I'm going with 45 and sunny, 20mph tail wind.

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I *heart* weak, dumb ass people...

Just as Kona hasn't been tough since 2004, Boston will be soft the next years?

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I am doing the 5K on Sunday and the full Mary on Monday. At this point the weather.com 10 day outlook is saying 47/60 for Sunday with am clouds and pm sunshine. Monday will likely be much the same and should be basicly OK. I would be happier with the whole thing if it started at like 7 or 8 am. Back in the day (before there was so much global warming) it started at noon and the entry requirments were harder then what they are for next year. At least we have the Samuel Adams 26.2 beer at the end to look forward to. Tim

It will be hot. We're due for a hot one. I'm preparing by running in full thermal gear on the treadmill with the vent hose from my clothes dryer blowing full blast on me.

Oh please, spare us that. If you were half serious about running back then, qualifying was not the problem. But I'm getting old too and keep telling all teh newbies that they haven't seen a tough Kona. Nevermind "The Pit". But I digress, Sam Adams is sth to look forward to.

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Pictures or...

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Ok, 90, 100% humidity, 35 mph headwind, stinky porta pots and men in g-strings.....better?

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I *heart* weak, dumb ass people...

What's the worst that can happen in Boston in April?

We got a foot of snow on April 1st my freshman year at BU...we are a full 15 days after that so we should be OK:) It's going to be my first marathon so I'm hoping we don't need the snowshoes.

If you hold any faith in long term forecasts, Accuweather.com has a high of 66 F with rain.

We'll start to get a better idea by thursday/friday.

More disconcerting would be the wind for that day: 11 MPH sustained SW, gusts to 27 MPH.

I don't mind the temperature and the rain...can't be worse than what we had for Maine Marathon this past year.

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I don't trust an east coast forecast until the day before. 10-15 days out is lunacy. But it has been a while since there was a hot race. And I'm a hot weather pussy. Anything over about 62 and I melt like the wicked witch.

Awesome! (except the g-strings) Adverse conditions are the best!

hoping the stars align for really great weather to help out my lack of training that i needed to do or really bad so i have an excuse for my sub par performance.
on a side note, how does boston become someones first marathon?

That would be a tailwind the entire way since the course is point-to-point. I'll take it as long as its not a downpour.

Boston has a fair number of charity fundraiser slots for Children's Hospital, Team in Training, and a few others. Then there are a few invitational entries given to sponsors, vendors, etc.

Anybody who has a spot like this and has not run a qualifying time will be at the end of the field, placed behind everybody who ran a qualifier. So if you're in the first waves, don't worry about having to run through some first-timers.

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Hahaha, same here!

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Just wanted to bump this. It appears to be the only Boston thread. The race is a week away. There needs to be more buzz, even if only for dunkin donuts or regina pizza. Get on with it, people.

SW would pretty much be a headwind - it comes from the south west.

Personally, I just want temps less than 65 or so with not much headwind. I could deal with some rain, but a headwind can be brutal on a pretty exposed course like Boston.

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Blog: http://262toboylstonstreet.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/NateThomasTri
Coaching: https://bybtricoaching.com/ - accepting athletes for 2023

Huh? If it comes from the SW on a course facing NE, how is that a headwind?

Fair enough, I like donuts. Dunkin' or anyone else's. Got any hot tips for donut shops in the Back Bay general area?

Dunkin is pretty much the only thing you will find in Back Bay as far as Donuts go. You can't go more than a block without seeing one...Boston Native here who is running. Happy to point out restaurants etc. if anyone is interested.

Agreed! And yes, you're correct, a SW wind would be pretty close to a tail wind the entire way.

To continue the weather-related panicking, forecast on Accuweather calls for rain, 59 degrees, SSW wind at 19 with gusts to 35. Wunderground calls for sun, 63 degrees, 20 MPH west wind.

No donuts for me, although I will stop by to my old college stomping grounds (Emerson) and probably hit up New York Pizza and grab a beer at The Tam. (If anybody knows this area, these are the two holes-in-the-wall that a college budget could afford. Good times.)

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I'm hoping for a dry start because waiting in the Athlete's area is gonna be a pain anyway but with getting soaked will add to the "suck" factor. Another negative for rain, I would have to leave my phone as I was hoping to get some action shots as I run throughout the course. It's my first ever Boston and wanted to capture some of that legendary course. With the hotter than usual early spring so far out on the east coast(DC), I was hoping for a nice freak 70+ degree day which would probably translate to 60s during the race. I'm a cold wimp plus nice weather has got to make Wellesley a better experience.

The wind shouldn't be a problem with the amount of people, I'll be drafting if there is any headwind at all.

Just to compile the current one-week out forecasts:

Accuweather--59 degrees, rain, winds from the SSW at 19, gusts to 35 MPH
Wunderground--62 degrees, sun, winds from the W at 20 MPH
Weather Channel--60 degrees, cloudy, winds from the SW at 13 MPH.

Temperature range is PERFECT for me...and precipitation? Well, I won't hold my breath on anything till we get a bit closer. But the temperature forecasts have become far more consistent in the past 72 hours, as has the wind. There had been a bunch more deviation beforehand.

Looks like Tuesday will be a great day to see the city...if you can still walk.

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Quote:

I'm hoping for a dry start because waiting in the Athlete's area is gonna be a pain anyway but with getting soaked will add to the "suck" factor.

The Athlete's Village in Hopkinton has a low "suck" factor since there are big tents to sit and relax under and lots of excited people to chat with. With your warm-up clothes on, you can keep warm and dry and just enjoy the experience. In 2007 when it was a wet year they opened the schools to let us wait indoors.

Boston is awesome! Only one week to go!

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"No more hurting people - Peace"

Anyone else freaking in the middle of taper thinking "I should have done one more hard workout"?

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"if you chose it, it's not really pain"

I didn't know that...great news if it raining. What's everyone recommendation on when to get in the bag drop line? I assume as it gets closer to the race time that line gets longer or is it so efficient that it's not as big of deal?

Negative. Doing some weight training and a swim today to do some non-impact aerobic activity. Off tomorrow. Little run Wednesday, probably a recovery spin Thursday, light swim Friday, off Saturday, striders Sunday, work myself over on Monday.

The weight stuff also helps stretch me out a bit, just get the muscle recruitment down right. :D

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I don't think the tents are big enough to cover everyone if it's raining. Arrive early and/or bring rain gear.

The bag check isn't really a line. There are dozens of school buses and you hand your gear bag through a window of the school bus--each window is designated for a range of numbers (you'll retrieve it at the same window). I've never had to wait more than a minute or two.

One note: I always forget to take off one piece of clothing (typically my cap) before checking my bag. Double check your wardrobe! My loss is the homeless shelter's gain :-)

I just checked weather.com and....uh-oh!:

http://www.weather.com/...tenday/USMA0046:1:US

That 80 had damn well better be a typo!

That would be AWESOME!! The DC weather for the weekend is high 70s low 80s and our forecast is pretty good usually. I've been following Boston weather when we have hot days for the past month and it's usually about 10 degrees cooler so maybe..

I'm crossing my fingers. For the warm weather wimps, it won't be 80 til 4 something in the afternoon so with that type of high I'd expect high 60s to low 70s during the race. Boston folks can confirm weekend forecast accuracy and estimated temps during the marathon time of day.

That will be nice and toasty run!

No.


Ten more!

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I call BS on the 80, and much prefer the high of 62 on Accuweather

http://www.accuweather.com/...orecast/348735?day=6

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"No more hurting people - Peace"

Dude, I'm most certainly with you on that one. 80 degrees would blow me up. Most sites are showing 62-68 degrees. It's all theoretical until about 1-2 days before anyway. Still, weather.com can take that 80 and jam it up its starfish.

2007 was my first. Pissed the rain all weekend, and the only part of Boston we saw was from the hotel room.
Started the race with wet shoes, that really sucked.

This will be my first since '09.
I've been doing some runs outside inthe cold, and some on the treadmill with a plastic bag to force some minor overheating.
Feel like i'm prepared for any weather at this point.

Staying MUCH closer to downtown than I ever have, can't wait to actually sleep a little later and walk to the buses for once.

