• Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Register
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home Road Racing

Racing on an imperfect day: Joanna Thompson discusses her elite race tenth place finish at the 2018 Boston Marathon, by Joanna Thompson, Reebok ZAP Fitness

RBR Adminby RBR Admin
April 26, 2018
0
0 0
0
SHARES
47
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Last week, @runblogrun featured Reebok’s ZAP Fitness coach, Pete Rea as we questioned him about the fine performance of Tyler Pennel (4th), Nicole DiMercurio (6th) and Joanna Thompson (10th) in the elite race.

During our conversation, I asked Coach Rea if Joanna Thompson, who had spoken to me about writing before, would care to write about her experiences in Boston. A few days later, Joanna emailed me and a I asked for a story. And yesterday, the story arrived.

RelatedPosts

Sifan Hassan to compete at the TCS Sydney Marathon 2025

A RISING STAR ANNIE FRISBIE, by Carolyn Mather for RunBlogRun

PLANNING FOR A WORLD CLASS MARATHON, by Carolyn Mather for RunBlogRun

Here is a funny, poignant piece by elite tenth placer Joanna Thompson on her excellent adventure from Hopkinton to Bosoton on April 16, 2018.

Nicely done, Joanna.

Thompson_Joanna-BAA5k16.jpgJoanna Thompson, BAA 5k, 2016, photo by PhotoRun.net

As an athlete, there are times when everything comes together on race day: perfect training, perfect taper, perfect weather.

The 2018 Boston Marathon was not one of those days.

In the weeks leading up to the race, ZAP Fitness’s head coach, Pete Rea, scrupulously avoided checking the weather. Boston, like much of the East Coast, had suffered a tough winter, and if conditions were bad he didn’t want to psyche my teammates and me out before we even set foot to the start line.

Still, it was almost impossible to ignore the rumblings of a potential deluge. By the time we reached Massachusetts bad weather looked like a sure thing.

#Repost @mattlopiccolo with @get_repost ・・・ @amanda_lopiccolo & @jojofoshosho0 all smiles through 10k in Framingham #bostonmarathon #allin #zapnation

A post shared by ZAP Fitness (@zapfitness_reebok) on Apr 16, 2018 at 7:25am PDT



“Listen,” Pete said in our pre-race meeting, “It’s just not going to be PR conditions out there…well, actually for you, it might.”

My sole previous marathon attempt had been the 2016 Olympic Trials, where due to brutal heat and lack of experience, I imploded spectacularly.

“Regardless, I don’t want you worrying about time tomorrow. Even if you miss your time goal, you can still have a great race.”

He emphasized how well the build up had gone for all of us. This race was months in the making, and there was no reason to write it off because of a little rain.

@jojofoshosho0 now well past 20 climbing #heartbreak

A post shared by ZAP Fitness (@zapfitness_reebok) on Apr 16, 2018 at 8:41am PDT



With that in mind, my revised race plan remained fairly similar to what it had been: start conservatively, run steadily over the hills, and focus on moving forward over the last 10k. To offset the conditions, I was to tuck in wherever possible, “even if that means running a couple seconds per mile slower than you want”.

Finally, the coup de gras: olive oil.

Which is how less than twenty-four hours later, I found myself slathering extra virgin over every inch of exposed skin. Minutes later, we were ushered to the starting line. The gun fired. The crowd cheered. We were on our way.

Mile one was tactically slow. I experienced a brief moment of panic when, looking around, I discovered I was leading. Luckily, I was able to back pedal and tuck in before I got trapped out front. Keeping Pete’s advice in mind, I found a pack with whom I could trade leads for several miles. It’s a good thing I did. The already punishing course saw unprecedented winds this year, with a relentless 20 mph headwind punctuated by occasional 30 mph gusts. That, in combination with cold, stinging rain made any kind of alleviation from fellow runners welcome.

To my relief, the olive oil helped: it not only provided a thin layer of waterproofing, but also made our skin look amazing in mid-race photos (maybe the ancient Greeks were on to something).

Mid-race, it was impossible to get a sense of placing – my field of vision shrunk to the narrow strip below my hat’s brim. I could have been fifth or fiftieth and never known the difference. So instead of counting competitors, I focused on running steady and making sure I grabbed the right water bottle at each fluid station.

