Monday was the 113th Boston Marathon. Just like in 2007 (and having skipped last year as I ran London the week before), I went as part of a group of local running friends. We once again had a blast—Boston on Marathon weekend is a real spectacle. Lots of people, lots of excitement, and this time even great weather.

The race itself was challenging. Having done it once before, and having come off a really decent last marathon, I may have underestimated the impact of the famous hills. This really is a wonderful but challenging course. Combined with the poor training conditions during this last Chicago winter which forced us indoors for quite a few long runs, as well as a somewhat upset stomach which forced a two-minute break, I came up short and posted an underwhelming second half. The head wind was also a factor that was mentioned in a few reports on the comparatively slow times of the elite runners. So when all was said and done, I ended up with a time of 3:30:13 and 8:01 min/miles which is a little slower than last time.

All in all a really great marathon weekend. As my time from Berlin qualifies me for Boston 2010, I may well be back next year.