Well folks, I’m back in Colorado. Sorry I haven’t updated you sooner….it turned out to be a kind of bummer weekend.
As you may have heard by now, the temperatures in Boston got up to a scorching 88 degrees on Monday. It honestly doesn’t sound that bad..unless you’re running a marathon. They say to dress like it’s 20 degrees warmer than it actually is so this race would have felt like 108 degrees…that’s pretty warm.
We got to Boston Friday night (obviously) with the intention of running the race. The plane was full of runner’s and our hotel was packed with them as well. All it did was make me more and more excited for Monday. That being said, the chatter on the plane was all about the weather. At that point, the weather was already predicted to be in the 80′s. I still assumed I could power through…
Saturday, we went by the Fitness Expo and picked up my race packet and bib. I love those expo’s because they pump you up so much!
That feeling of excitement came to a half later in the day when I got an email from the Boston Athletic Association regarding the high temps predicted for Monday’s race.
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Now I was becoming concerned.
I don’t consider pregnancy to be a medical “condition”…but it is, let’s be honest. The one thing my doctor advised me on about running these distances was staying hydrated, keeping my heart rate down, and making sure my core temperature didn’t get too high. Running for 5 hours in the middle of the day at 90 degree temps would make keeping those things in check very difficult. (By the way Boston starts at 10:30 in the morning…why? That means I’d be running at 12, 1, 2, in the afternoon…).
So, I checked out Boston’s site and went back to the expo to talk to someone about it. They decided to allow people to defer to next year if they didn’t feel safe running this year. Deferment is usually not an option, so I did feel relieved they were letting us do that.
I thought about it all Saturday and Sunday and decided that deferring was the best choice for me.
I just felt like I didn’t have any other choice really. They were warning us on the heat and discouraging us to run and giving us the option for next year. I wanted to run it so bad, but I knew I had to make this decision for not only me, but our baby who trusts me to keep him or her safe.
This was seriously so hard. It’s hard even typing this not to get tears in my eyes. I was looking forward to this race for so long and the fact that it’s over and I’ve come back empty handed is so disappointing. That being said, I know I did what was right for our baby and my body. I also know that next year will be equally as amazing as this year. It’s just hard right now…but it’ll get better.
My mom already said she plans on buying us a running stroller…so who knows, maybe next year in Boston I can beat my current person record? 
I had all these visions this year of taking pictures with my medal on my belly….but now I’ll have to think of holding up our little nugget and placing the medal around his or her neck…that would make for a pretty cute picture too .
Anyway, that’s my story. Definitely a hard weekend….but at least I know our baby is safe.
This was actually the first time I’ve ever watched a race…isn’t that funny? I’ve ran some but never watched. We got to see the elite runner’s run by and man, they were lookin’ pretty tired! In their defense it was close to the finish and it was 80 something degrees….oh and they run like, a 6 minute mile. It still blows my mind how fast they can run.
The women's winner, Sharon Cherop on the right
2012 Winner Wesley Korir on the right
By the way, CONGRATS to all the runner’s who finished or even tried. It was pretty damn hot outside-you are amazing.
Thank you guys for your support throughout all my crazy training and attempts to run the Boston Marathon 5 months pregnant..sounds crazy when I say it out loud..?
Have you ever had to drop out of a race?
I’m so glad you didn’t run. It was insane out there. Your baby being safe is more important than any marathon
I was training for Marine Corps when I got preggo with baby#2 – and while I know I could have finished and everything probably would have been okay – I wasn’t willing to take the chance. There are plenty of years for marathons!
Maybe this will get you excited? I think entering into pregnancy super fit and running till the end helped me get a 24 minute marathon pr 6 months post baby #2. Boston will be great for you next year!
Mile Posts by Dorothy Beal recently posted..Boston Marathon 2012: Mile by Mile
You made the right choice I think! Next year you will be back and dominate it!!
Bess @ Bess Be Fit recently posted..List of Stretch for Seven Challenge Participants
I think you definitely made the right choice. It’s so tough because as runners we all want to race, enjoy the thrill and the “victory lap” from all that training. You’ll definitely rock its face off next year!
I was wondering if you had run or not. I must say I am kind of relieved you didn’t. I was thinking about you and those temps. I think you made the right choice as hard as it might have been.
And I love this image “but now I’ll have to think of holding up our little nugget and placing the medal around his or her neck…”
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Speed Work, Grilled Kale & White Bean Quesadilla & PSA
Oh man, I can only imagine your frustration but I’m glad you decided to sit it out. I know how I would feel if I’d been waiting for so long but There are always other chances and time flies so you will do great next year!
Ericka recently posted..Pizza of the Week: Honey, Pear & Blue Cheese
YOU ARE SO SO WISE! Best choice for you BOTH. and next year will be even sweeter! <3
lindsay recently posted..The #PROOF is in the Jell-O?
That would definitely be an emotional weekend since you’d been looking forward to it for so long. Still, so good that you defered keeping you + your lil one safe. Now you already have something to look forward to next April!
Heather @ Fit Mama Real Food recently posted..I’ve moved!!
I think you made such a smart (and responsible decision!) and there’s always next year! I think that little one of yours will just love watching you run it too!
Kristine @ Running On Hungry recently posted..Friday Thoughts
I am REALLY proud of you for making such a tough call — I would’ve struggled with it too. Big time. But you are right on with your decision — you’re going to run stronger next year and you’re little one will be there waiting for you at the finish line. How amazing will that be??
Jess recently posted..An honor and a priviledge
YOu definitely made the right decision!!! I’m sure it was tough to watch instead of participate, but next year will be just as amazing as this year would have been
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness recently posted..Grocery Haul
I’m soooooooo sad you had to drop out. But I’m glad you are back and you and the baby are happy and healthy. Not worth the risk, no matter how much training.
I wonder if there’s another race you can sign up for that’s around you? CO can’t be super warm right now … and you did train. It wouldn’t be the Boston, but …
Calee (@chimes) recently posted..Peanut Butter Cup Frozen Chobani + post on Twenties Hacker
ya thats a good idea…the reality is ive been having knee problems too so maybe this is a blessing in disguise. now i can let my knee heel and give the baby a break! hah
I think I spy a little bitty baby bump in the picture? Looking so cute!
haha thanks. ya im finding my clothes are getting tighter and tighter!!
I am sorry you had to drop off, but I am sure you will ROCK it next year!!
Catalina @ Cake with Love recently posted..Random Wednesday Post
Thanks!
I’m certain you already know this, but you definitely made the right choice. There will always be another race, but not another you or your little one on the way. Let this just be even greater motivation to prove a new mom can still rock a marathon!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope recently posted..Starting an At-Home Yoga Practice
I absolutely think you made the smart decision. A race is NEVER worth risking the health of your child. I’m sorry you are disappointed. It feels so unfair that everyone trained, payed for, and traveled to a race that ended up not being what they planned for. You should be proud that you played it smart and you will be back next year with an adorable cutie waiting at the finish line for you
I know how devastating it feels to look forward to a race for so long and then not be able to do it. Happened to me this year w the LA Marathon, which I had been dreaming about for months and months but ended up not even running (darn tendon injury!).
You did the right thing and you know it! I bet next year will be an amazing race for you!
hippierunner recently posted..Hollywood Half Marathon and 5K