Kevin Hanson wrote:
I will give my two cents worth. I am the one that coached the 2 athletes that ran negative splits last year (Drew and Chad).
Let me say that common sense will tell you that the first half of the Boston course is about 2 minutes (maybe more) faster than the second half. That means that even effort would indicate that in order to run 2:19 you would need to run 68:30 and come back in 70:30.
Now let me tell you that common sense is neither common nor sensical.
Common sense does not take into account the disadvantages of the downhills. It is very important to recognize how the downhills hurt the quads and in turn limit what you are able to do in the second half of the race.
I do not believe in the "time in the bank theory". I believe that the marathon is a long lonely event, that is way more lonely in the second half of the race.
So, how do you limit that loneliness? I find that if you have put yourself in a position to run faster than the people around you, it is a great feeling. You are constantly energized by knowing that you are moving faster than nearly everyone. When you see someone with greater credentials than yourself coming back, you will feel great.
My recommendation would be to go out in 69:30 and recognize that you will be in better shape to attack the second half.
Good Luck,
Kevin
Kevin:
Would you do me the favor of critiquing my post above; I attempted to say some of these things and threw in some physiological elements as I understand them but that I rarely see discussed. If you want, find me on the Track&FieldNews board under this same handle and PM me.