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til

Super jealous. Last day on the boards was mid-March here in Maine, when we had that freak run of super-warm weather. Got out and had a blast, but then everything went down the tubes.

That said, compiling forecasts this morning:

Wunderground: 52 degrees, getting cooler as the day goes on into the mid 40s. Chance of showers. Light, variable winds.
AccuWeather: 62 degrees, cloudy. Wind from the North at 15, changing to NE with gusts to 26+
Weather Channel: 75 degrees, sunny, humid. Wind from the WNW at 13, lightening throughout the day.
NWS: 71 degrees, sunny, light winds from the west.

In other words...it's still a crapshoot. Hoping I could run tomorrow in the gear I plan on running in Boston...but with the weather that variable, who knows. At the rate we're going, it'll snow.

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Keep in mind those temps you are listing are all the forecast high temps. The forecast low temps are much lower. With the 10am start (for first corral) most will be finished before the high is reached.

To properly obsess over this we really need to study the hourly forecasts :-)

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"No more hurting people - Peace"

We were there in 2007. Wore a pair of old shoes for the mud fest before the race, had dry pairs in a bag. My wife and I changed shoes in the gym before the race. Worked out great, well except for the 50 mile an hour wind gusts.

Don't worry, been looking at those too. Also know it can heat up quite quickly in the Boston area. Lots of the hourly's would suggest we'd be seeing close to the temperatures posted by 11AM to 12PM...so right in line for most in this thread to experience it.

As for Hopkinton race morning:
Weather Channel: 50 degree low overnight, warming to mid-60s by gun time.
Wunderground: 54 degree high overnight with the temperature plummeting throughout the day.
AccuWeather: Low of 51 overnight, warming to 60 by gun time. Wind from the North.

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That's good to know. Just hit all the local Fox, NBC, CBS and ABC channels forecasts and they all say warm for Monday. I'm still crossing my fingers that it's warm so we get a nice comfortable wait at the start and nice temp for the whole race, IMHO.

Now let's hope they're going to stock enough water/gatorade at the aid stations so we don't get a Chicago experience from a couple of years ago.

Having walked past some of the aid stations in Brookline at 2 PM (so, we're talking heart of Wave 3 here) the aid stations all still had a TON of water and Gatorade available.

The one thing that I found surprising is that there's the single gel station listed at mile 16. Guess I'll be rocking a flask for 'em. Much prefer a flask than individual packets if I have to carry them myself.

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Good to know. I'm carrying 4 gels with me and plan on grabbing 2 at mile 16 for later in the race.

Hope you like the PowerBar gels. I'm actually in love with them, so it all works out for me. (Being a Team Elite member also has its perks...)

Will rely on Kona Punch in the flask. Might have one individual Tangerine with me for the caffeine towards the end of things.

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That sounds like a lot. How many hours do you plan to hang out there?

I hope the weather will be either truly miserable (shall I say "epic"?) or perfect. Half assed weather plus half assed shape are the worst combination.

Oh, fun question for everyone:

If it's hot

1) Run without singlet and be comfortable but look like a dick or

2) Keep the singlet on, have it stick to your body and be warmer but don't look like a dick?

For me, there is no shirt that would be more cooling than no shirt. I train without shirt (not on city streets) but have never raced without.

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CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK

It's just works for me on the whole marathon nutrition thing. I take one every 4 miles and really don't drink gatorade during the race but if it's hot I'll probably grab some here and there. I've usually carry 6 and it's not a big deal at all. Heck I usually go with a 4 bottle nathan belt but since Boston is just for fun I'll take the extra time at various aid stations to get the needed water for the gel. I'm an outlier when it comes to nutrition but after numerous crash and burns nutrition wise this works for me. My goal is an easy 3:10-3:15 marathon depending on how long it takes me to get through Wellesley or if I feel fast anytime during the race. It usually breaks down to a gel every 30 minutes or so for me.


Lucky, I'm a PowerGel guy so it works for me. Any hopes for them having caffeine PowerGels at the aid station? Like Strawberry-banana or one of the other caffeine flavors?

Same here on the nutrition front: 4 gels in the flask, 1 on the side. No Gatorade unless it's super hot. PowerBar gels are fantastic. And I'm almost positive that they will be caffeinated on course. But that's why I'm bringing the spare caffeinated one as a safety valve.

As for the singlet business: I'm going to be "that guy" in the tri top. Why?

1. More comfortable than any other singlet or shirt that I own
2. Rear pockets to toss the flask and the spare gel
3. Does a better job cooling me off
4. Don't care if I dump a whole bunch of water over my head
5. Doesn't chafe
6. Sponsorship dictates a few things that I wear. Don't own complying other garments.

That, and running shirtless at Boston? Poor form. :P

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I'll probably be the only one in a long sleeve shirt. ;) But will you go with conventional running shorts? I'm going with tri-shorts under my conventional running shorts. I've got problem hammies so the compression of the Desoto tri-shorts will help plus keep them warm.

Same here. Tri short under the splits to reduce chafing. I'll go the tri top with arm warmers if it's chillier.

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I go with the 4 pocket Desoto's and put my gels and salt in those. I'm not sure what the heck I'll do on top if it's going to be 80. I hadn't planned on a tri top but it does work better for me if it's really warm.

For nutrition, I like gel flasks on the bike, not to carry on the run so I wear a race belt with 4 gels fastened there.
Plan to pick up 2 at PowerGel station, probably will only need 1 of those.

I used to use PowerGel only, but I need a little protein these days.
Not sure if it's age or what, but I usually feel like stopping for a sandwich after about 20 miles of running. And no, it's not because I'm out there longer.
Protein helps stifle the hunger.

What starting corral are you guys in?
Expected finish time?

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Has anyone ever tried to spectate the race by bike? I've come up with a general plan, starting around mile 6, by looking at maps etc, but if someone has actually done it (and gotten around all the road closures) that would be great to know. I haven't come up with another plan to see my runner more than twice since the trains aren't going to be allow me to get from one place to another quick enough.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I'm with Uli on this one - you guys with the 4 gels are practically having a buffet. Is this an ironman phenomenon or something? I just do gatorade. The math works really simply based on calories burned and consumed, and the fluid keeps me hydrated, so it's a 2-for-1 benefit. I just dont see the need for the gels. To each his own I suppose though....

I don't think you wouldn't be able to bike on the course or the sidewalks (too crowded), but in some parts, they only close half the road, so you could bike on the other side. You'd have to figure out where those spots are--I know in Wellesley the whole road is closed, but I think they only close half of Comm Ave in Newton and half of Beacon Street in Brookline. Make sure you know what side your runner will be on (or what side you will be on so they can try to run on that side) you'd be amazed at how many people there are, especially in the first 16 miles.

It's just a bonking thing for me. I've failed to numerous times during the marathon to consume enough calories. The other bonus is the caffeine for me late in the race really helps me feel stay focused. For me another thing is drinking out of the mini-cups on the fly doesn't work too well for me.

Thanks for the info. I was definitely not planning on biking on the course :-) . But more like detouring away from course, then back to course intersection, away from course, back to course, etc .. so I can stop and spectate, then bike on to another spot 4 miles up the road.

You should definitely be able to do that. The roads tend to close right at the end before they hit the course--they only really close the roads that the race is on. The hard part would be getting from one side to the other--pretty much impossible, even on a bike.

Getting from one side of the road to another is apparently NOT that difficult.

Some d!ckhead (name withheld to avoid derailing) had an entourage that leapfrogged me several times in '08; getting from one side of the road to another for many spectators apparently means just running out in front of anyone that gets in the way of taking a picture...had that happen several times.

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It did snow there last weekend. Tim

Gatorade on its own makes me vomit. And I'm not exaggerating. It just does a number on me. So I do water and gels instead. Same electrolyte balance, probably the same number of calories. Just what works for my stomach to get from point A to point B.

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I do four gels for the marathon distance. Tim

I also try to take around 4 gels but I don't do it for the calories really. You can't keep up with the calories no matter what you do. That's not really the point of it for me.

