The third time may not have been the charm for 麻豆社国产runner Mike Heiliger at the Boston Marathon, but he told The Chief it didn't put a damper on a memorable weekend.
Heiliger placed 8,095th out of more than 20,000 racers at the 115th annual event with a time of three hours, 31 minutes, 32 seconds, a pace of 8:04 per mile.
"It wasn't my best race," he said. "I could write a book on all the things I did wrong but for this trip I stayed in Boston and really absorbed more of the atmosphere of the whole event more so than I ever had before."
He took in several of the pre-race activities, calling Boston a "beautiful city," but he admitted he got some sage advice from a veteran racer that he met just prior to the race.
"I met a racer from Boston who told me that he's done this eight times and he still hasn't figured the race out," he said. "It's not really hard per se, but for some reason it's hard to have your best day at Boston. Maybe it's the travel across the country but I just didn't have the energy I wanted at the start line. I felt a little better by the 10-kilometre mark and as the race went on."
Heiliger said that he was disappointed after the race but that after some reflection, he's pleased with how the event went overall. His time made him eligible to re-qualify for the 2012 edition of the race but he said he's unsure of whether or not he'll participate. His girlfriend, Sylvie Jorger, seemed adamant that he will make the trip.
"If you qualify, you should go back," she said. "I think we'll end up going so then I can come with him next year."
Jorger, who is currently training for a triathlon, said that she would like to qualify for Boston as well but said it may not happen due to her being busy with triathlon training and other commitments.
Despite some disappointment, Heiliger said the roar of the crowd when approaching the finish line was a huge thrill to re-experience.
"When you turn that last corner, that very last quarter of a mile and you see all the screaming people you just think 'wow,'" he said. "You do feel like a celebrity."
Heiliger noted that the Wellesley College girls "weren't quite as nuts as previous years" but said that portion of the race, at Mile 12, is always fun and a shot in the arm for all participants.
Next up for both Heiliger and Jorger is the BMO Vancouver Marathon, which takes place on Sunday (May 1). Heiliger will be running with his North Shore Athletics running group and hopes to have a solid race.
For more information on the 2011 Boston Marathon, visit www.bostonmarathon.org.
