My Boston marathon 2012 results

My first Boston marathon and certainly an experience of a lifetime!  USA Today called it a "Survival Race".  Boston marathon archives list it as one of the top 10 hottest (87 degrees F) Boston marathons in its 116th running of the event.  But I am glad I survived the race.  I did everything I could to slow my general mile pace per race official's directions (digital signs all throughout the course) and hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate....Still, my right leg cramped up as we crested the Newton Hills at mile 21.  From mile 21-24, the course was mostly downhill and I should have been running faster.  But my body didn't agree.  I had hit the infamous "marathon wall".   I alternated between walking and jogging in an attempt to shake off the leg cramp and imminent fatigue.  Needless to say,  nothing worked.  I was already dehydrated/cramped.  My legs were like concrete blocks with every step.  I managed to jog through the final stretch down Boylston street to the finishline.  The crowd was going crazy and screaming so loudly.  That absolutely helped and I wish I could thank every single supporter there.  Although I didn't achieve my 3:05 goal, I am still proud and privileged to have participated in one of the biggest historic US marathons (and on every marathon maniac's bucket list).   After the marathon, I heard that the defending 2011 Boston marathon champion George Mutai had dropped out at mile 18 due to cramps too.  Certainly makes me feel a little better that it wasn't just me.  Oh well.....  maybe someday.... I will be back again :-)