2020 Boston Marathon Thread (Read 408 times)

So for anyone doing the Virtual Boston, what do you have planned for your run?  I'm planning on Sept 12, with a Sept 13 backup if the weather looks better.  I've got a 4.3 mile loop that I will do 6+ times.  My wife is going to man an aid station, and I'll have stuff stashed halfway through the loop as well.  I'll have a few other friends out there, either running, biking, or just hanging out.  I'm shooting for a 7:38 pace, just to say I BQ'd even though it doesn't count, but saying I BQ'd what is essentially a training run sounds like a decent goal.

I'm running mine on Labor Day, which I think is the first day you can do it. I found a small marathon in the middle of nowhere Nebraska on September 26 that looks like may actually happen, so virtual Boston will be my last long run for that. My plan is 26 times around the neighborhood loop - neighbors have agreed to come out and cheer, set up sprinklers, etc. and a few running friends are planning to come by and maybe run a lap or two with me. It will be slow going because Houston weather, and also since it's a too-long long run. There will probably even be some walking.

I saw the virtual Boston app is supposed to be available tomorrow, and comes with printable mile markers and signs for entering various towns along the original route. My DH has agreed to be my aid station in the driveway - I told him after reading that he was going to be really busy with signs and mile markers. He may be recruiting some neighbors.

  I could do a 26.2-mile hike somewhere as my virtual "run".  (I also read this morning that they are removing the 6-hour window.)

It'd be like an Ironman "run!"  If you've ever spectated at one of those things, there are about as many walkers as runners.    Yes, I have done both.

 

It'd be like an Ironman "run!"  If you've ever spectated at one of those things, there are about as many walkers as runners.    Yes, I have done both.

I did the math in my head during my run this morning and 6-hours is about 12 minute pace...  That seems run-walkable on very little training.  But, I can't say it sounds fun.

 

That's never stopped me before. For example, 26 laps around my neighborhood in Houston heat and humidity doesn't sound "fun" but I'm weirdly looking forward to it.

If this doesn't show how "different" runners are from most people I'm not sure what will.

Friend: "Whatcha doin this weekend."

Runner: "Running around the neighborhood. Literally. 26 times. So I can finish my marathon."

Friend: *blank stares* "I wouldn't even drive around my neighborhood 26 times. You're going to run it."

Runner: "You can come by and cheer me on if you want. I'll have a table at the house. Should be there about every 8 minutes."

Friend: *blank stares*

Runner: "or not. It's cool. I'm kind of looking forward to it. Maybe the neighbors will come out and count the number of times I pass their house."

Do those people who run virtual marathons stop their watch at EXACTLY 26.2 miles?

Or 26.4/5 to make it look a bit more authentic?

Do those people who run virtual marathons stop their watch at EXACTLY 26.2 miles?

 

Or 26.4/5 to make it look a bit more authentic?

I haven’t done one, but I would absolutely stop at 26.2. Well maybe 26.22, I think that’s slightly more official.

 

I haven’t done one, but I would absolutely stop at 26.2. Well maybe 26.22, I think that’s slightly more official.

BAA requires you submit a 26.2 mile run, so that is what I will submit.  You don't get an extra medal for running any longer than that.

 

I haven’t done one, but I would absolutely stop at 26.2. Well maybe 26.22, I think that’s slightly more official.

If I’d stopped my watch at 26.22 during my last race (track marathon) it would’ve been a 2min PR!  Unfortunately it would also have been a DQ for failing to complete the final 7 or so laps.