Boston Reflections

I don't usually write about races I don't run.  But I have to make an exception for this year's Boston Marathon.  I was there last year, but opted for the more low-key marathon in Kenosha in a couple weeks instead.  By 'opted' I mean I didn't run a qualifying time!

I had a great experience last year, and it was a terrific race for both the men and women on the elite side.  I spent most of the morning wondering how the race was going, and wishing I was there.  The race this was year set up to be another great year for the Americans, even though it didn't work out quite as well.  The American men actually ran really well on a very difficult course, the Kenyans just ran better.  The women ran well, but no American's finished in the top 10.

Boston is the most amazing experience for runners, and that word has apparently spread widely enough among the new generations of runners, that it sold out months before the usual time this year.  It was more than a month earlier than any year in the 114 year history of the race.

And it lived up to it's billing this year, with a course record for Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot  on the men's side.  Top American, Ryan Hall finished 4th, but ran the fast American time ever on the course.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do on the much easier, flat Chicago course in the fall.  Hall confirmed his plan to race here in October a couple weeks ago.

I love the Chicago marathon.  The crowds here don't get as much credit as New York, but I think they are every bit as numerous and enthusiastic.  And I like the course better.  But Boston is something else altogether.  The history, and exclusive nature of it make it a real privilege to be able to participate in.  And the crowds line the entire course several people deep.  I will never forget the times I have run by Wellesley College close to the halfway point in the race.  The women's college students line the course and scream so loudly, you can hear them as you approach from a half mile away.

 When it comes to American marathons, there is Boston, and then everyone else.  Everything about the race is amazing, and I hope to get back there some day. 

In the meantime, I am enjoying my taper period leading up to my race.  Tapering is always tricky, because you want to let your body rest and recover from the months of hard training, but you also want to keep the physical and mental edge you have devoloped over the months.  I have never really determined the best way to do it, but I have settled on trying to moderately reduce the mileage, while continuing to get some quality runs in.  I think that also helps keep your confidence up, which is important as you head to the starting line of a race that is famous for fostering self-doubt.

So that's my story.  I'll be at a couple races this weekend, running easy.  Saturday it's the Run for Rett at Busse Woods.  Sunday it'll be the Ravenswood 5k.  Both should be fun, and I hope to see you out there....

(photos courtesy of the Boston Globe)

Comments

[Janeth Ohst]

Boston is pretty amazing. I'm not a huge fan of spring marathons but I did it for Boston. Someday I will go back. Until then I will be at the race on Saturday. See you there!

RunnerGirl

[jodie]

It was fun training for Boston with you a bit last year John, and ultimately very disappointing to be thwarted at the final hour by a stress fracture. I remember following your splits and being so sad to not be there too. So now I have completed my first Boston and gotta say the crowds really helped pull me through a very challenging marathon. I was pretty ill from gastrointestinal stuff and fatigue, so despite making my goal did not get to really enjoy the experience as I hoped to. It was an honor to be there running with so many talented people though, and it was a beautiful day! Not sure yet about the going back. Too wiped to contemplate it right now, but am looking forward to the flats of Chicago in October!

[John]

Jodie, you ran a courageous race! Congratulations again! I can relate to your feelings about not going back though. I vow every marathon I run will be my last!

Janeth, Looking forward to seeing you at the 5k! Should be fun.