Nicole,

I am going through the same thing. My time was 4:00:05 - now that hurts. I had nothing left. I saw the finish line from that last corner and had 3 mins to get there to break 4 hrs but with 100 yards to go I was cramping so bad. I have finished 54 marathons and only 4 have been slower than 4 hrs. I ran 3:30:19 to qualify and in the last few years have done 3:35 to 3:40 nearly every race. My mistake was going out with my friend. We had bands on pacing us for a 3:40 but he went out at 8's and I stayed with him. I should have let him go and not skipped aid stations. I was pulling 25 min 5k's in the first half and then down to 11 min miles the last few miles with all of the cramping. I know better. I am disappointed too. But remind yourself of all of the races you have done. Tell yourself how in shape you are. You are a GREAT runner. You qualified for Boston. You did it. And next time, like me , run your own race, take fluids and GU at the right time and listen to your body. I have 3 1/2 weeks till my next one in Ogden UT where I am going to redeem myself with a 3:35 and feel good. then later in the year I will get a 3:25.

Best Wishes and have a great recovery.

Jonathan Crampton. Pleasant Grove Utah

You'll be able to qualify again. Why would other runners jeer at you? They've never had a disappointing time? It happens. I just think it's amazing that you got the chance to run Boston! You got to do something most people only ever dream about. That's quite an accomplishment. You can get a better time another year.