I don't "take a gel at mile X". I have a gel in my hand for probably at least the first 20 miles of the race. I take a little bit from time to time, just to get the sugar on my tongue (try to grab a little water with it when I can). It's amazing the boost that gives me. It took me many marathons to notice it but simply getting some sugar on my tongue always seems to give me a short boost of energy, even before my body could possibly process it.

There's long been the theory (popularized by Noakes who is a bit of fanatic about it) that in endurance competitions like the marathon, your body is trying to keep you from releasing available energy reserves in its effort to protect you. So I figured that maybe frequently just getting some sugar on my tongue would "trick" my body (what Noakes calls the "Central Governor") into releasing energy reserves it was trying to protect. I remember seeing a Pub Med Study or two that reported good results from a similar approach. So I tried it. I'll be damned if it doesn't work. It certainly seems to work for me anyway.

Even if there's nothing to it, the approach of constantly taking little bits of gel works better for me anyway: After too much gatorade, I start to retch. And I have found I can't just take a full gel over a short distance or I start getting cramps. So I just keep the gel there all the time. I even try to do all my training runs with my keys in my hand, to keep me used to always holding something while running.

One side benefit is that the approach even tells me if I am pushing too hard: I've noticed that when I do, I tense up, my hand squeezes, and I end up with gel all over my hand. It's a good warning signal

I take a caffinated one (Carb-boom van-orange) about every 40 minutes. I find that it keeps me focused, doped and positive thinking. It's also a nice reminder to make sure that I've consumed some fluids every 40 min. I've had success with that formula and I haven't crapped myself yet, so I sticking with it.

A kinda neat tradition is that a ton of people bike the course early morning. Last year we left from the finish line, rode to Hopkington and then back to Boston. No one gives you a hard time. You get a nice 52mi ride in on roads that are pretty much closed. I don't remember exactly what time we started but it was pretty early. You could do that and then rove around the course by bike. Agreed with the other posters that you won't be able to be on the sidewalks of the course, it's too crowded, but with a map you should be able to get around.

Spot on!

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I hear you. And no doubt you can't replenish the lost glycogen calories. I just grab 3-4 oz of gatorade at every mile up to about mile 24. That's about 75-80 ozs during the entire run. With gatorade that's about 450-475 calories consumed during the race, which is enough based on my expected % calories from fat. I might carry one gel strictly for insurance but I usually don't need it. On my longest training runs of 24 miles (typically done at MP + 60-75 sec) I consume zero calories with no problems.

WOW!! You must process what you have really well. I'd be on the side of the road crawling home if I tried that. No wonder you think we're piggin out with 4 or in my case 6 gels. ;)

JoeO, that's an interesting approach. I tried sipping a little each mile but it upset my stomach for some reason so I just go with the whole gel w/ water per 4 miles instead. Maybe in my next training block, I'll try it again as I agree that from a mental standpoint having some sweet caffeinated goodness regularly seems like a good approach.


Latest round of weather checks have Sunday being the warmest day with Monday in the low 70s. The best part IMHO is it shows a nice warm morning on Monday so as we wait in our corrals for race start there shouldn't be any shivering.

On a lot of my aerobic pace days, I'll just go with water. Stomach gets a touch unsettled, but I never feel like I'm bonking or anything.

I'm more of a sip every 30 minutes or so, which is why I prefer the flask over the individual packets.

Across the forecasts, a bunch more variability in temperature ranges: Weather Channel still suggests the highest peak, of about 74 degrees. Wunderground goes a bit cooler at 58, with AccuWeather at 61. All are including a wind from the west to northwest at 15 MPH+. But all are also suggesting pretty warm overnight temps from Sunday. Light morning clothes, it seems.

What're people doing in terms of time-line for breakfast? This is a pretty tough start time by my standards, as I'm used to being up on race morning at 4:15 to have breakfast for a 7 AM start...

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I'm bringing my liquid Infinit pre-race drink with me to the start area. 300 cals is all I do and nothing solid because I always have the pre-race butterflies.

I'll probably go with normal long-run breakfast in the morning, then try and nab half a bagel and a banana around 9 depending on how I'm feeling. It's just such a weird time for me nutritionally that coupled with the bus ride timing, it'll be interesting.

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I have a buddy that does that with sport beans. He keeps popping them one or two at a time throughout the marathon to keep something sweet in his mouth. I have trouble swallowing so I am always on the lookout for a way to get in calories and fluids. I will probably run with a 10oz Nathans bottle in a hand holder. If I try to put in more than a sip at a time I choke on whatever I'm drinking. It's a bit of a pain in the butt but that way I know that I'm getting in the fluids.

The weather forecast keeps getting better. It seems to change by the hour, though.

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John Snyder @URNotAsCoolAsMe

Noaa: Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.
Accuweather: low 49, high 60 Partly sunny, windy
weather.com 42, high 64 partly sunny

Not much to freak out over at the moment on race day, but I'm bringing my raincoat for the pre-race weekend activities. Plenty of indoor stuff to entertain a 6 year old in Boston, right?

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Nobody's constipated on race morning

The weather forecast keeps getting better. It seems to change by the hour, though.

As Mark Twain said, "if you don't like the weather in New England, wait a few minutes."

That would be a tailwind the entire way since the course is point-to-point. I'll take it as long as its not a downpour.

I had to make the decision this morning to drop out because of injury, and that just makes it even more depressing. Ironically, my 2007 race, which went exceptionally well for me, was into a headwind.

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Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
Which is probably why I was registering 59.67mi as I rolled into T2.

I we can just get the Sunday winds (15 mph from SW, according to weather.com) to hang on a bit longer, all will be perfect.

Yes, one benefit of many years of mostly aerobic high volume running is getting well trained at using fat for fuel. It helps a lot in a marathon.

How bad would a strong NW wind be? Technically it would be a "cross-tail" wind but that can be deceiving.

Bump to give this lame-ass thread some CPR. Come on, people, the race is basically just 4 days from now. Let's get this shit started. Where you from? When do you get to town? Where you staying? What's your wave and time goal? Who ya got for the win? What's your post race meal?

San Diego
Saturday
Mandarin Oriental
1, sub 2:50
Mutai
Regina pizza

DC
Thursday afternoon
Staying w/ a friend about half mile from the finish
Wave #1, 3:10ish depending on the Wellesley mile delay
Repeat winners from last year
Doritos

Latest weather from all the local news is uncertain due to a front. They even say they don't know. One forecast says it could be 64 in Hopkinton with 70 by noon but the wind starting to come off the coast by 2pm with 62. I got all the clothes packed for anything so hopefully by Sunday nights local forecasts we'll know. ;)

I guess if the wind starts to come off the coast later in the day, it just puts the emphasis on running fast so you don't have to deal with headwind the last miles. ;)

Here you go! 2nd time around. Just got here yesterday from SoCal with a swing through NJ, than NC before getting here yesterday.it's supposed to rain today though it will be dry they say. Staying a few blocks from the finish and am ready to run. Wave 1, 2nd coral. Bored till than, minus expo setup I'm
A lost tourist!

Pennsylvania
Friday night
Friends in Hopkinton
2, sub 3:00
Matebo
Baconator and Fries

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"if you chose it, it's not really pain"

Des Moines
Saturday (hoping the new packet pick up location is bigger)
Pancakes (only as a vehicle to get syrup from the plate to my mouth)
Wave 1, 2:55ish
A surprise winner
A big ass burger w/fries and onion rings and fries and fries.

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I *heart* weak, dumb ass people...

Yeah, the weather is a crap shoot. Be ready for anything. I'm hoping for dry and cool like most people. But if not cool, then at least dry and cloudy.

Harrisonburg, VA (Shenandoah Valley)
Arriving tomorrow, staying with friends in Cambridge
Wave 1, corral 2
I'll be happy with anything under 2:56:33, but low 2:55 would be nice
Mutai
Chipotle did me right last year

Did someone say there's a new packet pickup location?

Also, letsrun.com has an awesome series on the epic marathon action (Rotterdam, Boston, London) in the coming weekends. 4 sub-2:04 (and 2 other 2:04:xx) Kenyans competing for 3 Olympic spots.

The expo and packet pick up has moved to Seaport World Trade Center, not where it was the past few years...Hines I think?

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I *heart* weak, dumb ass people...

