Boston Pacing

I can guarantee you if you typed “Boston pacing” in the search bar you’d get 10 threads just for this years race. If you typed it in Lycos browser, you’d get hundreds of hits.

Yeah there are a lot of good threads already on here.

Was your 2:52 on similar mileage? Seems like you have some good natural talent doing that on maybe 40-55 mpw. That said, the weather being good at Boston, alone, doesn't let you run something that you're not ready for. I think sub-2:50 could be doable in those conditions. What does that mean? Going out right at 1:25 pace, even a touch slower through 10k. It doesn't mean going out in 1:22-23.

If I were in your position, I'd start off under control the second you cross the start line. Something like 6:40 pace through the 1st 5k. It'll feel easy. Let people go. Settle into 6:30-35 pace by 10k. Then roll 6:25-6:30 effort from 10k-25k. Run the same effort through the hills. Let the pace go up to 6:40-6:50. Don't fight it. Then rip the graveyard mile. It should be your fastest of the day by a good measure. Something like 6:15ish, running 6:30 effort. Then hold it together & enjoy the gentle downhill to the finish.

Graveyard mile?

It that 21-22? right after heartbreak?

Yeah I think it’s like 22.

I'm not sure you should expect ideal conditions. Isn't there supposed to be a headwind most of the way?

Right now weather underground is showing the wind very weak and shifting back and forth. Anything less than 10 mph is barely noticeable. Sure, I'd still rather have 5 mph tailwind, than a 5 mph headwind, but I don't think a tiny wind like that is going to alter times that drastically. With 3 days to go, it could still change. Temp, precipitation and humidity look great right now, though. The wind seems to be the only wild card currently in the forecast.

Just follow CJ Albertson and run as fast as you can on the downhill and ease up on the flats and uphill!

Yep -- 1st mile after Heartbreak. If you've been running the right effort through the hills that should be your fastest of the day (after the drop from 15-16) without feeling like you're working too hard.

I wouldn't worry about the wind too much. If it's a tailwind, great. If it ends up being a slight headwind, you'll be packed up for almost the entire race no matter what your seed time is.

Thanks everyone, it turned out to be an incredible day! Studied the course, ran smart, and came within 2 seconds of a PR (which I'm really happy with.

Thanks again!