race report: boston marathon 2022

Race details aside, what really matters about Boston Marathon: seeing these two at the finish line ♡

But since Boston was my first race in nearly three years – so much has happened since then! – I’m gonna give you the details anyway. I never thought this would be my first race after having a baby via emergency c-section, but as luck would have it, my qualifying time from Twin Cities Marathon 2019 fell within the window. So 12 weeks postpartum, I eased back into running and four weeks after that, I started working with my coach again to build toward Boston.

It was far from a conventional marathon build – most notably because 95% of it was on the treadmill as that’s what worked around Jackson’s nap schedule, breastfeeding, and my and Nick’s work schedules. And there wasn’t really any speed work because my body just couldn’t handle it while breastfeeding (those hormones are legit). But we made it work, and after a few bumps, I arrived at the start and finish line healthy and happy.

I’m not even sure how to describe the race itself other than I vacillated between thoroughly enjoying it and absolutely despising it. Boston’s energy is unlike anything I’ve experienced, and it was incredible to run through the Wellesley scream tunnel and right on Hereford and left on Boylston. But there were definite dark moments – the relentless downhills, the GI distress that put me in the porta potty 5x, trying to get my brain to sit in the uncomfortable – where I questioned why I run marathons. But isn’t that why we do <insert your endurance event here>? To see what we’re capable of. To manage the unexpected and keep going even when the day doesn’t go our way. And to try and try again.

Boston definitely wasn’t how I’d hoped – who wants to end up in the bif five times between miles 8.5 and 18?! – and I’m a little disappointed with my time (mom strength is a lie), but after a few days of contemplating if I actually wanted to train for and run another marathon, I’m certain that doing hard things is part of who I am. I’ll be back, Boston. And I’ll be sure to wear sunscreen next time.

---

Quick thoughts and highlights!

• Seeing Nick and Jackson at mile 7 in Framingham and on the finish line ♡ Without a doubt, the best part of 26.2 miles.
• Pre-race lemon ricotta pancakes from Cafe Luna (and randomly running into one of my favorite people there – hi, Hanna!). And the rainbow harvest bowl with whipped sweet potatoes from Life Alive. SO GOOD.
• VIP! Nothing like riding the fancy bus to the start line in Hopkinton, and my seat mate Nancy was the nicest.
• Pumping on the bus. Thank you, BAA, for breastfeeding momma accommodations! My only advice: make this info available on your website.
• Eating 6 Maurten gels, one every 30 minutes.
• Enjoying the last miles after my GI finally calmed down.
• Lesson learned: hydration leading up to a race is even more important when you’re breastfeeding.
• Sunburnt to a crisp on just my right side. The line on my forehead is ridiculous. Shoulda used that sunscreen at the start.
• Toasted quads. I couldn’t walk for four days after the race. Those downhills are no joke!
• Randomly running into and running with friend Liz for a bit at the start.
• Seeing friends Kelsey and Joe (and their little dude, Leo), who drove down from Burlington to cheer.
• Running the 50th anniversary race of women running felt extra special.
• And hightailing it away from all the people. I was so overwhelmed at both the expo and after the race because there were so. many. people.