While there is no shortage of how to run Boston articles .. Always room for one more, right ? I preface my comments with the fact that I am a nobody ... But I HAVE been running for 38 years, have run 30 marathons, (including 5 at Boston) here goes ... You MUST relax the first half of the race ... Use the first 4 downhill miles not to bank time but to run goal pace with Much LESS effort !! Dont weave around, be zen like in your calm demeanor ... 4-13 miles .... With the exception of heartburn hill (a steep rise from 7.5 to 7.7 miles) the course has very gentle rolls ... Get into a rhythm, but stay CONSERVATIVE and relax .. Do NOT pick it up and go crazy at Wellesley .... 13 to 15.5 - a nice relatively flat stretch ... Still hold back .. Be cool .. The race doesnt even start til 16 miles ! The 1/2 mile from 15.5 to 16 drops 140 feet - stay in control .. 16 miles - you cross the Charles River at Newton Lower Falls and begin the first of the 4 Newton Hills ... Luckily each of the 4 up hills are followed by nice downslopes .. Resist the temptation to charge up and relax on the downs ... Instead, relax on the uphills ... Maintain EVEN EFFORT ... Focus on accelerating on the downs .. Again, in an attempt to maintain even effort. Hill 2 is from 17.6 to 17.9 .. Pretty steep ... 18 to 19 is mostly down. Hill 3 is from 19.2 to 19.7 ... Hill 4 Heartbreak Hill is from 20.2 to 20.7 and climbs 100 feet. Finally at 21 ... The course is predominantly gentle down the last 5.2 miles If you have done everything right, and have something in the tank, NOW you can let it fly. One last hump at 25.2 miles at the CITGO sign ... If you have paced it right, you will be passing people left and right. When you turn into Hereford, you have exactly 1/2 mile to go. When you turn into Boylston, you have exactly 600 meters to go. Lower the arms and kick !! Pass another 30 people !! You did it !!
Posted on: Sat, 19 Apr 2014 00:57:53 +0000
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