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Racing the Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon course offers some unique challenges. As a point-to-point marathon I have already discussed some of the logistical anomalies that exist before the race even starts. The over-riding theme for any marathon, and Boston is no exception, is patience: patience in your training, patience in the days prior to the race, and patience during the race.
When I get into the correct starting corral, I like to make my way to the far left side and as close to the front of the corral as possible. I do this so that when the ropes drop to allow for moving up to the next corral that I move with this. And by being on the far left side I feel less claustrophobic. Because I am no longer in the front corral there is a delay between the gun and when I actually start to move. At first it is a squishing forward movement, then a walk, to a jog, and finally to running. I find it much easier to maneuver and avoid the idiots by being off to one side. I choose the left side because of the slant it provides and because most people naturally like to hug the right side. I know that later I will be predominantly on the right side so this gets me a different slanting early. Depending on where you start will determine how long it takes you to get through the walk, job, and then run process. Do not waste mental energy, or physical energy, during this time period by becoming impatient. Do not press the pace during the opening miles to make up for any time you may feel you have lost. There is plenty of race ahead to get this time back.
The opening four miles is predominantly downhill. This is especially true in the first mile with a long steep downhill to get over anxious runners out too aggressively. I make every effort to relax and let the opening miles just take me to a comfortable pace. I check my watch for each of the early miles just to make sure I am not out below my pace. I will pull back if I am faster than I should be and not worry if it is a bit slower. I enjoy the crowds on the sidelines and keep an eye out for various other runners that catch my attention. I look for bright colored singlets or distinctive wear that will be used for pace and motivation throughout the race.
At about 4 miles the course starts to flatten out a bit but always seems to have some rolls. The course moves through the small towns of Ashland (4m), Framingham (6m), and Natick (10m). I look forward to the lake on the right hand side of the course at around 9 to 10 miles, just before Natick. At this point I should be in a nice groove, moving along with the field. I do not look to be “racing” anyone at this time but keep on eye out to see if I am catching any of the distinctive wear mentioned above. There is a nice downhill uphill combination just prior to the screaming crowd of Wellesley College women found at 12 miles. It is unbelievably loud and definitely wakes you up. The reverberations are a reminder that I am about to get to the 13.1-mile mark just ahead in downtown Wellesley.
It can be difficult but I do everything to try not to dwell on the fact that I am only half way done. I know that wiser folks than I say the first half of the race should just glide by like a training run, “easy”, but I think that over simplifies things. There will be moments that test you in the first half but overall you must feel in control. I have raced over 55 marathons and maybe 5 felt “easy” over the first 13.1 miles. If things are going well for me, I know that I can even split any marathon including Boston. My best Boston races (really all my break through PR races) have been when the last 10k and the first 10k are pretty close. From 13 to 15 the course is pretty flat. I make every effort at this point to stay on the pace but not push the pace. Again patience is the key to success. No matter how great I feel at this point it is too early at Boston to put the hammer down.
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