Boston Questions Thread--course, racing, pre-race planning

late planner · 2012-04-12T14:19:25-04:00

Getting the final details together to be as prepared for Boston on Monday as possible. I'm doing this on my own and don't know anyone that has done the race previously so I'm coming to here to ask all my final questions. I'd really appreciate any and all help I can get. Overwhelmed by my first big race, and being on my own for it. [b]Course/Racing:[/b] Is there anything special/significant to know about racing this course? Any miles to plan for, to move on, to relax on, etc? The course looks much faster the first half than the second, is it beneficial to run more even splits or positive split vs. negative split? Just trying to get any cues on how to race the course? Looking to run sub 2:30, will be there a good group to run with or is it going to be everyone running their own race/fending for themselves? My only marathon was Marine Corp where I ran in a group of 10-15 people at sub 6 pace, and we all worked together to stay on pace. We also had Wardian pacing us, but just wondering if I can expect any of the same for sub 2:30 at Boston. [b]Pre-Race Stuff:[/b] I'm staying at the Sheraton in Needham, MA 02494. What is the best way for me to get to the buses to haul me to the start? Girlfriend is coming, and driving, so a car is an option if that could be a benefit. What time would I need to leave the hotel in order to either get to the buses to get to the start, or just get to the start in general? It says on the site bus loading for my wave is 6:00-30am. How long do I need to plan in travel in order to be there by that time? How much/what can I carry to the runner's village? How do I check in/claim my stuff? Is it going to be a struggle to get positioning in my wave/corral? Again, trying to go sub 2:30. Do I need to get to the start/claim my spot extra early to make sure I'm good? Where do I warmup? Any options for somewhere to leave my bag as I warmup or just find a bush to put it behind? ---- This is all I can think of off the top of my head but I'm sure I have more. This is one of my first ever big races so I'm a little overwhelmed by all the things going on and number of people. I'm also used to being able to relying on a friend I'm running with to cool the nerves or at least someone to hold my stuff and be there before the race-- so not having that security blanket to take that concern off my shoulders is also making me more anxious to figure out all these small, dumb questions. Again, know it's a lot of small/dumb questions, I just want to be prepared. Thanks.

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14 years ago 04/13/2012 10:29am EDT

re: Bullet the Blue Sky

Bullet the Blue Sky wrote:
It's been a few years since I was there, but driving into Hopkinton is not possible close to race time. There maybe some ungodly hour you can get there before they halt traffic.

The Hopkinton roads close at 7:30 -- though in the past I feel like they have actually started closing closer to 7. I know someone right in town, so I get dropped off at their house in the morning. If you're going to the athletes' village, probably best to take the shuttle bus from the state park as suggested (or the bus from Boston).

14 years ago 04/13/2012 10:29am EDT

re: late planner

late planner wrote:
Wow, thanks for all the help everyone.
My hotel is closer to the finish, then the start. How long does the bus take to get to the start? Is it a normal gig to have the bus pick you up from Hopkinton State Park? I think my biggest concern is just making sure I get there on time.
New questions:
Is there a certain time before the start that I want to make sure I have my bag check done? Certain time I want to be at the start by?
What time do I want to make sure I'm at the runner's village by if I do drive to the State Park vs. taking the 6-6:30 bus?
Is there any parking near the expo on Saturday?
Thanks again, huge relief getting this feedback.

It sounds like you just need a plan to get to the athlete's village. Once there, everything will fall into place. They will call you to your corral and you drop off your bag on the way to the start line. Don't fret any of this, BAA is a well organized, well oiled machine.

14 years ago 04/13/2012 10:32am EDT

re: late planner

You are getting great advice. Definitely bring throw-aways for the walk to the start. Just don't what I did when I beaned some poor soul when I flung my poncho.

Easy at the start and be sure to enjoy circus along the way.

Good luck.

add: Weather models are hot!!! The question: Does

beauty = accuracy?

14 years ago 04/13/2012 11:01am EDT

re: the clarifier

No need for throw away if it is hot.

the clarifier wrote:
You are getting great advice. Definitely bring throw-aways for the walk to the start. Just don't what I did when I beaned some poor soul when I flung my poncho.
Easy at the start and be sure to enjoy circus along the way.
Good luck.
add: Weather models are hot!!! The question: Does
beauty = accuracy?

14 years ago 04/15/2012 8:07pm EDT

re: late planner

I am going up to Boston to watch the race. Will I be able to park at a T stop if I am there by 7:30, or will it be too crowded? I would like to park in Newton and take the green line in. I am worried that it is going to be a zoo.

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