After a few weeks of silence, we are back with news of Audrey, our tireless runner who, after New York, went to run the Boston marathon on April 17, 2017.
Preparation, sensations and feedback, Koxinell tells us all about it.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEAS TO REGISTER FOR THE BOSTON MARATHON?
Boston is one of the oldest marathons. 2017 was the 121st edition.
For a little historical background, the first edition had 15 participants. This year, there were 30,000. In 1967, 50 years earlier and 5 years before women were officially allowed to compete, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. Her bib number, 261, became famous. This year, she also ran the marathon with that same number!
Boston is THE LEGEND for me, THE marathon. It was my dream, and when I started running marathons, I told myself, "One day, I will run in Boston." 2017 was the culmination of that dream. When the opportunity arose, I immediately seized it—an opportunity I absolutely couldn't miss.
WHAT WAS YOUR PREPARATION?
During my last marathon, my solar plexus played tricks on me, locking up for a large part of the race.
Pressure, stress maybe… I didn't really know the cause, but after running Boston I think I have a possible explanation: social media!!!
They convey, and even unconsciously generate, a certain pressure on us competitors (or not). Even though the clock has never been my main concern, I think that knowing that many people (and not just well-intentioned ones) are behind the tracker, following my progress or my struggles, creates a certain anxiety in me, hence the blockage of that dear solar plexus, the mirror of our emotions.
So I prepared for this marathon under the guise of training for the NYC half marathon. I followed the plan prepared by my coach, Olivier, in confidence of course, and with the support of a few trusted people. Twelve weeks, three to four sessions per week, interval training, long runs—the routine of any self-respecting marathon runner.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR TRIP, YOUR ARRIVAL IN BOSTON?
Boston is a city I didn't know yet, despite my addiction to the US. Reading blogs and all sorts of guides, and now I have a pretty busy schedule ahead of me.
After an 8.5-hour flight, I finally set foot in Boston for the first time and we settled into our beautiful little suburban house.
I quickly found my running spot: a peaceful pond, ideal for the three short runs leading up to the long-awaited race day. The next day, I picked up my race number, we explored the town (not too much, though, since we're counting our steps until Monday), and went on a whale-watching excursion… which, by the way, we never actually saw. 
AND HOW DID YOUR RACE GO?
The Boston Marathon starts in Hopkinton, 40 kilometers west of Boston. On Monday morning, meet to catch the bus (yellow school buses made in the USA).
Arriving at the athletes' village (it's hot), we head towards the starting corrals (it's getting hotter and hotter). We wait our turn (it's really too hot). The race finally starts at 10:50 am (I'm already way too hot).
The start is downhill (let's enjoy it)... 1st hill, What? I've only run 2 km! OK, my ordeal is near (the roller coaster is just beginning).
The route is a series of climbs and descents, although I suspect there are many more climbs. The feeling of thirst won't leave me, my mouth is dry, my head feels like it's in a vice; it's official, I'm going to suffer…
To avoid aggravating this nagging headache, I stop at every aid station, take a few sips, and most importantly, splash myself with water (I'm a serious contender for the wet t-shirt contest). I walk uphill (yeah, I'm not going to tire myself out, am I!) and enjoy myself. I enjoy the scenery, the many enthusiastic supporters. I won't be back anytime soon, so let's make the most of these memories…
40 kilometers, here we are finally in Boston, the blue line appears, you follow it and you keep quiet!
WHAT WERE YOUR FEELINGS UPON ARRIVAL?
The Magic Moment: the appearance of the finish line (already glimpsed a few days before), crossing the line, a few tears (yes, I'm emotional), and receiving this unicorn, the one for whom I gritted my teeth, the one for whom I forgot this headache, this thirst. In short, I captured a unicorn (pretty cool, right?).
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