I live on the South Shore of Massachusetts, my wife will drive me to the starting line.

Wave 1, Corral 1. Hoping for a time in the mid-low 2:40s.

If Mutai is healthy I don't see him getting beat.

Taking the Green Line back out to Newton after the race to hit a bar with friends and family who will spend the morning on the side of Commonwealth Ave. Post race meal will probably be some chicken nachos and a few beers.

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Portside Athletics Blog

Thanks. I would have completely screwed that up and gone to last year's location.

Madison, wi
Friday night
Holiday Inn near the square
1, 2:57
Mutai, Benoit :)
Ice cold Coke and then whatever else I can handle. I always like a beer but it usually takes me a few hours before I can enjoy it.

NYC
Sunday
don't remember
1, 2:39
Gebremariam
soup first, burger later

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I'm not in this year's race, but will doing my first Boston Marathon in 2013. Good luck to very one doing the race. Post your results and impressions after the race. I will be lurking out there rooting for you all.

I'll be moving to Hingham in May and look forward to some good long runs on the course later this year.

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What I do: http://app.strava.com/athletes/345699

Now live in Portland, ME
Saturday arrival. Have a house in Brookline to use.
Wave 3. Hoping for 3:20s, but we'll see. (Working as a running retailer is beneficial. Occasionally.)
Mutai is a solid choice for the win. Women's race...no clue.
I am guaranteed to house an entire pizza + order of bread. Washed down with at least two beers.

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Editor-in-Chief, Slowtwitch.com | Twitter

Pittsfield, MA
Sunday afternoon
at My brother's place in Norwood
wave 1, 2:40 goal (though, the predicted temp's near 70deg F won't be helpful in this quest)
no food for the first 1/2 hour post race - my body will instantly reject it. Beer first. Then, I'll be on the prowl for a bigass nasty greasy burger + fries.

Bedford, MA (30 min drive to starting line)
Wave 1
Training indicates something around a 2:55-2:56
Mutai (unless he trips on the train tracks after BC)
Cookout at my place for family and friends!

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Blog: http://262toboylstonstreet.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/NateThomasTri
Coaching: https://bybtricoaching.com/ - accepting athletes for 2023

Beer first - fantastic! I'm with you on that. Good luck on the 2:40. I'm prepared to adjust 5-10 min if needed too based on the fickle weather.

Hey Printer-

I live in Cohasset, next town over from Hingham. Where are you moving from? Feel free to drop me a PM when you move to the area, I just moved here in November and having done much riding in the area as Boston has been my focus, but there are plenty of great roads and trails for running and I am looking forward to exploring around by bike once the marathon is in the rearview.

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Portside Athletics Blog

We're moving to the Shipyard from Chapel Hill, NC in mid-May. I'll send a PM. Have a great race.

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What I do: http://app.strava.com/athletes/345699

My wife and I looked at the Shipyard before we ended up moving to Cohasset. I take the ferry from there into the city every morning, a couple great restaurants in there and a good bar as well.

Thanks for the well wishes, I am sure I'll see you in the south shore.

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Portside Athletics Blog

Madison, WI
Not getting in until Sunday
Staying @ Park Plaza Hotel
Wave 1, corral 2, hope to go sub-3 at least
Mutai (hard to pick against him), Kilel for the women
No real meal plans, but gotta get a milkshake post-race.

Weather is looking decent for Boston, but will have to watch the winds. Accuweather now says ENE winds @ 15 mph on Monday...Gonna depend on how quickly the storm system moves through I guess.

I tried to ignore the weather last time I ran a marathon. Ended in an ambulance drive to a Japanese emergency room after the finish.

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No kidding. Looks INSANELY warm for Monday now. Like, mid-80s warm.

That confirms me in a tri top, then...and dumping water over my head roughly every mile.

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Editor-in-Chief, Slowtwitch.com | Twitter

Jesus, who said 'ignore'? I'm willing to adjust by up to 30 sec per mi based on an up to 80 degree cloudy day. If it gets warmer and/or sunnier then I'll bend further I suppose. But until I look at the forecast at 4am on Monday 4/16 I'm not going to fret too much over it.

San Diego
Saturday
Friend's place
Wave 1, corral 1, under trained so just having fun especially if it's hot
Geb/Kilel. Excited to see where Wesley finishes.
Pretzel m&ms and endurox.

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tweets.

Speaking of our forecasts, here's this morning's run from the usual sources:

Hopkinton
Weather Channel: upper 50s at 7 AM, warming to high 60s for gun time. High of 78. Wind out of the SW. Low humidity.
Wunderground: mid 60s early. Warming to mid 80s by the gun. High of 90. SW wind 10-15 MPH.
AccuWeather: 70 degrees at the start. High of 82. (not reached till 3 PM). SW winds 15+ with gusts over 30.

Boston
All forecasts pretty much the same from their sources above. Adding in the local Boston stations.
WHDH: To quote their page: "On your mark, get set, MELT." 88, humid, record-setting temps possible.
WCVB: Cold front won't make it down, resulting in mid-80s temps.

So...uh...guess I should hop in the sauna for my bike ride, right? Heat training?

If it holds true, I'll throw every single one of my time goals out the window and just have a blast.

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Editor-in-Chief, Slowtwitch.com | Twitter

This wouldn't be so bad if the race was in September and we had the entire summer to acclimatize. Oh well, as long as we have a tailwind and the temps don't reach 80 degree by 1pm then I won't fuss.

With the mild east coast spring, I've luckily run all my 18 milers in high 60s / low 70s temperatures so this weather is gonna be perfect. I couldn't have asked for better for my first ever Boston. I love the heat anyway so I'm stocked.

What's everyone's warmup strategy? I usually run for 10-15 minutes prior to the start but it seems like we head to our corrals around 45 minutes before gun time. So you're stuck standing with little movement for at least 30 minutes or more.

I think it's just going to be a day where you need to listen to your body, and stay in front of your hydration and nutrition plan. The margin for error in race execution is slimmer as the mercury rises, IMO. If you plan well, and execute well, the performance will still be there. It may not be the time goal that you had set in front of yourself a few days or weeks before, but you can still execute an excellent race.

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Editor-in-Chief, Slowtwitch.com | Twitter

I don't want a tailwind on a hot day. If the tailwind is 8 mph, we're all running in still air.

88 Degrees shown for Monday on local NBC Forecast... Re-thinking fuel strategy...

Does anyone know if BAA can organize tubs of ice and sponges for 30,000 runners on short notice?

On Amtrak right now, left Lynchburg, VA this AM.
First time we've done the Amtrak ride, hopefully more relaxing than a 13 hour car ride!
Get to Boston this afternoon.

Wave 1, c 5.
2:55, might have to back off that a bit, with the forecast. I'll be disappointed if I'm over 3. Sounds like a whole lot of ST is shooting for the same range finishing time.

Mutai, women's race Dunno for the win.

Post race, Sam Adams will be a primary nutritional element, then food, in that order.

Monday, Apr 16

Warmer
85°F|56°F

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"You can keep going and your legs might hurt for a week or you can quit and your mind will hurt for a lifetime."
Mark Allen - Ironman

Oh for fuck's sake, Weather Underground forecast for Newton on Monday.

Monday
Mostly cloudy in the morning, then partly cloudy. High of 93F. Winds from the SW at 10 to 15 mph.

I spent 4 days in Florida 3 weeks ago running outside in 80 degree temperatures, hoping the body got some heat acclimation. Definitely not going to need the arm warmers I bought a couple weeks ago. Looking like shorts, singlet, and a hat to keep the sun off my head and face.

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Portside Athletics Blog

Perhaps I'll freeze a couple of bottles of Poland Spring and stick 'em in my back pocket to help keep me cool.

Or, I'll just melt. Either one works.

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Editor-in-Chief, Slowtwitch.com | Twitter

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that. Quite the contrary: sound strategy on your part. I've tried the other way and it didn't work.

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CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK

Man the forecast just keeps deteriorating. Think I'll treat this as a long training run and carry whatever marathon fitness I have into June by signing up for San Diego rock and roll. Stay safe, everyone.

