Boilermaker 15k Race Report- Part One

So I got a text message this morning from my Dad asking where my Boilermaker race report was. Geez Dad no pressure or anything, but I am a little preoccupied with working (part time) and getting ready for the wedding (sunning myself at the pool to even out my farmers tan). Tough work, ya know? But I guess it is a bit delayed so let's get to it.

The Boilermaker is a huge 15k race in Utica, NY that boasts an elite group of runners, wheelchair race division and running with 15,000 of your closest friends. I had done the race for the first time last year and even though it was really hot and challenging there was no doubt I would sign up again. The race has become more and more popular and actually sold out in 3 days this year. Shortly after signing up I noticed my Dad wearing a Boilermaker training shirt and so unbeknownst to me he had signed up as well! To that date he had only run 5 miles so I was curious to see how he would handle the longer distance.

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Last year I had taken the "Boilermaker Bus" sponsored by The Greater Rochester Track Club and Fleet Feet. For $35 dollars or $15 if you are a member like me, you get bagels, coffee, water, gatorade, snacks after the race, dropped off at the bib pick up tent and picked up at the post-race party. It doesn't get much better then that. Aside from the 4am meeting time, it is a blast!!

Up and at em'

Ahhh the Golden Memories

Watching the sunrise

Andy & Katie at the rest stop

Dad and Mom drove themselves and I had plans to meet Dad at the bib pick up tent on race morning. He had gone to the expo the previous day and seemed to really enjoy it. Maybe next year he'll let me go with him so  I can rub elbows with elites like him.

No lucky number this race

Dad got Bill Rodger's Autograph

This years pint glass, mine has a printing flaw, boo.

We were a tiny bit delayed getting to the bib pick up tent because of traffic, but I spotted Dad right away and he had already met up with some people he knew.

Katie and I grabbed our bibs pretty quickly and talked strategy. Last year I spent the entire time in the port a potty line and I did not want to do that again this year. So I spotted a bunch of people heading over to the woods to do their business and I grabbed some tissues and joined them. And not to get into too many personal details but this year I rocked my running skirt and that makes going to the bathroom on the fly so much easier, if you know what I mean.

The sea of people and port a potties

We made arrangements to meet up with Katie near the coral and hung out with some family friends in the shade. It was already pretty warm and humid, but there was a good amount of cloud cover which was way better then the sunny start/race last year.

2012 Boilermaker Photo

With about 10-15 minutes before the official race start we made our way to our peach "coral" and found Katie. Last year I started farther back and realized that the street before mine fed into the line first, so this year I pushed my way through the crowd and found a comfy spot to listen to the announcements and national anthem. Standing in such a compact group of people was making me warmer and finding fresh air to breath became more and more difficult. I was looking forward to getting started and spreading out for some clean air. After the gun went off and the Rocky Theme started playing we waited over ten minutes to get to the start line. I was excited to be back, looking forward to the crowd and atmosphere, anxious about my lack of running lately, since I know the course is challenging and hilly and nervous for my Dad to complete this PR distance in the heat and humidity.

Come back next week for part two!!