neg splits at Boston

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17 years ago 03/28/2007 1:25pm EDT

Have any of you run neg splits at Boston?

If so, do you recommend attempting this (say about a neg split of no more than 60 seconds)?

I'm seriously considering attempting this since I don't want to burn myself out too early and I'll open it up (if I'm able) after cresting Heartbreak Hill.

For those who have run neg splits at Boston, did you feel that you underachieved by doing this or did you feel this caused you to run your best time there?

FWIW, I'm hoping to go sub-3. I was thinking about trying to reach the half in 1:28:45.

Thanks in advance.

17 years ago 03/28/2007 1:38pm EDT

re: Boston newbie

17 years ago 03/28/2007 2:09pm EDT

re: Boston newbie

It takes discipline but can be done. A few things to keep in mind:

1. Take it easy on the downhills in the first few miles, easier than you think you need to

2. Don't let the crowds get to you

3. Give yourself 5-10 minutes after cresting heartbreak to evaluate how you feel before picking it up - no need to make any rash decisions at this point

Best thing to do is try and run even pace for the first 13.1 and next 7-8, then drop down slightly as you come in.

I did this and ran my best time at Boston with a minute or so negative split.

17 years ago 03/28/2007 2:30pm EDT

re: Boston newbie

12 Boston finishes - 1 negative split in 1996 with the huge crowd keeping things slow in the first half. my time was nowhere close to what i was capable of

got my PR there with even splits - within 5 seconds - but it was an even pace the first 16, 10-15 sec/mile slower for the 4 uphill miles and then a bit faster the last 5. fastest split of the day was 35k to 40k.

if you run smart it is easy to run fast the last 5. just don't run too hard early or through the hills.

you'll see a lot of suffering the late miles in Boston - see it every year. lots of guys who went too fast too long and too soon

17 years ago 03/28/2007 4:50pm EDT

re: Boston newbie

I had a neg split last year at my first Boston. Mine was done more out of fear than tactics though. I took it easy for the first 8 miles since all I read about the downhills is how they can ruin your quads and destroy you.

I split by about 4 minutes, but man did I fly through the hills. It was awesome. People were dying left and right but I was cruising at the end. Yeah, I gave the hills a little too much respect but I still got a PR (just over 3 hrs). I think I would have only improved 1 or 2 minutes if I had a better negative split but I don't regret doing it. I thoroughly enjoyed my Boston experience as it always feels good to finish a marathon strongly.

In my opinion, negative is the best way to go.

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