Hello all,

I am somewhat of a novice to this endurance stuff (2 Bostons, 1 NYC, all slow so far) and wanted to see what advice you guys have for a race in these types of temps. All of my race thus far have been at most in the mid-50's so far. I have done a few sprint tri's and a bunch of 5ks in searing heat but this is a whole new ballgame. I was expecting awful heat for my first 70.3 in July but this will be quite a shock and my experience in the heat is minimal.

Any advice/tips aside from hydrating like mofo? Like I said, I am not a complete newbie but this is unexpected and all of my training/racing has been in the fall/winter/spring.

Thanks.

Here's a local station's detailed marathon forecast FWIW:
http://boston.cbslocal.com/...forecast-88-degrees/

I'm staying with someone who ran the last super hot one in 2004 but that was when they still started at noon and he said it was tough out there.

Too late for me to move my treadmill to the sauna. I'm researching cryokinesis.

I am definitely in PR shape, which makes a forecast like this frustrating. I don't want to be stupid, but I don't want to give away too much time by slowing down either. I am relatively small (154 pounds) and handle the heat pretty well. Granted, I've never raced a marathon in these conditions, but summer training runs in the mid-80's never see my pace slow significantly.

I was aiming to run 6:15s, recommendations range from 15-30 seconds per mile and more. I am not to keen to run 6:45s and regret it if I have a lot left in the tank, yet I don't want to shoot for 6:30s, and end up walking the last few miles (or worse) and wishing I had just run the 6:45s and finished.

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Portside Athletics Blog

Well it really depends on your past races in heat. It sounds like you may run in heat fine but have you had any key workouts in the mild spring during this training block? You could go at your goal pace for the first half and do your best to be conscious of getting enough hydration and possible cooling. At that point re-address your question and see if it makes sense to continue to push the edge or back off. Of course, this will be mentally tough to be honest with yourself at that point in the race.

Good luck and hope it comes together for you.

Well it really depends on your past races in heat. It sounds like you may run in heat fine but have you had any key workouts in the mild spring during this training block? You could go at your goal pace for the first half and do your best to be conscious of getting enough hydration and possible cooling. At that point re-address your question and see if it makes sense to continue to push the edge or back off. Of course, this will be mentally tough to be honest with yourself at that point in the race.

Good luck and hope it comes together for you.

Thanks, I just don't have many past, long races in the heat to draw from. Really a half-marathon and below I make zero nutrition or hydration concerns as it's over before that becomes a factor.

I do a lot of my key workouts on the treadmill in a bright, sunny room, I often wish the treadmill didn't get so much sun, but am now glad it does :-) Mostly marathon and tempo pace work, so it's not like I've been running in 30 degree weather, plenty of runs at 70 or so with the sun coming in the window. Spent 4 days in south Florida a few weeks ago and while I didn't do any big workouts, got 40 miles in over 4 days running most days in the middle of the day when it was 80+.

It's looking like 70ish when we leave Hopkinton, and low 80s when we get to Boston. I think my reasonable marathon pace is about 6:07-6:09. I was planning to go out in 6:15s anyway, just to account for the nature of the Boston course. I may plan to stick with that and take your suggestion of assessing halfway through, if it's low 70s and we get any cloud cover and I am running 6-8 seconds slower than MP I may feel alright. If not, hopefully I won't be so far in the hole that throttling back won't be able to save me at that point.

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Portside Athletics Blog

Bummer about the Boston forecast. Keep in mind that that pavement will be even hotter than the air temp; and the course is so crowded you won't have a breath of wind out on the roadway unless maybe you're in the first corral where the field is more spread out.

Unless you've been training in 80+ temperatures, I'd back way off the pace just to survive.

BrokenSpoke

from my point of view you have three choices:
- adjust the pace and not PR
- go for and not PR cause u blow up
- go for and PR at least by 1sec on a tough day

IMHO adjust your nutrition for the weather and go for it!

good luck to all you guys racing Boston!

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The entire event (IM) is like "death by 1000 cuts" and the best race is minimizing all those cuts and losing less blood than the other guy. - Dev

Just forget about it. I don't think 154lbs is small for a runner (I'm 6'1/158).

I said it before: I tried to ignore warm weather and it ended in the hospital. Granted, jet lag may have been a factor but it wasn't even nearly 80. Maybe 70. I came off a 2:33 PR in NYC a year earlier and wanted to run 2:30 in Fukuoka. Judging from my training and races, the fitness was there to have a shot at 2:30 but I absolutely detonated and had to even stop at M20. I crawled in at 2:42, started vomiting immediately and was carried away by an ambulance to a hospital. Not fun at all.

I will run purely by feel. No watch. Finishing a Boston in this kind of heat, even if it is 10 mins. slower than what you could have done in last year's ideal conditions, will be an achievement. If you are still putting out 6:10s/6:15s on the last 6 miles, you will fly past people who detonate.

If you race this one smart, you'll have a better chance than ever to place relatively high up. Top100 in 2004, the last really hot year, was a pedestrian 2:47ish compared to 2:30ish last year. Keep that in mind.

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CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK

Bummer about the Boston forecast.

There's an old saying about Boston weather forecasts: If you don't like the forecast, just wait 15 minutes and check it again.

I must admit, though, that the most recent forecast makes me feel not quite as bad about having to sit out the race.

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Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
Which is probably why I was registering 59.67mi as I rolled into T2.

Just forget about it. I don't think 154lbs is small for a runner (I'm 6'1/158).

I know it's not small, I just said relatively small, at 6'1" 154 I am not a whippet like an elite runner, but I am not a big guy who gets crushed when the temps go above 60, that's all I am saying.

I said it before: I tried to ignore warm weather and it ended in the hospital. Granted, jet lag may have been a factor but it wasn't even nearly 80. Maybe 70.

I don't plan to ignore the heat, just trying to guage how much of a factor it will be. For me, 70 is no problem, I have done many 18-20 milers on hilly terrain in mid-day summer heat without problem. Granted, racing a marathon when it's 80 is different than training when it's 70, but I do Ok in the heat, although I know Monday will be a different beast.

If you race this one smart, you'll have a better chance than ever to place relatively high up. Top100 in 2004, the last really hot year, was a pedestrian 2:47ish compared to 2:30ish last year. Keep that in mind.

Totally agree with that, although people only ask and care about your time, my goal for Monday will be focused on my placing. I finished 445 last year and with running a smart race, despite the fast field, hope to improve on that this year.

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Portside Athletics Blog

Time goals are out the window. Don't even think about "forcing" yourself to stay below a particular pace. Take whatever pace the day gives you.

The last time Boston was this hot (at least as hot as they're saying it's going to be this year) I stubbornly clung to my goal pace. Managed to hold it for almost 10 miles. 11 pounds later I crossed the line 30 minutes behind my original goal and at least 20 minutes behind what should have been easy for me even in those conditions. I passed out on the sidewalk afterwards and took an unplanned nap. Was not the same person again for months.

In a marathon I do. Maybe I have to shed those 4lbs. Heck, scratch that 'maybe'.

Quote:

Granted, racing a marathon when it's 80 is different than training when it's 70, but I do Ok in the heat, although I know Monday will be a different beast.

I've trained for a marathon while staying in Kona. Not good!



No one cares about your time or placing. Gotta do what motivates you for whatever reason. It's still my goal to get Top100 in Boston after I did it in NYC. Maybe Monday will be day for me because I don't actually have to run a 2:31 to achieve that! Perseverance over speed.

See you Monday

Uli

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CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK

Thanks for the reality chexk Joe, appreciate it.

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Portside Athletics Blog

I want bib numbers and your goals for the race posted here! If you post your bib number, I'm gonna track you. And, I want you to know that we're watching you. I hope that gives you a little bit more motivation for Monday.

Have a great race.

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What I do: http://app.strava.com/athletes/345699

Personally, in a race like Boston where you are seeded by your qualifying time, my primary goal is to outperform my bib number. My bib number is over 7000, and would be absolutely thrilled if I am in the top 7,000 (especially since I'm not in PR condition). This relies on running the best race for the conditions. Therefore, my advice to everyone is to try and hold your original pace for as long as you can, no matter what the weather is ;).

