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Miles
8 - 10
Past the mile 8 marker, mile 9 marker and into Natick. I am now running
11.5 to 12 minute miles but this was fine. I had about 18 to 19 minutes
in my 'bank' and I still felt strong. There was no pain at all in my knees
and very little in my muscles, although, they were tightening a bit. I
would stop to do a quick stretch every now and then. Overall though....things
were good.
I had one more mile to go until a crowd of friends expected on the right. I wasn't really sure where the commons were so I would jog to a point in the distance and walk briefly. At one point, all of the runners seem to open up in front of me and I could see clearly down the road. There was a sea of blue shirts and I could see them ahead. What a rush! I got a fresh wind and a big smile. My arms went up so they would see me and as I raised my arms, the crowd started yelling! I put this away as a mental note for later in the race...."raises arms = crowd yells."
It was great to see everyone. I was given my power bar that I had asked to be handed to me the day before, a bottle of water, some squats to stretch my legs, some hugs and kisses from my girls and bunches of high fives. My daughter, who doesn't quite understand the concept of running 10 miles asked..."Daddy, what took you so long!?"
Then I was off again. I was actually amazed how large a group Burlington had at mile 10. When I started running again, I slapped hands on the way down the line and the group seemed to go on and on! Thanks to the Burlington crowd for coming out. It really helped!!!
Then I was off to Wellesley. I knew that the next group I would meet would be on the left and I had an opening so I immediately moved to the left hand side of the road and there they were....the DiOrio family! That was great! I talked briefly and pointed them in the direction of the other Burlington group. I do remember asking Steve when I would see him next. His response was, "Friday night".