By far this was the most emotional race (Boston) I have ever run says 4th place finisher Tyler Pennel

Tyler Pennel place 4th in the Boston Marathon, second American. He posted this a few hours ago on Facebook. "We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon.” - Emil Zatopek. While I have always thought this quote to be true, yesterday’s Boston Marathon confirmed it. Only runners would have been out in what most people would describe as horrid conditions, let alone run 26.2 miles in it. We are a different breed. There is a level of persistence and stubbornness that distance runners of all ability possess, and yesterday’s race was all about grit and persistence. By far this was the most emotional race I have ever run. I went through times where I wanted to just stop; I was cold, wet, and miserable, only for a mile or two to pass and I would feel great. Crossing the line, the only thing I was happy about was that I had run the Boston Marathon and I was done. I could finally get some dry clothes on and warm up. Only after learning that Nicole placed 5th did I find out I was 4th. It was just the cap to an emotional two and a half hours. I would not have been on the starting line with out the support of ZAP Fitness. Five and a half years ago, they offered me a spot on the team, and I would not have made it to this level of running without them. Thank you!

posted Tuesday April 17th
by Tyler Pennel