2015 Boston Marathon Thread (Read 689 times)

Thanks Bob!

... and I hope it goes without saying... if you're using a pace band, check your splits at the mile markers, not when your Garmin autolaps (turn that off). I don't want to hear that the band worked great until the end, but the last .2 was really .4.

thanks again Bob!

weather looks promising, hoping the rain comes a little later in the day.  looks like near ideal temps and a light tailwind too.  and my attitude is improving as a resp infection which cost me a day of work and two runs is clearing.  fwiw, tapering sucks.

Maybe some of you locals/vets can help me with a spectating question:  my wife and 7 yo daughter are coming to Boston to cheer me on, and desperately want to catch me at more than one spot.  are there any good transit locations / options for this?  we'll be staying near fenway if that helps.

Bhearn, I have a question about the pace bands.  The paces after Heartbreak seems a little fast.  Is that because of the downhill?  Just wondering about the likelihood of running faster than GMP at the end of a marathon.  It sounds a little daunting.  But, I guess everything really does hinge on that stretch.  The alternatives (starting fast or charging through Newton) aren't all that desirable.

Yep, backloading the speed is the strategy. It can seem intimidating. But if you have been conservative enough in the earlier miles, it will really pay off at the end. You will be flying by everybody else. This is what the course really dictates for good pacing. Not only that, it's where you get the biggest crowd support. It's really a shame to waste all that fast, fast downhill due to shot quads, cramping calves, etc.

It works well for me, and others who've used my pace bands before have reported good results. But YMMV!

The forecast is looking good. 

I like the temperatures, and a little rain doesn't scare me... but at the moment I'm seeing a big headwind. Not cool.

They could take the Green Line out to the Woodland or Riverside stops in Newton and see you by the Newton Wellesley Hospital near mile 17, then go to the Reservior stop by Cleveland Circle and see you at mile 22 ish, then head back to the finish area. I've never tried that on Marathon Monday but it seems like there should be enough time to make that work.

Thanks Mike, I wasnt clear on whether the green line would be operating during the race.  i'll double check with other locals this weekend, but thx for your suggestion, sounds good to me.

Hey everyone,

I was hoping to fill in/update the goal time and training columns on the first page.  Did you stick to your plan?  What time are you aiming for on Monday (assuming good conditions)?

I stuck with a modified Pfitz plan.  For the month between RnRDC and Boston, I averaged about 60 miles/week including a 21 and 18-miler.  I raced this past Sunday which wasn't a good idea.  My new goal for Monday is a slight PR.  Like 1 second, so 3:22:55. 

Thanks for doing all this Julia and keeping us all on track. Have a great race Monday!

I didn't stick to my initial plan so 3:25-27 is my Boston goal--hard training run at Boston, race Vermont City Marathon, and really focus all summer for a bigger swing at a new PR at Chicago. She says like she knows what the heck she is talking about....That's the plan/dream though. Monday's run will be my 56th marathon and one of these times I'll get it just right.

Bhearn, you are awesome for making all those pace bands. Thank you.

If you folks are near Boylston St. on Sunday afternoon, stop by the Lir Pub (across from Hynes). There'll be an RA gathering there from 2-4 pm. hosted by RTravers, a poster on the masters forum here. She said: Come one, Come all

Accuweather is showing 18 mph winds w/30 mph gusts out of the SE.  That is NYCM 2014-like winds.  But, isn't that the good direction for Boston.  

No. Definitely not. It's again looking like another fun run for me,