My goose (duck) was cooked, but healthy and happy today

So, I'm back at the office today...legs are very tight in major muscle areas, but overall am doing fine.

The marathon yesterday was not as horrible weather-wise as they were predicting; however, there were a couple of good, dousing rains and a few sustained blasts of wind (especially in the city itself). Despite finishing 40+ minutes slower than last year, I did have fun. Unfortunately, my legs tightened up and I started blistering a bit on my left foot even before the half-way point, so my pace declined quite rapidly over the 2nd (hilly) half. I spent a few water stops along the way massaging my quads and basically punching the muscles to loosen them up, so my final 10 miles or so was pretty much a battle of mind over matter (and given where my mind was wandering, "matter" proved to be a worthy adversary).

I CAN say that I finished the entire marathon wearing an inflatable duck around my waist (see pic on the blog page) ; and the optimist and quasi-superstitious guy in me thinks that the duck played a role in keeping the horrible weather at bay. And, once I realized that I wouldn't be setting any time records, having the duck proved to be a lot of fun for the brave souls lining the streets ("Hey, Duckman!" "Rubber Ducky, You're The One!" "Go Paul. Get the duck going!" these are a few examples of the gems I heard...kept me smiling, and that helped to conceal my wincing). Also, it was fun 'high-fiving' kids that were smiling at the duck as I waddled by.

Anyway, the competitor in me feels lame (lame duck?) for not doing better time-wise, but I gave what I could, when I could, this spring for training and throughout the race, and I did finish, so I'll take that.

As I told Lena, I felt more like the rodeo clown than the cowboy at this show, but I guess everyone plays their role and in the end 'the show' comes together. I'm just glad to have played some part and am happy to have been able to do this again...participating in the Boston Marathon is truly a wonderful and energizing experience. It's also especially rewarding to know that my kids have learned a little bit more about how deeply fortunate we are as a family, and how important it is to do what you can, when you can, to help another in need. Raising awareness and funds for the Food Bank, Pine Street (last year) and having them share in the experience, were/are my greatest motivators.

Thanks for your interest and your support.

Sincerely, Paul

PS: For those asking "what's next?" My hope is the 2007 NYC Marathon in November, if I'm accepted (I've entered the lottery and will learn by June whether/not I'm 'in'.) If not NYC, then I'm considering the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC or The Hartford Marathon in Hartford, CT as other options for my "fall marathon").