From miles 13 to 17, there was only one goal: make it to the Newton hills with something left in the tank. Spanning miles 17.5 through 21, the Newton hills are a one-two-three punch to the quads culminating at the pinnacle of Heartbreak. I knew that if I could power over the top in (relatively) good shape, I would be able to make it to the finish line.

Then suddenly I was at mile 25. My legs were entirely numb – a small mercy. We turned on to Boylston for the final half mile and the finish line looked like the gates of heaven. I think I heard an angelic chorus as I crossed. To my immense shock, I’d finished tenth.

Those 26.2 were a lesson in persistence, preparation, and collaboration. There are moments in any race when quitting seems like a great option. But, provided you aren’t injured or in danger of physical collapse, seeing the race through – even a brutal one – pays off.

Blowing Rock, where we live and train, is aptly named. We often find ourselves training in cold, wet, extremely windy conditions. Which can suck sometimes; but it is also fantastic preparation for battle against the elements. From now on, I’ll strive to embrace all weather, whether good, bad, or ugly.

As for collaboration, I think it’s impossible to go through something as grueling as 26.2 miles and not feel a primordial bond with your fellow runners. Des Linden embodied that spirit perfectly.

Joanna Thompson placed 11th overall (10th place elite) in a time of 2:48:31 in the 2018 Boston Marathon! @jojofoshosho0 #zapfitness #zapnation @reebok #reebokrunning @genucan #ucan @elliptigo_usa #elliptigo

A post shared by ZAP Fitness (@zapfitness_reebok) on Apr 16, 2018 at 4:06pm PDT



I don’t know if I would have finished (and certainly I wouldn’t have finished well) if not for the little pack of women with whom I spent the first 16 miles. I wouldn’t have been able to train at the level I do without my teammates’ and coaches’ support. And the entire marathon field would have been so, so much poorer if not for the intrepid Bostonians who braved the deluge to volunteer or cheer for us.

The weekend’s hashtag summed it up: in marathoning, we’re all moving together, forward.

For more reading:

Pete Rea speaks on ZAP Fitness performances at Boston

Introducing Reebok FloatRide RunFast Pro, video by The Shoe Addicts

Author

  • RBR Admin

    View all posts
Previous Post

Bounasse surprise champion while Kiprop defends title in the heat of Vienna City Marathon

Next Post

Christian Coleman for Shanghai Diamond League

RBR Admin

RBR Admin

Similar Post

Magnifiscent Monaco! Bol 51.95 WL, Wanyonyi 1:41.44 WL, Lyles defeated Tebogo
Diamond League

Magnifiscent Monaco! Bol 51.95 WL, Wanyonyi 1:41.44 WL, Lyles defeated Tebogo

July 12, 2025
Monaco Herculis Diamond League Meeting, the intro
Diamond League

Meeting International d’Athlétisme Herculis EBS Stade Louis II, Monaco (MON), 11 July 2025

July 12, 2025
Coffee with Larry, Episode 764, Monaco is coming! Final thoughts on Pre Classic.
Coffee With Larry

Coffee with Larry, Episode 764, Monaco is coming! Final thoughts on Pre Classic.

July 12, 2025
Coffee with Larry, July 9, 2025, Episode 763, NIKE Pre Classic, more stories on the 50th Pre Classic.
Cross Country

2025 Summer Mileage Program, July 12, 2025, Week One, Day Six, In praise of Jemma Reekie

July 12, 2025
Coffee with Larry, May 14, 2024, A week of amazing track and field!
Cross Country

2025 Summer Mileage Program, July 11, 2025, Week One, Day Five, back to the hills! Kenneth Rooks is our focus.

July 12, 2025
Noah Lyles Delivers at 2025 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix
Diamond League

Tebogo vs. Lyles, men’s 800m and much more at Herculis Monaco

July 11, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe to RunBlogRun's Global News Feed

Wake up to RunBlogRun’s news in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll keep you informed about the Sport you love.

