Boston Marathon : Official Thread

Hope it isn't too hot this coming year. It was brutal - close to 90 - this year. I'm not doing Boston this year, but recently qualified for 2014. Good luck to those who are running.

In terms of tips, take the first four miles very easy - you drop about 300 ft - and you don't want to pay for what feels like easy running later in the race. Miles 5-15 are generally pretty flat, then you encounter the Newton Hills, starting with a steep downhill and then the Rt 95 overpass. Heartbreak Hill, which is actually the 4th real hill crests just before mile 21. Then you've got a two mile downhill and a fairly flat finish.

d00d - Congrats on your registration. Is NC as hilly as metro Atlanta? I was running over the weekend with a three time Boston finisher who said Boston isn't tough if you're used to the courses around Atlanta so I'm guessing you find lots of hilly routes in NC too.

I was reading some recommendations from Hal Higdon who said training for the downhills is as important, if not more important, than training for the climbs. I plan on adding lots of quad and hamstring strengthening to my routine to ensure I can handle the hills.

NC is HILLY, brother! I think it's as hilly, or hillier, than ATL. I just moved up here from ATL, so I would know! :P

Downhills destroy me! I have aches and pains from 5Ks and 10Ks I've raced that had some pretty good downhills. Those seem to linger the longest!

Thanks for the info on Hal. I used one of his plans to train for my first marathon and I felt as though I had adequate training going in. I would have liked a little more volume, though, and will make it a point to add a few extra miles on the hiller courses.

Are you racing?

Yes, I'm in! I've been registered before and was sidelined with an injury. I am determined to make it to the start line this time!

Good luck with your training. Hal actually has a specific program for Boston training. I looked at it and it had way more mileage and running days than I think my injury prone body can handle. I'm in the process of trying to come up with a hybrid training program.

I am also registered for 2013 and ditto on the PF!  This will also be my first time racing Boston.

Yup.  it'll be my 1st time.  so jazzed I can't believe it.  don't care what my time is- I plan on taking it all in and enjoying every step.  I'm ramping up my running now, got 36mi in last week and my bike's looking very lonely.   We're 18 weeks out and 600miles of running between now and Hopkinstown.

Like the rest of you- I've been down with injuries as well.  the PF is just under the surface waiting to come out, but my Achilles have been useless for running this summer.  they're finally healing and I think they'll get there if I don't get full of myself and try and ramp up to 75mpw.  Taking it easy... building the miles.  We'll see where it takes me.  No pressure to BQ- just make it to the starting line.

Enjoy Wellesley - nothing quite like that stretch. 

Lasty time I ran it I had a Boston College top on - drew a TON of cheers just as I was going up and over Heartbreak Hill.  Very helpful. 

Congrats all on running it.  Been years for me, but still very fond memories - it's a great race.

So, had hernia surgery last week and have to push back training a little. There's a good possibility I won't be running Boston, but I'm going to train for it as though I'll toe the line.

That being said, what training plans are you ppl using?

Hey!

OK, I think I'm running Boston! Since I didn't think I was going to be there, I didn't book a hotel. I need some info quick as to where to stay! Pls let me know! I want to book NLT than tomorrow.

If anyone has a place they're going to give up b/c they're not going, let me know. 

I used this website to book my room months ago.  Not sure if there are any rooms left but you can check.  The rate is around $260

http://www.marathontours.com/index.cfm?pid=10393

Good idea to wear that shirt!  I am looking forward to racing!! 

Cool! 

Very exited that my first Boston will be in the traditional colors. Looking forward to more chatter in this thread - Happy Training

Nice jacket! I'm volunteering at the first water stop in Ashland again.

Drop in for all your hydration needs :-)

How's training coming along, ppl?

Well, looks like most of my running will be in the pool. Going to see if it is an acceptable alternative for marathon training. 

Keep up the chatter.  I ran my first marathon this past weekend and qualified for Boston 2014.  Let me know if the experience is really worth the cost.

Jackie
www.funafterfifty.com
www.empowernetwork.com/lifeisamazing

Great response!

This will be my first time running Boston.  It certainly is expensive, but you gotta try everything ONCE!! 

Awesome!   Thanks for volunteering!

Sounds like you have an injury  ...too.  I have Plantar Fascia and will be racing.  I have a half marathon race tomorrow.  I plan to tape up the foot and go for it.  I am biking and swimming to supplement my running.  My target goal for Boston isn't looking good to the lack of speed work I have skipped in the training plan due to the PF.

Good luck with running in the pool!