As I put earlier in the thread, 26723. Really running as a "victory lap" of sorts, so just going to go out there, have a blast, try and stay safe, and if times come together, awesome.

Well, looks like we're locked into the warmth. The positive side of the equation: looks like a big old southwest wind again. 15 MPH + sustained with gusts to close to 30.

If anybody's around tonight and wants to grab a beer, or will be at the expo tomorrow and wants to chill for a couple of minutes, shoot me a PM.

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Editor-in-Chief, Slowtwitch.com | Twitter

#478

1 - 2:29 - in my dreams
2 - 2:35 - solid race - not happening
3 - 2:39:59 - at least sub2:40 - too hot, unlikely
4 - 2:41:59 - qualify for Fukuoka - doable
5 - 2:44:59 - qualify for NYC 2013 - oh please, that should be possible in 100F!
6 - finish - who knows?

Top100 is another goal. Let's see what time will actually be needed. Could be pedestrian.

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Thanks for the insight. I am working with a very experienced coach so I do have that going for me. In prior marathons I would have been going by pace only but now I just go by heart rate mostly while also paying attention to my perceived exertion. I am going to just cruise in Z2 and wherever that leads me is where I'll end up. Under ideal conditions I was shooting for a 3:30-3:45 so hopefully that is still achievable (I think it is).

My bib is 23374. Yes I am one of those charity folks and I am proud of it. I have great respect for those who can qualify but I am just not there yet. I really enjoy doing non-profit work and through this program I am able to raise money and also participate in an amazing event.

In the past month I have started to get burnt out and have been saying this is my last Boston for a while. I am sure once I cross the finish line that will go out the window and I will start thinking about next year, it is just that awesome to run this race.

Bib #3584.

With the great weather, I'm gonna go for it. I'm shooting for a sub 3 hour race. Sure not lightening fast but would make me feel like I haven't lost that much from my PR of 2:50. The crowds, the tailwind and the best weather conditions for me out of any of marathons including Ironmans will hopefully get me there.

So are you thinking 20-30 seconds per mile above ideal temperature pace as an estimate?

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Portside Athletics Blog

I love reading the posts on your individual goals. Also, the weather may be warm on Monday, but, at least, it's looking like the humidity will be low.

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What I do: http://app.strava.com/athletes/345699

I have no idea. I just run and see what happens.

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CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK

1837
Overdid it 3 weeks ago so staying positive
Sub 3
Smiling all the way regardless

Another charity guy here... Hoping by 2014 I could be there as a qualifier (I'll get an extra 5 mins by then too, unless they change the times again), but in the meantime it is a great way to contribute to a charity I am deeply passionate about - Children's Hospital Boston.

Blew up 2 years ago running for Children's, then was injured last year and didn't register. Goal is to not blow up... Sub-4, hoping for 3:45, was goal, but I am going to follow the "time goal out the window" advice and just check HR and feel.

Bib is 22079.

As a avid lurker and rare poster (only when I know what I am talking about, which is rare), thanks to all for the good and sometimes great advice (and the smack talk too) on all endurance related matters.

What's the temp gonna be in hopkinton at 10am?

As long as its still in the upper 60's then I'll feel ok.

Most local news is reporting 70 for the 10am start...

The BAA just sent out the deferment program and a plea for non-experienced runners not to run the race due to the heat. I wasn't expecting that. I guess they don't want a Chicago situation although Chicago was heat and lack of aid.

I was done running at 9:30 here in town and trust me no gloves , arm warmers, winter hat needed!

just got an email from the BAA and because of the heat they are letting runners defer to Boston 2013. Its supposed to be 87 as a high and 15 mph winds from the southwest according to weather.com. They need to pay the entry fees again and they do not need to requalify. I've never heard of that before, but I'm still planning on running it.

Now I'm getting excited. This could be my best shot ever to place in the Top100. Really folks, weather like that can bring excitement and opportunities like the tailwind last year. As triathletes, you guys know better how to deal with heat than runners because you run long distances during the summer.

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CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK

BAA Allowing runners to defer because of possible conditions:

http://www.boston.com/...unners_to_defer.html

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"You can keep going and your legs might hurt for a week or you can quit and your mind will hurt for a lifetime."
Mark Allen - Ironman

What are folks here thinking? I'm on the fence about deferring!

If you are not going out to set a personal record , then just run a nice race ar a comfortable pace and enjoy the atmosphere you would otherwise miss if you were looking at your watch all day.
Besides you can always say you were there.

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"You can keep going and your legs might hurt for a week or you can quit and your mind will hurt for a lifetime."
Mark Allen - Ironman

x2

There are now even more reasons to run than not to. It's not like you wouldn't have to pay again next year. And if you _just_ about qualified, you wouldn't be worrying about your time anyway, right?

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x 3

I was glad I ran the 2010 Queens Half in 86 degrees (30C), though it was about 15 minutes more than my normal time. As a benchmark of ability. I'd be very happy having done it were I doing Boston this year. From what I'm hearing, Boston will be about that.

Consensus seems to be, you're local without the travel overhead, then defer. Got hotels and flights invested? Do it.

Deferring is for pussies. Is being a pussy what made you a boston qualifier? No. So just slow down and do the race. Boston generally isn't a PR course anyway. Enjoy the day and compete in the way it will allow.

This! Always good advice, but especially when running in weather you have haven't trained in. Of course, it does require some experience.

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blog
twitter

Yea I already bought the jacket so in poker terms I'm pot committed.

HAHA, x2.

And I took the tags off and threw away the receipt, so I've got to cross that finish line!

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Portside Athletics Blog

Just bumped into Lance in the lobby of my hotel. Looking fit and hanging with a couple of hotties. Like him or not, the dude is living the dream.

I still have the jacket from 2007 which I dropped out of. I still wear it.

Definitely going for it tomorrow. Going out around 6:30 pace and re-evaluate at 18 miles if I have anything left After heartbreak hill I am bombing the rest. Shooting for sub 2:50.
I was just in phoenix last week running in 93 degree weather.

Why not? You paid for it.

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CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK

Yes, please. Do that.

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CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK

the elite women just hit the course, the elite mens race starts at 10am

http://universalsports.com/...athon-april-16-2012/

I wouldn't mind being as rich but I'm THANKFUL I'm not famous.

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Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

Who?

women's pace through 5k is 2 minutes slower than last year!

Nice way to create artificial demand for next years race. I've run 4 hot marathons in 80+ degree weather.. not including Iron trots in 80+ Offering a deferment has pretty much eliminated the last shred of credibility that the BAA had with me. The best years of this race, are now in the rear view mirror. I ran the inaugural Georgia ING marathon where temps were 87, in March. No acclimatization was possible and the event ran out of water on the course. I still ran just a few minutes slower than goal.

anyone know the guy in the lead?
what is he up to?

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Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

Tall, dark horse Matthew Kisorio

Holy sh&t Wes Korir just won Boston. What a race. This couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. I see him training and at local races here in Louisville. I can't wait to here about the race.

And nice finish for Jason Hartman in 4th. I remember when he was only the second best guy on his high school track & cross country teams.

Whats amazing is dudes 6"3 165, thats a pro triathletes physique! Would be cool to see what he could do in an Ironman, if he could bike, maybe do a sub 2:30 run.

normally that would be a little bit amazing, but on a hot day it is REALLY amazing.

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Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

If Uli's last name is Steidl, he ran 2:23 and won M40-44..... WOW

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John

Uli wore Bib# 478

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What I do: http://app.strava.com/athletes/345699

Heatwave in boston what 75F? if the Hawaii Ironman had deferals like the 8% increase in DNS this year at boston they be less then 500 on the starting line at hawaii with the 90F+ temps ;-)

no sorry then, the ST Uli ran 2:53. 294th O/A. 1:21 half and about 1:33 2nd half

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John

high of 87 today apparently

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Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

I finished 2 mins slower than last year. The heat didn't bother me too much. However, it probably was more of a factor than I give it credit. For example, I don't recall my quads feeling nearly as thrashed the previous two years. I'm thinking some slight cramping may have been the culprit and clearly the heat contributed to cramping.

The non-stop sun w/ no shade bothered me more.

I hope everyone makes it home today aokay.

