Boston is no tea party for marathon man Jim

Jim Farrell did our club proud when he took part in this year’s Boston Marathon, but he had to battle cramp, dehydration and a certain Mr Wilson to get across the line.

Jim completed the 50-kilometre monster race in an outstanding time of 4hrs 11mins – just inside his pre-race target of 4hrs 15mins. “The first three hours were great,” he said afterwards. “There was no discernible wind, and the day was cool and slightly cloudy. I was able to chat with other crews as I passed them and I really enjoyed it.

“It was only during the last hour that I hit problems. I had accidentally reset my timer when transferring across a lock, after 13km, so I had no idea if I was on course to beat my target time. This did not help my morale.

I also got my nourishment and hydration wrong and started to get cramps. The last seven kilometres were very difficult.”

Jim’s excellent time placed him second in the masters F category. The winner was a Mr Wilson from Royal Chester Rowing Club, whose time was just a few seconds outside the four-hour masters F course record

“When I congratulated him in the changing rooms he took a little pleasure in telling me he is actually a masters G,” said Jim. “Apparently he’s a regular at the event and already holds the masters G record.

On the whole, though, it was a great experience. It was my first attempt at this event in a single and I look forward to doing it again – and hopefully beating Mr Wilson!”