First Marathon Impressions

April 22, 2002

(Boston Marathon, 2002)

by Ken White

Author Ken White during
Boston Marathon, April 2002

---

Best part: The first 10 miles.

Worst part: The last 3 miles.

Worst decision: To run the first 10 miles like a 10K.

Best decision: To keep running through the hills, thanks to the unbelievable help from friends and fans.

Best assistance: Gaggi, from Mile 13 to 18; and Fiona, from Mile 15 to 23 (thanks!).

Author Ken White crossing
the finish line at
Boston Marathon, April 2002

---

Best/worst advice: From Fiona, at Mile 23, "You can hit your target time if you just average 10-minute miles." The fact that it was true was both comforting (10:00 miles are next to walking) and discouraging (I was averaging 7:46 miles at the start).

Best t-shirt: Quatro, in the "Wanted: For Crimes Against Democracy" shirt with the picture of Tom Finneran on it.

Second best t-shirt: "Stop Following Me!" written on the back.

Best fans: The bikers (Harley-type) in Ashland.

Best sign: "Only 76 miles to Boston. Calculations provided by Arthur Andersen."

Best one-liner: After we passed a bunch of fans bouncing on mini-trampolines (I stopped to bounce a few times), the guy next to me said, "Women on trampolines; it's like 'The Man Show.'"

Most unlikely appearance: My parents, at Mile 5 (how did they expect to see me in that crowd?).

Coolest running group: CSU, natch--thanks for the entry, the bus, the support, and the training help.