The Official Boston Marathon Weather Discussion Thread

Yeah, this is the problem of marathon training. You have to dedicate yourself a year in advance, commit emotionally to training, then race your hardest to run a time that isn't representative of your real fitness, due to outside uncontrollable factors (weather). I am in PR shape and wanted to try for it in Boston, but instead of killing myself and running slower I'll probably just change my race plan to run it as an enjoyable hard tempo and save the all-out effort for a different race.

rational champion wrote:

Yeah, this is the problem of marathon training. You have to dedicate yourself a year in advance, commit emotionally to training, then race your hardest to run a time that isn't representative of your real fitness, due to outside uncontrollable factors (weather). I am in PR shape and wanted to try for it in Boston, but instead of killing myself and running slower I'll probably just change my race plan to run it as an enjoyable hard tempo and save the all-out effort for a different race.

This was me in 2015, which was very similar weather to this year's forecast, only colder. But the surprising thing was, by taking it relatively easier in the first half of the marathon than i would have otherwise, i found i was in really good shape to pick it up for the rest of the course, and actually went on to a sizable PR.

I'd suggest just running a smart race and see what happens. Under these conditions, i would be a bit more conservative, but that's not always a bad thing.

+1. I know multiple guys that PR’d in 2015 - which was colder and windier than this forecast. Whoever thinks this year’s weather is worse than 2016 & 2017 is crazy.

It will also likely be a crosswind most of the way, headwind towards the finish. But also picking up in the AFTERNOON, after most are finished.

My biggest problem in 2015 was sitting under the tents for two hour trying to stay warm and dry. The tents was packed with people and will be this year also.

Looks like the rain forecast is pretty locked in at this point w the potential for a touch cross/head wind. Not great conditions but I’d much rather have rain and wind instead of heat. Will def be a good day to tuck into a pack and stay out of the wind. Should be fun.

Has anyone run in the vaporflies in the rain? I’m contemplating wearing my Lunaracers instead. The vaporflies don’t look like they would have much traction on them.

Knew it would change. Just in.

Crosswind to possibly slight tailwind, not gusting.

Drizzle.

Not as bad as the weather nuts are saying.

reed wrote:

gefsman wrote:

Definitely looks 50s, showery, and damp/humid for the race. Seems like an Oregon kind of day. Advantage, Rupp?

Nope, Rupp doesn't run in the rain.

Rain? Is that all you've got?

Agree w/ the previous comments about 2015. It was a joy to run that day, and the worst part was trying to stay dry and warm in Hopkinton beforehand.

rational champion wrote:

Yeah, this is the problem of marathon training. You have to dedicate yourself a year in advance, commit emotionally to training, then race your hardest to run a time that isn't representative of your real fitness, due to outside uncontrollable factors (weather). I am in PR shape and wanted to try for it in Boston, but instead of killing myself and running slower I'll probably just change my race plan to run it as an enjoyable hard tempo and save the all-out effort for a different race.

This is what you're signing up for when you register for a outdoor race in New England, period. Outside of the month of October, running conditions are rarely ideal here. The Boston marathon is not a place to shoot for PR (unless it's the only marathon you run). You may get a PR but it will be partly out of your control.

It's out of my control.

Repeat that 10 times before registering next year. It always was and always will be when racing Boston.

Tough Pill wrote:

Anyone cancel yet?

I'm bailing. Looking for another marathon to run this Spring. Not worth running a slower time.

Neither rain nore snow or gusting winds will keep us from our destiny. Bring it,cant wait till show time.

These are by far the best conditions in the past three years. I'm excited to go crush my PR set last year when it was 75 degrees. Anyone bailing on a marathon with mid 50s temps is crazy to me. There will be plenty of shelter from the wind by fans on the south side of the course and other competitors. Rain will help keep you cool.

My best marathon relative to my fitness was Philly in 2016, I was worried about 37 degrees and 20-30 mph winds. It was great, I just tucked into some groups early and coordinated a paceline during a long headwind section. Ran within 7 seconds of even half marathon splits.

People underestimate the impact heat has on the marathon, they feel good early, go out on goal pace and falter in the heat late. Sh!tty weather is the best, everyone freaks out about it, goes out conservative and stays cool throughout the race and does well.

Agreed - I am much more excited about the weather this year than I was last year. It's looking great!

Yep, I'm really wishing I would have signed up to run this year. Last year was dreadful with the heat. Almost seems like most people won't be happy with Boston conditions unless it's 48 degrees, overcast, with a 25mph tail wind the whole way.

Agree with this. There is NOTHING that can be done with heat, whereas there is NOTHING TO DO about mid 50s and rainy (though pouring rain is not ideal). With regards to wind, I was immensely worried about Philly 2016 just like you (it was my last marathon to date) and I ran the best race of my life...a 20 min PR and first sub-3 marathon. I too tucked in with groups and tried to run a smart race. Ran a 1' negative split (felt like the wind helped on the way back from 20-26 mi, and I also had started conservatively).

My biggest worry for Boston is not the race. It's the wait at the start. I'm bringing change of clothing and a poncho if I need to. Does the Athlete's Village offer any cover from the rain? I see 3 tents, are they reserved for official partners? Final two questions: is it worth arriving earlier to secure a tent? I was thinking about getting on the last bus for Wave 1 runners at 6:40. If I showed up at say 7:00 at the bus pickup, would they still pick me up if I am not Wave 2?

Tents are not reserved but they will fill up right away. I'd guess that if you wait for the last wave 1 bus you'll be stuck on the outside but you may be able to cram in.

Working Harder wrote:

Tents are not reserved but they will fill up right away. I'd guess that if you wait for the last wave 1 bus you'll be stuck on the outside but you may be able to cram in.

Thanks! It's kind of a trade-off: get picked up late = less time in the Athlete's Village but more risk to be stuck outside.

Get picked up early means more time out in the elements!

I've done NYC 3x and always felt like the start really kills the day compared to smaller races (even Philly). Doing Boston for the experience I guess, but looks like a lot of waiting and walking before we start!

My experience at Boston has only been on hot years, so take it for what its worth.

The tents arent reserved but fill up. As people leave for the start in Wave 1, people will fill in from later waves and take their spots. Id imagine it will be much more crowded if its raining.

Im not sure if they will let you on a wave 1 bus with a wave 2 bib or not. Personally, I wouldnt go early if i was in wave 2. You risk standing around in Boston Commons waiting for your bus and if you get on then your sitting around in the AV for extra time. Id imagine that if you are just going solo, you can find space under the tent and your best strategy is to minimize time outside.

@sub18hopeful

I'm hoping to get under 2:35 on Monday and I wont have to worry about the wait in NYC (sub-elite entry). If not though I'd love any tips you have on dealing with the start at NYC.

Agreed, Philly was awesome. Such an easy experience relative to Boston or Chicago but still deep enough to have people to run with. I'll definitely do Philly again.