Boston Marathon - Hopkinton

12:30 AM
Then there was a cheer from the crowd! I don't recall actually hearing the gun, but the cheering from up ahead made it obvious as to the race had begun. Of course, I still stood there waiting. It was another 10 minutes before the crowd I was with moved up to the starting line. We reached the top of the hill, stepped over the mat that would read the transponder that was tied to my show, started my stop watch and I started jogging.

As you cross over the starting line, you can hear the theme song from "Rocky" blaring from a house just down on the right. That gets you going!

The first few miles of the race is all downhill and I knew that downhill is the toughest on the knees. I was told that I should try and walk down the big hills but also realized that there was no way I could do that and still get off to the start that I wanted to. Although finishing the race was the ultimate goal, I really wanted to do it in 6 hours so I could get a finishers medal. To do this, I would have to average 13 minute miles. My typical jogging pace is 9.5 to 10 minute miles. I ran very gingerly down the hill keeping a focus on my knees and even walked a little of it.

Then I hit the one mile mark! I checked my watch and saw that I had done a 10.5 minute mile. Perfect! I also thought....$880 for the new building! We're off and running!

I was now about 2 minutes ahead of my 13 minute miles. I checked my watched and did math to keep me preoccupied.....11 minute miles for awhile....I need to be at the two mile marker by the time my stop watch is at 21 to 22 minutes. I was also still on a downhill so made sure to keep my mind on my knees as I ran. Legs felt good.

The race was still crowded and runners had to stay aware of slower runners ahead of them, which in most cases, was me. There were, however, plenty of runners that I had to pass as I wasn't the only one that was walking at this point.

I also noticed alot of spectators that were walking the route checking out all of the "throw away clothing" that hadn't been discarded into the donation bags. I guess this would be the ultimate in bargain shopping. What a deal ... hardly worn running gear for free.

Mile two....still feel good....and now at 22 minutes. Perfect! An 11 minute mile, pacing myself, running, walking, more mental math.... $1700.....

Out of Hopkinton and into Ashland (next page)

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Other useful links about Hopkinton, Massachusetts......

Hopkinton, Massachusetts official site - The official website of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. The site includes weather information, community and school information as well as a visitors guide.

Hopkinton, Massachusetts Genealogy - If you are interested in genealogy research and you think you may have family in or from Hopkinton then this site may be useful to you.

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