An awesome experience
Written: Oct 12 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The history, the crowds, the atmosphere, the challenge
Cons: None - even the hurt goes away
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| cymsteve's Full Review: Boston Marathon |
I started running back in the early 80's at school. One of my teachers was training for the London Marathon at that time and gave me a book to read about marathons of the world. There were stories and details about all the big events worldwide, but there was something about the Boston write-up that made me think "I want to do that one day!"
Boston is the oldest, most historical marathon in the world and traditionally takes place on Patriot's Day every year. The first running of the Boston Marathon (or the American Marathon as it was called then) was in 1897 and was won by John J. McDermott of New York. He beat 14 other runners over 24.5 miles to claim first place and take his place in the record books. In 1924 the race was lengthened to 26 miles 385 yards to meet Olympic standards and the starting line moved west to the town of Hopkinton.
My dream came true on Monday, April 17, 2000, along with 17,812 other runners (the 2nd largest field ever), but the hard work started a long time before that. Boston is unique in that you have to qualify to run in the race and meeting the goal time is a major accomplishment in itself. The current times are as follows:
AGE GROUP MEN WOMEN
18-34 3 hours 10 minutes 3 hours 40 minutes
35-39 3 hours 15 minutes 3 hours 45 minutes
40-44 3 hours 20 minutes 3 hours 50 minutes
45-49 3 hours 25 minutes 3 hours 55 minutes
50-54 3 hours 30 minutes 4 hours 00 minutes
55-59 3 hours 35 minutes 4 hours 05 minutes
60-64 3 hours 40 minutes 4 hours 10 minutes
65-69 3 hours 45 minutes 4 hours 15 minutes
70+ 3 hours 50 minutes 4 hours 20 minutes
COURSE DETAILS:
First 10 miles: The elevation from Hopkinton to Natick drops from 462 to 177 feet which sounds good news. However, it's easy to set off too fast whereas you should just be settling in to a rhythm and enjoying yourself.
10-13.5 miles: A further drop in elevation from 177 to 137 feet from Natick to Wellesley Square. There are a couple of mild hills that shouldn't pose too many problems - try to stay focused and just enjoy the cheers and screams of the Wellesley College girls as you run by. It's been described as a "tunnel of sound" and is a real motivator.
13.5-16 miles: Wellesley Square to Lower Newton Falls sees another drop down to 49 feet. The drop to Lower Newton Falls lasts three-quarters of a mile and can easily destroy your legs if you get carried away. Stay within yourself and remember you still have over 10 miles to go!
16-22 miles: This was my favorite part of the whole course. The elevation rises from 49 to 236 feet, then drops to 147 feet - the route taking you from Lower Newton Falls to Cleveland Circle. This 6 mile stretch has been named the "Killer Chain" - anyone who's run Boston knows why! Runners have to overcome several hills before they meet the infamous "Heartbreak Hill" and then tackle a severe downhill stretch that really tests you. Stay positive, knowing that this is the toughest part of the course - 'only' 4 miles to go now!
22-25 miles: Cleveland Circle to Kenmore Square sees another drop down to 20 feet. After the previous series of hills where I felt so strong and passed so many flagging runners, this was my turn to suffer. I should have used this downhill stretch to my advantage but my legs were hammered - now it was just a question of "keep on moving" and get to the finish line.
25-26.2 miles: Apparently, the route to the finish line is flat with a slight incline on Hereford Street, but don't take my word on that. The last mile seemed to last forever, but eventually you see the huge finish banner - time to look good for the crowd and smile for the camera!
SUMMARY: As I said previously, Boston was always a dream for me - I wasn't disappointed about any aspect of the event. It is so well organized, the registration runs smoothly, the packet pickup and expo were a joy and the whole city lives for Boston Marathon day. The route is lined with spectators - friends, family and everyone else seem to turn out to cheer you on - it's a great motivator as your legs get weary.
I've taken part in the London Marathon twice previously, another great event steeped in history and a very special occasion. Boston is every bit as good as London but the course is more challenging, so I'd have to say this is my favorite marathon I've competed in.
There's no way to describe the feeling of crossing the finish line, but I know I want to do it again - after all, I have a score to settle with some of those hills....
PS My official finish time was 3.05.21, placing 1781 out of 17812 starters, something I'll never forget.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
cymsteve
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Member: Steve Speirs
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 6 members
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