outside. Meghans dorm is literally a block from Kenmore, which is right about a mile from the finish line. There were big crowds in Kenmore so we headed down Beacon a little to the brigde over 90. That was the 25 mile mark. Great view its a long stretch so the runners really need the cheering. You can see a lot, and its fun to cheer them in for the last mile. Also get an awesome view of Fenway and downtown. The police presence was noticeable, but not a problem. People were so cooperative with them and respectful. Great atmosphere. We were getting anxious to see some action. Finally, we got word that the elite women were coming through. The lead car whizzed by and they started to come on in. They were so spread out but they all looked strong and determined to finish hard. Shalane Flanagan fell a little behind the pack, but she looked ok coming into the city. Esther smiled as she ran past us she was in alright place, not in the top pack but still among the elite. I think she was the 6th american, which is crazy. Then the Men started coming in. I had no idea Meb was still leading, but we saw him crest the bridge, and went nuts. He was looking back to check his lead. We were all screaming for him. The lead guys all looked so smooth and relaxed. I didnt hear about the finish, but knew Meb had it in him. Ryan Hall fell so far back most people forgot about him. Still got a cool picture of him cruzing by. After that, the field slowly started to get more crowded. Some of the lower tier elite guys were spaced out, but eventually there were people all over the place. The fans were awesome cheering everyone on. We were waiting for Ontko. He finally popped out and we threw in the "C A S E CASE CASE CASE" chant as he ran by. Classic. From there we just kept cheering. Lots of people had their names on their jersey, or running club, so we cheered for UAA Schools, Cleveland Running Club, and other places we knew. I even saw a High Noon guy late in the race (the guy with the ponytail who starts all the allcomer meets). It was so cool to see them wave when you yelled their name or team. Some runners were into racing, others were just having fun, running along the line, hi fiving everyone, taking pictures and selfies. It was great to see, people enjoying themselves and having fun after such an emotional year leading up to the event. The magic of the marathon was back, thanks to the runners, the fans, the organizers, and the police. Everyone was so appreciative of the chance to go out and run. I loved the vibe and was happy I could be a part of it. The Red Sox game always gets out as the runners come by, and they all came out and were drunk and so happy for the runners. It was great. I was in awe when a group three runners, each with an amputated leg and prothetic, ran by holding up an American Flag. The cheers and clapping for those guys was defining, and summed up the whole race. We can pick ourselves back up from a terrible tragedy, and through running, heal and get back to the things we love to do.
We were out in the sun all day, and were getting roasted. I was so impressed by the crowds, that I thought we should plan a little more time into our departure. Good call because the T was a cluster fuck. The stops by the finish were closed, so everyone was getting on and off at Copley. All the trains were backed up. It took us over 30 mins to go 2 stops. Cromer and I decided we would have to walk, so we got off at Copley and walked through Chinatown to South Station. Made it just in time. Then, when we were getting on the bus, we noticed a bus that said "Amherst" on it. Apperently there was an express bus going to Amherst! We got there just intime to switch over to that bus instead of having to go all the way to Springfield. So clutch. I literally got the last seat on the bus. We got back way earlier by switching buses. It worked out in the end. Long weekend, the sun really beats it out of you. Back to work, and I have a lot of catching up to do to get back on schedule, so Ill see how a run fits in. Overall a good weekend, glad we had the opportunity to go and be a part of the race. Great to see friends and be back in Boston. Such a legit city.
#BostonStrong