When I saw him I was like that guy is huge compared to the other runners. Then they said he was 6'3" 160-165. I am 3-4 inches shorter and 5 pounds lighter and people call me skinny. Wasn't he high school teammates with Dathan Ritzenhein? That isn't a bad guy to be behind.

Yup, deathmarch. The lack of training showed.

To the guy comparing this to Ironman: at IM you run half an hour slower which makes digestion a lot easier.

I've finished a Kona in the top100 but a 70F marathon in Japan ended in a hospital.

Completly different ball game.
2
Hartmann is a hard man.

Now when folks call me skinny at 6'5" and 160, but called Jason at 6'3" and 160 heavy, I can just say I am heavy like Jason. :o)

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Dave Campbell | Facebook | @DaveECampbell | h2ofun@h2ofun.net

Boom Nutrition code 19F4Y3 $5 off 24 pack box | Bionic Runner | PowerCranks | Velotron | Spruzzamist

Lions don't lose sleep worrying about the sheep

Well I suck and went down in a big ball of flames today. I'm gonna stop thinking I can run fast and just shut my pathetic mouth.

Congrats to all the real ST runner studs who crushed it out there today.

uli steidl is an elite ultramarathoner. a lot of these top ultra marathoners are sub 2h30 marathon guys.

I just respect you guys for giving it a shot. It's like baseball, we can go play again tomorrow.

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What I do: http://app.strava.com/athletes/345699

I tried to take it easy and save my legs for San Diego in June. But the heat really affected me today. I ran ~3:15 (slow for me) but still had hammered quads and some serious cramping in the last 2 miles. The pace I ran today would be pedestrian for me on a long training run. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I'm pretty wiped right now.

Congrats to everyone that decided to run and hung in there on a tough day.

I hear ya. My quads starting complaining big time at mile 10. I just couldn't do anything so I just focused on finishing. Even with a bunch of walking my legs are totally wiped out

Same here. I was chatting away to other guys while reduced to a comical shuffle. I ran uphill faster than downhill. Part of it is going undertrained into Boston but maybe there's more to it in that heat. I've never gone out so slow before.

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Why are our quads so thrashed?

Dehydration + 26.2 miles = cramping in quads = thrashed quads?

Folks, we're staying at the Westin and I've heard non-stop ambulance runs all afternoon. I hope these are for heat exhaustion, not heat stroke or worse.

My wife is an athletic trainer and was one of the volunteers at the 2010 race. even on the more normal race days, they still get tons of ambulance calls all day due to hydration issues because they run out of beds and rooms to give IVs, severe cramping they cant solve onsite, etc. im hoping its just that, as so many folks were given warning to hydrate better. Plus, with DNS at double the normal rate due to the deferment option, hopefully the most at risk folks stayed home.

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You don't have to like what I say but you should respect my right to say them and I'll do the same to you.

Was it just me or did it seem like the water stops were non-existent over the last last 4 miles?

Most years I wouldn't even notice. I was completely reling on the goodwill of spectators for water inside 35k.

They were very much there. Every single mile plus all the generous spectators in between.

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I must have missed them, I was seeing floating stars inside 35k.

Regarding that 30 minute rule you mention I think that's debatable, if you reverse that, Mark Allen we all know ran a 2:40 in Kona,but failed to go under 2:25 to qualify for the Olympic trial(92 Barcelona) from what I've read. Guess that's only 1 example but from the best Kona time.
I'm sure for amateurs 30 min more than applies,pros might be around 20? And guess that all depends how hard you go on the bike

My main beef was no water stops til mile 3 of the race. I was assuming at mile 1 and 2. I was dying by stop 3 and overdid the water and suffered stomach sloshing.

For me I really didnt train on any downhills and that combined with going for it thru the first 6 miles probably contributed to my massive quad pain at mile 10.

No more marathons for me until my 50th when I'll try to get revenge. ;)

Some ice at the aid stations would've been nice too. Especially since at least half the water & Gatorade was hot.

I saw tons of residents dishing out ice. The people of Boston are quite amazing in how they welcome and support the runners. The race is a matter of civic pride. Many people probably get annoyed by the road closures and assholes peeing on private property in the first 10 miles. But overall the town comes out strong to support this event. Ultimately, that is what keeps me coming back.

I got some ice, water, & freeze pops from people at the side of the road, which I really appreciated. (Didn't understand all the people with orange slices...) But all hot weather tris I've done have had ice at the aid stations. The official aid stations were well stocked with water & Gatorade, so maybe this is nitpicking, but some ice chips as well would've been nice.

Damn that was tough. I was hoping for my first ever sub 3 hours. Finished in 3:23 (3:08 last year). The heat really messed with me, the last 6 miles where brutal. I was just happy to finish. The crowd support was amazing, I really needed the handouts. Thank you people of Boston.

My wife and family were on the side of the road on the hill before Heartbreak. She passed out over 300 cups of water that she had bought and filled herself along with some ice soaked sponges. And there was many more like her out there, between the BAAs efforts, and the work of local communities and residents, that's a lesson in how to handle a hot weather marathon.

I thought I was in PR shape to run a 2:42-2:43 on a good day. Took it out easy in 6:20-6:25s, went through the first half in 1:24 and the second half in 1:28 for a 2:52 finish. A 4 minute positive split would make me happy in Boston on a normal day, so I was thrilled. Most people I talked to were 20-30 minutes of their PRs, so I was happy being 10 minutes off.

And thanks to Uli, he stressed to me the ability to shoot for a good finish on a day like this. Last year a 2:47 put me in the mid 400s, this year a 2:52 put me in the mid 200s.

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Portside Athletics Blog

if the Hawaii Ironman had deferals like the 8% increase in DNS this year at boston they be less then 500 on the starting line at hawaii with the 90F+ temps ;-)

Boston.com reported that the BAA said there were 300-400 deferalls. There was a drastic increase in the number of people who did not start, but very few of those were actual deferalls who picked up their packets at the expo and completed the deferral process.

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Portside Athletics Blog

Mark,

I tracked a bunch you guys from here and the Let's Run site today. Congrats on a good run, on an epic day. I look forward to sharing some miles with you later this year.

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What I do: http://app.strava.com/athletes/345699

Nice way to create artificial demand for next years race. I've run 4 hot marathons in 80+ degree weather.. not including Iron trots in 80+ Offering a deferment has pretty much eliminated the last shred of credibility that the BAA had with me.

Artificial demand? First of all, I doubt they need to create artificial demand for a race that easily fills. Second, something like 300-400 people actually deferred, I'll wager it has zero impact on field size and demand for next year. The volcano a couple years ago had a much bigger impact.

The BAA playing it smart and showing exactly how to handle a hot weather early spring marathon makes them lose credibility for you? Give me a break. Lucky for them it still has credibility with a majority of the best runners in the world.

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Portside Athletics Blog

Congrats on a solid race, I was hot just standing there watching. I noticed most people that I knew who ran around my time from last year were 30-60 min off those times this year. So well done indeed.

Thanks, I appreciate it. Certainly not my best time, but maybe my best performance, it can feel as good to run a smart race sometimes as it does to run a fast race.

Thanks to Uli and JoeO for consistently beating the theme of how to handle pacing in the heat over the past few days, if it wasn't for reading there advice over and over I probably would have been in the 30+ minute positive split crowd.

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Portside Athletics Blog

Indeed, I can only imagine the rush you felt passing hundreds of trainwrecks throughout the latter part of the course!

LOL and beat me and my comical shuffle at the finish! :)

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Given your splits I probably passed you late, I made it my goal to get 50 people in the last 5 miles, think I got around 40. Thanks again for the advice in this thread over the last week.

Worst comment of the day was when we passed the 5k mark and the guy next to me who was slapping his way down the hill said "I just set a 5k PR", I can't imagine that turned out well for him.

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Portside Athletics Blog

Quite the experience for my first 'Boston' today. Two weeks ago I was thinking mid 2:50's were in the forecast. I ended at 3:12, and was pretty happy with my effort. I went out at what I thought was a pretty conservative pace, hitting the half-way point in 1:32, but the heat and Newton Hills led to a 8 min positive split. The crowds were amazing, and the extra water on course was nice as well. Got a popsicle and a bag of ice to help cool down along the way. My comparable place (1154th) last year was 2:57, so a 15 minute difference.

