What an absolutely amazing race! The Boilermaker knows how to throw an event focks. For all of you who have never run the Boilermaker, it is worth the 4 1/2-5 hour drive all the way up to Utica, NY.
The Boilermaker weekend consists of two events, a 15K and 5K race. The 15K is the largest drawing event and it brings in some of the best runners in the world. Why not? It only pays $6,000 to the winner. Not bad for only having to run 9.3 miles. The event is so well organized and professional done. The start is well organized and bib numbers are assigned based on your times. In other words, those who are fast are actually up front and not bogged down by those who wish they were fast. The race covers 9.3 miles of Utica and the community really gets behind the race. 20 water stops, yes 20, over the course of 9.3 miles and more screaming fans then most marathons see. A 15-20 person deep crowd at the finish line! You couldn't quite on this race, if you wanted to. The race fans are that good.
That is not even mentioning the post race party. All the beer you can drink, compliments of Saranac Brewery. Even if you are only a spectator or someone who just happens to wonder over to the finish area, you can still enjoy some free brew. A great post race band and tens of thousands of runners/spectators makes for one great party.
On top of that, I ran a 15K personal best (55:11) just three weeks and a day after my marathon. Not bad, considering how many hills you encounter over the course of this race. I started right up behind the elite athletes and was in awe as they left me behind as if I wasn't even moving. My first mile registered in at 6 even and I was happy that I had kept myself in control and didn't attempt to to sprint after East African runners. The first four miles of this course were a bear and surviving it was the only thought in my mind. After that, the race took a turn for the better in terms of terrain. Mile 5 and 6 were excellent down hill miles. Mile 7 was the last challenge to be had and I managed myself through that mile at 6:08 pace. After that, it was a sprint for the finish. I stopped the clock at 55:11 (5:56 pace) and 103rd overall.
It was an inspiring effort. I had thought that with only three weeks to recover from the marathon that I would be sluggish but I wasn't at all. I had the focus I needed to get through the hard miles and the determination to keep with it throughout the entire race. I passes at least 10 runners in the final 1/3rd of the race, which tells me I still had great strength even late in the race. Above all, it makes me want to work even harder to narrow the gap between me and the elite athletes of the world. They are amazing models of fitness but they are still human. I stood within 5 feet of them and can tell you that they are not robots programed to run 4:30 miles. They are just simply the best of the best and I will continue to work to get myself to their level!