*we hate spam as much as you do

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Clyde Hart’s Guide to 400 meter training (from 1996 Super Clinic Notes/World Coaches Notes)

Clyde Hart’s Guide to 400 meter training (from 1996 Super Clinic Notes/World Coaches Notes)

April 5, 2023
2023 Nike Pre Classic: Two Amazing Days of Track & Field!

Noah Lyles, The Clock Doesn’t Lie

March 7, 2024
Grand Slam Track’s Kingston Slam Comes to a Close with 12 Slam Champions

2025 Spring Racing/Training Program, April 11, 2025, week 4, day 5, fourth week of year, Friday is an easy day!

April 12, 2025
USATF / Day Four:  USA’s Assembled Team Is Ready!

Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

February 6, 2025
Mondo Duplantis and the Jump that made him the greatest of all time

Mondo Duplantis and the Jump that made him the greatest of all time

8
What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

7
My Five Biggest Takeaways from the Men’s Olympic Trials Marathon, by Oliver Hinson

My Five Biggest Takeaways from the Men’s Olympic Trials Marathon, by Oliver Hinson

7
Asafa Powell, Considering Longevity in Sprinting

The RunBlogrun Interview: Asafa Powell

5
Magnifiscent Monaco! Bol 51.95 WL, Wanyonyi 1:41.44 WL, Lyles defeated Tebogo

Magnifiscent Monaco! Bol 51.95 WL, Wanyonyi 1:41.44 WL, Lyles defeated Tebogo

July 12, 2025
Monaco Herculis Diamond League Meeting, the intro

Meeting International d’Athlétisme Herculis EBS Stade Louis II, Monaco (MON), 11 July 2025

July 12, 2025
Coffee with Larry, Episode 764, Monaco is coming! Final thoughts on Pre Classic.

Coffee with Larry, Episode 764, Monaco is coming! Final thoughts on Pre Classic.

July 12, 2025
Coffee with Larry, July 9, 2025, Episode 763, NIKE Pre Classic, more stories on the 50th Pre Classic.

2025 Summer Mileage Program, July 12, 2025, Week One, Day Six, In praise of Jemma Reekie

July 12, 2025

Popular Stories

  • Clyde Hart’s Guide to 400 meter training (from 1996 Super Clinic Notes/World Coaches Notes)

    Clyde Hart’s Guide to 400 meter training (from 1996 Super Clinic Notes/World Coaches Notes)

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Noah Lyles, The Clock Doesn’t Lie

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • 2025 Spring Racing/Training Program, April 11, 2025, week 4, day 5, fourth week of year, Friday is an easy day!

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • An epic pole vault competition

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
Magnifiscent Monaco! Bol 51.95 WL, Wanyonyi 1:41.44 WL, Lyles defeated Tebogo
Diamond League

Magnifiscent Monaco! Bol 51.95 WL, Wanyonyi 1:41.44 WL, Lyles defeated Tebogo

July 12, 2025
Monaco Herculis Diamond League Meeting, the intro
Diamond League

Meeting International d’Athlétisme Herculis EBS Stade Louis II, Monaco (MON), 11 July 2025

July 12, 2025
Coffee with Larry, Episode 764, Monaco is coming! Final thoughts on Pre Classic.
Coffee With Larry

Coffee with Larry, Episode 764, Monaco is coming! Final thoughts on Pre Classic.

July 12, 2025
Coffee with Larry, July 9, 2025, Episode 763, NIKE Pre Classic, more stories on the 50th Pre Classic.
Cross Country

2025 Summer Mileage Program, July 12, 2025, Week One, Day Six, In praise of Jemma Reekie

July 12, 2025

Recent Tweets

Next Post

Christian Coleman for Shanghai Diamond League

runblogrun

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. @runblogrun

Browse by Category

Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Home page
  • My Account
  • Sample Page

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

Select a password for yourself. (minimum length of 8)

Paste here the user biography.

Provide here the twitter screen name. i.e. @RunBlogRun

Provide here the instagram screen name. i.e. @RunBlogRun

Provide here the facebook profile URL. i.e. http://www.facebook.com/RunBlogRun

Provide here the linkedin profile URL. i.e. https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-eder-5497253

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Home page
  • My Account
  • Sample Page

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved