What should my Boston pace be?

Training Advice/Discussion

6 years ago 03/21/2018 2:23pm EDT

67/64/59 averages for last 5/10/15 weeks. Alternating weekends with quality and all easy long runs, and 1 key relatively high volume Tuesday workout. 10 to 14 easy Wednesday, and a second workout Friday if easy long run week. All on somewhat rolling terrain, limited extended downhill work. Last 5 weeks:

3/17: Tue: 7xmile @5:56 up/downhill with 2 minute jog (for 8.5 at 6:28)

Sat: 19 with 1:22:15 (6:17) solo half between 2 and 15.1

3/10: Tue: 8x800 @2:45, 2@ 6:40 5% treadmill grade

Fri: 7@6:06

Sat: 22@7:35

3/3: Tue: 4x2 @ 6:03, 1/3 mile jog (for 9 at 6:22)

Sat: 18, 10-16 @ 6:20, 7:00 overall

2/24: Tue: 5x2000 @ 7:16/5:52 mile pace, 2:00 jog

Fri: 4@5:58

Sat: 20@7:35

2/17: Tue: 8x1000 @ 3:34, 1:30 jog

Sat: 20 @6:55, 4-8, 12-16, 18-20 @ 6:20

6 years ago 03/21/2018 4:34pm EDT

re: Nick89

Right about 6:20 for a sub 2:50 (6:29 pace) target? Would seem conservative.

I'm running Boston as well with a mid 2:50s target and 60-70 mpw and find your 3/17 week quite impressive. Think you are somewhere in the 6:15-6:20 MP range (around 2:45-2:46).

What do you think? Start on the slower side of that range, though?

6 years ago 03/21/2018 5:37pm EDT

re: Sub18Hopeful

Yep, my goal from the start has been sub 2:50, feeling after last week like I could go out a little faster. Just wanted feedback without biasing the answer with a suggestion. Maybe I'll go for 6:20s and you can pass me if I blow up ?. Good luck!

6 years ago 03/22/2018 3:58pm EDT

re: Nick89

Nick89 wrote:
Yep, my goal from the start has been sub 2:50, feeling after last week like I could go out a little faster. Just wanted feedback without biasing the answer with a suggestion. Maybe I'll go for 6:20s and you can pass me if I blow up ?. Good luck!

Haha I woudn't count on it.

Will it be your first marathon? if yes, and you really want to break 2:50, then perhaps going out at 6:30 may be an even better idea. If it's not your first marathon, or if you have a really strong half PR (1:17-1:18) then going out in 6:20 and picking up the pace later may work.

I don't know much about Boston (will be my first) but from what I hear it's easy to get carried on the first few downhill miles. Just don't go nuts and you'll have a better race!

Your 19-miler w/ 13.1 @ 6:17 could be good enough for a 2:45 or better, so you're looking good I think. Out of curiosity what are your other non-workout days like? What sort of distance and pace? (trying to see how hard you go on hard days)

6 years ago 03/22/2018 4:15pm EDT

re: Sub18Hopeful

You will need to set the tone correctly. As you know the body adjusts to the mental commitment shown on the start line.

At Boston you will ONLY be successful if you take the first 400 out in 52 or quicker.

5 years ago 04/19/2018 9:19pm EDT

re: Nick89

Nick89 wrote:
67/64/59 averages for last 5/10/15 weeks. Alternating weekends with quality and all easy long runs, and 1 key relatively high volume Tuesday workout. 10 to 14 easy Wednesday, and a second workout Friday if easy long run week. All on somewhat rolling terrain, limited extended downhill work. Last 5 weeks:
3/17: Tue: 7xmile @5:56 up/downhill with 2 minute jog (for 8.5 at 6:28)
Sat: 19 with 1:22:15 (6:17) solo half between 2 and 15.1
3/10: Tue: 8x800 @2:45, 2@ 6:40 5% treadmill grade
Fri: 7@6:06
Sat: 22@7:35
3/3: Tue: 4x2 @ 6:03, 1/3 mile jog (for 9 at 6:22)
Sat: 18, 10-16 @ 6:20, 7:00 overall
2/24: Tue: 5x2000 @ 7:16/5:52 mile pace, 2:00 jog
Fri: 4@5:58
Sat: 20@7:35
2/17: Tue: 8x1000 @ 3:34, 1:30 jog
Sat: 20 @6:55, 4-8, 12-16, 18-20 @ 6:20

Nick89 (OP), how did it go??

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

What should my Boston pace be?

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.