By Liz Twentyman (November 1, 2001)

"When I crossed the finish line," social studies teacher Ms. Chris Bosl said, "knowing that I made the Boston Marathon made me forget any pain." Ms. Bosl had reason enough to be in pain, covering the 26.2 mile Marine Corps Marathon last Sunday in just 3:34. But by the expression on her face as she described her race, the pain of the race and the five months of training leading up to it were well worth it. 

English teacher Dr. Al DeFazio, despite finishing the marathon with a personal best time of 3:52, had a slightly different story to tell. Still limping on Monday, he admits that he didn’t really train for the marathon. Between swimming and biking, he has only run three times since competing in the Reston Triathlon on September 8--a complete change from last year, when he over-trained for the Marine Corps Marathon and ended up hurting his knee. Fortunately, he had no such problems this year. "It was a great day," he said. "I didn’t have any injuries, and I had a great time. I did great for the first 20 miles, and then I seized up because I didn’t train."

While both Ms. Bosl and Dr. DeFazio are pleased with the results of their race, they admit that in some respects the marathon was sobering. "I saw the Pentagon for the first time on Friday," Dr. DeFazio admits. "But during the marathon, we didn’t just pass it, we circled it. It was kind of spooky."

Ms. Bosl agrees that it was eerie passing the Pentagon. "It was around mile four, so we were still completely aware of our surroundings. When the Pentagon came into view, it just got quiet."

But despite the sobering aspects of the race, the Marine Corps Marathon had a decidedly patriotic feel this year. Dr. DeFazio said, "As I was passing the Pentagon, I saw some flag-bearers stop for photographers to take their pictures. Even some of the pre-race speeches were patriotic." 

Right now, both are looking forward to future goals. Ms. Bosl is beginning training for the Boston Marathon, to take place on April 15. "I’m going to start doing more speed work and hills. The Boston Marathon has a hillier course, and I want to shave time." Instead of training for another marathon, Dr. DeFazio is looking to compete in a Half Ironman (a 1.2 mile swim, 57 mile bike ride, and 13 mile run) in June.