Wednesday, June 29, 2011

115th Boston Marathon, 18 April 2011 (Part 4 - Race Day)

The 36th Marathon in my life, at the 115th Boston Marathon, my 2nd Boston in a row....

Rolled out of bed at about 4.30am after a 4hr peaceful sleep.... took a shower & munched on my breakfast whilst relaxing... Yeehua was still asleep & i didn't want to wake her from her dream (or nightmare). 

Ensured my camera was in my race bag.. that was the most important item as my goal in the race was to take as many pictures as i could & share the experience with my friends..

Wore quite a number of layers - Long Sleeve ASICS compression top, Short ASICS tights, Short Sleeve T-Shirt, Long Sleeve Shirt, Thick Jacket, Long ASICS running pants, Trackpants, Gloves... yes.. you can imagine how cold it was.  well after my 1st Boston Marathon experience last year, i knew i had to keep myself very warm whilst waiting for the start flag off at 10am.. but participants would be at the holding area from 7am onwards.

Left Hotel 140 at about 6am and walked to the bus pick up point, located along Tremont Street, just a 10min walk away (Last year, i took the T (subway) as I stayed much further away). Many participants were already queuing up for the buses. and there were many lanes to queue as each wave contains about 24 buses and the waves came continuously in precise coordination.  So we didn't have to wait long to board the buses.  I can't imagine how many buses & drivers were activated, but since it's a public holiday, schools would be closed and the whole city supports this superb world class event.  Imagine 27,000 participants and 1 bus fits about 40.. If you do the maths, it was amazing!  Everyone were queueing up orderly and there wasn't any shuffle, pushing, arguing.. and although it was my 2nd time here, it still is a fantastic atmosphere to witness every participant and even their supporters coming along to the bus pick up area to give them their blessings.

To be continued...

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