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Really would have liked more ice and sponges out there but that probably comes from being used to it at tris. The organizers did great given the conditions but the residents handing out water, etc. was HUGE. The non-official water was colder than the official water by the second half!

It was not a day for a PR but an excellent early season test for the summer racing season.

I think one thing many people are missing about the BAA's deferral allowance is that very few people have had an opportunity to do much training in 80+ sunny temps leading into this race given its date. People are just not adjusted to that type of heat this early in the year.

A marathon is a unique animal combining speed (relative to longer events) and endurance. It's really a recipe for overdoing things without caution. The other factor is that Boston beats you up even on a good day. Faster downhill running on asphalt takes its toll no matter what the temp.

Personally, I don't like the deferral. But I understand why they would offer it.

Yeah, he was a year ahead of Dathan at Rockford (MI) HS. Which is about a dozen miles from Grand Rapids West Catholic HS, where Greg Meyer (last American man to win Boston) was a major stud in the 1970s.

West Michigan has quietly produced a whole bunch of good distance runners over the years.

Like many others. What did you wear? Compression socks? :)

I could have had a full on conversation while barely able to jog. I'm glad to see that my hard training did indeed pay off in the last years. Today I learned that I suck when I train less which is not always the case.

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Of course it is and of course it depends on many factors and is highly individual. Call it ballpark 20-30mins. but that wasn't the point here.

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Was shooting for 2:50. Knew at 10k that wasn't going to happen. Didn't listen to my body until 14 miles. Ended up running my slowest marathon ever. I am definitely humbled by this course and the downhills. I was really cold and had goose bumps from mile 18 on. Could not drink enough water for some reason. Ended up 3:05:49.

Yup, death march is the word. Went in with less training than my qualifying marathon (recipe for disaster). Was careful to start off slow (~30 sec./mile slower, even with the downhills), but was still reduced to shuffling/walking by mile 16. I was feeling so lightheaded that I was seriously worried that I wouldn't finish. Still, it was a great experience, the people of Boston were awesome!

Nice job. You split more evenly than me. I was 1:21 and 1:30 for a 2:51 finish. We were trying to win the masters team title but ended up in second place by only one lousy minute...

Similar story here - started with what seemed like it should've been an easy pace, and then slowed more. Usually the first half of a marathon I'm all relaxed & slapping hands, engaging the crowd, but that took up energy today. I knew miles 16-21 would be hard but thought I could recover from there. Instead I ended up just trying to keep moving forward.

Were you the guys in yellow singlets or was that the winning crew?

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We were yellow singlets with black trim (black panels on the sides -- though mine was just solid yellow). The winning team (BAA) had yellow singlets with blue trim -- the same colors as the shirt they gave out for registering. My teammates and I ran together until around 16 or so when we started breaking up.

heard it got to 90 degrees in the 13 mile area. dialed it way back to stay on my feet. double edge sword go slower for no major problems but it extended my race time and kept me in the heat that much longer. saw way to many people swoon, and watched the medical tent fill. i personally droped 8 lbs despite drinking water every chance i got,
horrible race time
tremendous race memory

I think I had a similar experience to most who have posted. I felt great until about 14mi and was on pace for my goal time (3:30) then absolutely hit the wall. The heat really got to me at that point, then the hills etc....second half was about 25min slower. That was my first marathon so I'm still really inexperienced when it comes to pacing so I'm sure that didn't help. I probably should have backed off more in the first half given the heat...rookie mistake:)

Given the weather and my inexperience I'm happy with my performance. Most of the people I spoke with at the finish line were saying they were 20-30min over their projected time, so I guess 25min over my goal is in line with what most people experienced.

I'm from Boston and it was great to finally be a part of the race. The fans were great with the hoses, ice, water etc. Unbelievable experience.

I am no Uli, but I had a great race. I ran a 3:10:23, which was essentially my goal time. I ran a 3:12 last year in perfect conditions. I took a page out of the Macca playbook and bought kitchen sponges at CVS. I soaked them in ice in a ziplock and then tucked a couple in my tri shirt and held the other two in my hands. I just soaked the sponges at every water stop and the crowds were constantly handing out water and ice. I just somehow stayed ahead of the heat and had an excellent run. I really wanted to re-qualify at Boston and somehow made it happen. With bib # 6560, I finished 1043, so it was fun to pass people all day. I feel very lucky. I'm also extremely sore and my legs are pretty cramped up.

For all the ST'ers out there bagging on Boston runners, cut them a break. One of the charity runners I know spent the night in the hospital after passing out and people were dropping like flies out there. One of the sub-3 hour guys I know couldn't finish and most people were at least 20-30 minutes behind their goal time.

Congrats to all the finishers!

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John Snyder @URNotAsCoolAsMe

It was totally brutal. I was more than 10 minutes slower than last year and more than 20 minutes slower than my marathon PR set in January this year. But, I survived. 3:03.

I did accomplish my post race goals. First - I got to some cold beers as soon as my stomach was ready. Then, I secured a big nasty/greasey cheeseburger and fries. It was delicious. I will consider this a success.

I think you passed me at 12ish. Then I think I saw a couple of you detonate while the one with M50 on the back stayed strong.

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Yeah. We were all together then. One guy fell off going through Wellesley Hills. The 50 year old got 2nd in his division. He fell off fast 16 (and I had not picked up the pace) but I started dying at 19 he caught me at 23.5. Put 3 full minutes on me in 2.5 miles. I was not a pretty sight then. I was literally saying -- out loud -- "ow!" with every step I took

It was nice to meet you on the line Joe. I passed your teammate with the sideburns somewhere around mile 23 or 24 I think, he was walking at the time, but I guess got it together and finished pretty close behind me. I appreciated the invite to go out with you guys in 6:15s, but I'm glad I didn't :-)

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Portside Athletics Blog

I ran step for step with my wife today. Her first marathon. We both crashed at 20 miles and suffered through the last 10 k...heat conspired to significantly alter our plans. Still a great day. Had a great time with my best friend. I promptly dropped are the finish line. Very funny.

Special thanks to the coors brewing company for the pick me up post race. Btw, he city of Boston and her fans were simply amazing. We went for the experience and got way more than we asked for.

All you charity haters share my breadsticks.

:)
V

You should be even more glad when I tell you that we didn't go out at 6:15s either. Perhaps if we had we would have actually won that masters team title. Or maybe not. Anyway, another mile or two and you would have gone by me.

Like

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What I do: http://app.strava.com/athletes/345699

Yeah, my target was 6:30s early and I went out in 6:20s and all but one of you disappeared within the first few miles.

But, your group (and I) made the Boston.com photo gallery, pretty nice shot of you guys.

http://www.boston.com/...ong_the_course?pg=39

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Portside Athletics Blog

Not only you. It was so awful. My legs are shattered. Is that really so bad because of the added dehydration due to heat or are we just not well trained?

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Not to rub it in, but my legs feel pretty close to fine. I don't know if it's because I had trained to run a 2:42 and therefore the pounding of a 2:52 didn't feel like as much (sort of like how a slower IM marathon isn't as painful). I did run a lot of hills in training, both up and down.

I feel pretty exhausted, light headache, etc., but my legs feel Ok.

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Portside Athletics Blog

It's gotta be the combination: I know that the sooner in a race I feel that I am running tired, the sooner my form starts to suffer (even if the changes are minor), and so the sooner I start feeling beat up.

Boston's hills of course make that fatigue happen sooner. So does Heat/dehydration, going out too fast, and being poorly trained.

That's why I am so confused! My fitness was - I believe! - also 2:42ish (I ran 2:34 and 2:33 in NYC 08 and 09 so it's not a stretch) but they hurt really bad from half ay already.


I thought I did, too... Well, I guess it's safest to assume that I just wasn't in good shape.

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Who knows that happens at the crazy end of the spectrum when it comes to people's bodies and the weather.

I drank a large amount of Gatorade on Sunday, probably 80oz or so, and then another 40oz or so before the start. I certainly think it helped going in with the tanks topped off.

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Portside Athletics Blog