The Starting Line in Hopkinton - High Noon!

18,319 runners started the 2005 Boston Marathon (17,549 finished). Countless other "bandit runners" hopped in along the way. At the starting line, we were grouped into corrals.

The 17th Corral!

Since my bib number was 17355, I was in the 17th corral (of 22). Here I am in the corral with some friends. It took us 21 minutes to get to the actual starting line! Fortunately, the chips on our shoes didn't start counting until we crossed the start.

The 10K Checkpoint (6.2 Miles) - Framingham - 1:30 PM

The number one rookie mistake is to start out too quickly. Thanks to my GPS watch (which beeped at me if I went too fast) I was certain not to make that error. Therefore, when I arrived at the 10K mark, things were still fun and effortless.

Mile 18 - Turning onto Commonwealth Ave - Newton - 3:30 PM

They say that Mile 18 is the half-way point of a marathon in terms of perceived effort - you should reach this point refreshed and ready to tackle the "second half". Here I am at mile 18. While I'm nervous about the upcoming Newton Hills, I'm excited because I've practiced these hills many times. I know the rest of the route like the back of my hand!

Near Mile 22 - Brookline - 4:15 PM

I survived Heartbreak Hill. At this point, I'm alternating between elation that I've made it this far, and intense concentration (futile attempts to calculate how many minutes remain until it's all over). Look, my feet aren't touching the ground in the first photo!

Near Mile 24 - Beacon St - Boston

Plugging along on autopilot. I'm beyond aching at this point. I just want it to end. (Sidenote: Now I know why I didn't notice the Newton Hills, I don't look far enough ahead!)

The Finish Line - Copley Square - 26.2 Miles!

I can't even begin to describe this moment!