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Jan 2015
9:56pm, 16 Jan 2015
39 posts
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MKS
When you get to Mile 17 and turn sharp right, count the hills: the 4th one is Heartbreak Hill. Drop your pace and roll over the top, then you have a 10k race which is mostly downhill.
Commonwealth Avenue is 2 miles long and dead straight......look for the CITGO sign, when you reach it you have 1m to go.
I ran it in 2013 & 2014 - consecutive PB's, so it is doable, just be cautious in the first half which I ran about 6 mins slower than HM PB pace.
I studied a few runners' times from the previous year and spotted the fast starters and the sufferers (fast 1st half; slow 2nd half). You can then determine your own 5k splits from that data and an even split is a great result.
Wear your medal in the evening and strangers will shake your hand and even buy you a beer.....they really do engage with the whole weekend - enjoy!
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Jan 2015
11:35am, 18 Jan 2015
2,255 posts
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Sweaty Frank
MKS, yes, as you run the hills of Newton, you can pass over Heartbreak without realising it. I was in a group of runners as we were running down the other side of Heartbreak and a first-timer asked, "When do we get to Heartbreak Hill?". Slight correction to your post, the long, straight flat approaching the Citgo sign is actually Beacon Street, although it does merge with Commonwealth at Kenmore Square.
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Jan 2015
7:58pm, 18 Jan 2015
2,849 posts
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run-forest-run
Thanks, that's great advice. I've read of a few being stung by the hills, fortunately I don't leave till Tuesday Night so the medal will get some use 
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Jan 2015
2:42pm, 28 Jan 2015
2 posts
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Woomi
Hi guys,
first time runner in Boston as well, so great to read about some of your experiences in regards to the course, pacing etc.
I've got a question about the logistics at the start. From my understanding, the best way to get to the start is with the official buses, which could be good fun but I'd assume once you're there, it's similar to New York (i.e. quite a lot of time standing around until your wave goes off). Any advice from previous years apart from packing some old clothes to keep me warm and discard at the start?
Cheers
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Jan 2015
3:16pm, 28 Jan 2015
6,045 posts
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becca7
The compound wasn't so bad. By the time I had waited in the loo queue there wasn't that long to wait. I was in the middle lot of start pens, as I recall. Obviously they ship you out to the start pens in batches that correspond with these and this helps to limit the waiting time. I don't know how this compares to NYC.
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Jan 2015
5:38pm, 28 Jan 2015
3 posts
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Woomi
Thanks Becca.
I did New York last year and ended up spending almost the same time standing in my pen than I did running (I admit I was out there quite early). But overall it wasn't too bad, just got a bit boring after a while. Let's see what it looks like when they put the official transport times on the website.
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Jan 2015
12:14am, 29 Jan 2015
2,256 posts
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Sweaty Frank
Woomi, I've run Boston seven times, and each year the weather has been different. Be prepared for any of the following: extreme cold, snow, cold rain, high winds, cold morning and warm afternoon, hot and sunny, tropical, humid, etc. (You get the point.) It is likely that you'll spend a couple of hours waiting in Hopkinton. To give yourself an opportunity to run your best race, you want to be sure to expend the least possible energy while you wait. That means reducing your heat loss (in cold weather), staying dry (if raining or snowing), staying warm (if cold), etc. Again, you see the point. When I travel to Boston, I do not depend on the accuracy of the forecast before I board the plane; it is no dependable. Bring gear for all conditions, and select what to take based on the local forecast the night before and the morning of the race. Bring a couple of large garbage bag or other disposable water protection. They are great for shielding you from the rain (cut a hole for your head and you have a poncho), and placing on the ground if it is wet so you have a dry place to sit or lie. There will be some food available there, but if you have preferred pre-race food, take it. I like Cliff Bars, but I just read that they are now a sponsor of the race, and will be available in the Athletes Village. Nice. Same applies to drink. And a particular bit of advice for the bus ride..., take an empty plastic bottle, with a large mouth, in case you need to pee. The ride takes an hour, which can be forever if you've been hydrating before boarding. You can use the plastic bags to cover up and discreetly take care of the business. I have lots more thoughts on this subject, just let me know if you find this kind of advice useful.
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Jan 2015
11:35am, 31 Jan 2015
4 posts
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Woomi
That's great advice Sweaty Frank. Guess the lesson here is to be prepared for everything. Might definitely try and pick your brain a bit further as we get closer to the race.
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Feb 2015
11:57am, 11 Feb 2015
2,258 posts
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Sweaty Frank
run-forest-run, I changed my hotel as well. I've moved to the Hyatt on Avenue de Lafayette, a short walk to where we catch the buses to Hopkinton.
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Feb 2015
2:35pm, 13 Feb 2015
2,259 posts
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Sweaty Frank
How is your training progressing? Dealing with any injury or health issues? Is the weather cooperating or complicating training?
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