By Joe Nuss
By Steve Lackey | Publisher
Last April I ran the Boston Marathon. For me, and pretty much any other marathoner, this is the most magical place to compete, a Disneyland for runners. From the moment you arrive, you notice the entire city and pretty much all of its residents are prepared and excited for you to run. Every runner is treated like royalty, and no matter what your level, you feel like an Olympian—it is truly a magical experience (even more so when you respect the challenge of the course).
At the start of the marathon, the crowds cheered as if we were crossing the finish line, and for 26.2 miles there was not a gap in the energy provided from the colorful personalities that lined the course—kids, parents, bikers, seniors in wheelchairs, college students. The first half of the Boston course is downhill. Veterans advise you to be careful not to go too fast—to stay within your ability. But with all the excitement of the crowd and the inspiration of all the other runners, that slipped my mind as I cruised almost effortlessly through the first 13 miles at a PR pace. It felt amazing—as if I were lifted by everyone else’s energy. My vision was wide, and around every corner something new and exciting was delivered.
