Last-Minute Advice for Boston Marathoners

Nothing but strength and determination will help Boston Marathon hopefuls get over Heartbreak Hill on April 19. But this roundup of tips from runners who've braved the the famous marathon may provide some last-minute ideas that will help your overall race-day strategy.

Absolutely, positively, do not wear headphones. The city totally reveres each and every runner, and will shower you with exuberant support -- cheering and shouting your name as you run by. If that isn't enough of a reason to have unobstructed hearing, you'll thank me when you get to mile 13 and the famous Wellesley College scene. The BC guys, the finishing stretch on Boylston ... all much, much better experienced without that same ol' Cold Play song in your ears for the 200th time this season. This is an once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us, so take it all in!
-- Scott Fliegelman, Executive Director of FastForward Sports, Boston Marathon 2002

Well, I'm running Boston again this year. I know that this time I'm going to at least have a little water at every water stop. Last time I didn't drink until 13 miles in and I paid for it. I'm also going to eat some banana well before Heartbreak Hill. I cramped hard and had to stop last time on the hills. Last time I didn't know where the hills were. This time I have checked out where the hills are online so I'm hoping I will be more prepared mentally.
-- Jerry Dismukes, Boston Marathon, 2006 and 2010

One pretty remarkable thing about the Boston Marathon is just the sheer energy of the city the weekend of the marathon. I couldn't believe how honored and respected the runners are treated. It seems that everywhere you go...whether it is checking into your hotel or popping into a convenience store to pick up an energy bar...people will ask if you are running the marathon. They will give you big kudos and ask you where you qualified. It kind of gives us runners a little glimpse into what it must feel like to be an Olympian.

The start-time is late so a warmth strategy is key. They bus you to the start so be sure you have a food/bathroom and warmth plan for the hours you will wait. The year I ran, we got rain. It's tough to sit around in that before you run.

Another thing: I qualified in New York City by one second. Boston race organizers line you up at the start according to your qualifying time. I had to run more than eight minutes before I even reached the official start. So, I remember that race as being 27.2 miles. Beware, if you have a slower qualifying time, you may be running an ultra-marathon that day!

The other surprising thing is that there aren't many spectators for the first six miles of the race. That was surprising to me, because I've run New York and Chicago several times and the crowds are enormous along the entire route. But it all pays off when you pass the phenomenal women of Wellesley College. It is around mile 12 or so. Their cheers are so loud it is truly remarkable. They are incredible and a highlight of the route. Finally, you will hear a lot about Heartbreak Hill which is a tough slog uphill from mile 16 to mile 20. What nobody mentioned was that the uphill isn't nearly as difficult as the downhill! You reach the top and then your quads have to engage to get you down the backside. I recall my quads screaming at me the whole way down. The kind of pain that makes you want to laugh because you don't know what else to do.
-- Hilary Martin, Boston Marathon 2002

One thing I would advise every Boston Marathon runner to do is to be flexible. Weather conditions are notoriously variable for this race. You can have a frigid downpour one year, hot sun the next. A stiff headwind the whole way one year, not so much as a breeze the next. If you start the race determined to maintain a certain pace no matter what, you're likely to run into trouble (so to speak). In Boston it's especially important to run by feel and adapt to the conditions you are presented with on the day. If it's hot, slow down and drink more. If it's windy, find taller runners to tuck in behind. Above all, just be mentally prepared for less-than-ideal conditions so that you're able to remain positive despite them.
-- Matt Fitzgerald, author of Racing Weight, Boston Marathon 2009

As far as the course goes, the downhill at the start is tricky. You'll be so excited to finally race and feel so good (thanks to the crowd and adrenaline) that you'll forget to pace yourself. Last year, I thought my watch was broken I was moving so fast -- but I paid for it later. The hills are ridiculously hard and, even after Heartbreak Hill, keep coming, and coming, and coming.

To make the most of your weekend, bring your family and friends. My brother, who had never seen me race before, lives in Boston. He's a few years younger than me, but he's always been my hero. About two miles from the finish, I heard him shouting "That's my sister!" He and my parents were pushed up against the barricades cheering. He looked so proud of me that all of the pain vanished.

Most importantly, always remember that you worked incredibly hard to qualify for the race. Not many people can run Boston and just getting there is a massive accomplishment that no one can ever take away from you. The race is really a chance to enjoy all of your sacrifices and meet some amazing people -- whether they're runners, fans or the Boston residents who truly make you feel like a superstar the entire weekend.
-- Amber Greviskes, Assistant Editor of That's Fit, Boston Marathon 2009 and 2010

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