As I prepare for my 3rd Boston Marathon, I can't help but reflect on the journey that has led me here. Unlike my previous Boston marathon builds, this one has been lighter, both in mileage and the intensity of the training. This year marks a significant milestone as it's the first time in the last three years that I'm heading into Boston without being plagued by injuries. It feels like a triumph in itself, a testament to listening to my body and the power of strategic training.
Having purchased (for the first time ever) marathon insurance (honestly, the best $20 I ever spent), I didn't fully commit to actually run Boston until end of February. I wanted to give myself enough time to physically and mentally recover and see how my body felt during the start of the build. I didn't even order my Boston jacket until much later since the release (I usually get it as soon as it comes out).
What did I do differently this time?
Quality over quantity: Less mileage, more cross-training
With only one 20-mile run under my belt during this training cycle (vs 3 in previous years), but ample strength training, yoga and a new chiropractor, I realized that sometimes, less is more. By focusing on quality over quantity, I've managed to maintain consistency while reducing the risk of overtraining and potential injuries. This lighter build has allowed me to arrive at the starting line feeling fresh and eager to tackle the course ahead. And, yes, I genuinely enjoy taper, so this is my favorite week ever, and I already look forward to taking 2 weeks off from running immediately after Boston.
Focusing on mental health & recovery
Another important aspect for me was to get back to a strong mental head space. I am not going to lie, I fell apart after last year's NYC marathon in November and could not get my racing brain back, resulting in a challenging CIM in December. I knew I needed to take a break and dial down the intensity of Boston training. I took 5 weeks off between CIM and Boston and that was exactly what I needed.
Training with smaller group of friends in a different environment
I also opted out of the larger group training with Fleet Feet that I did last year. Instead, I ran in Morton Arboretum (a hilly tree-filled garden landscape about 30 minutes outside of Chicago) and on the Lakefront with a very small group of friends. This was my first year training in Morton Arboretum and I prefer it over Barrington, as it is a lot closer to the city, the bathrooms are heated, and the running path loops, which means we can stop back at the car for water & nutrition every 5 miles. I will definitely be going back there this summer as I prepare to run the marathon during Paris Olympics.
The Boston Marathon is renowned for its challenging hilly terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, presenting a unique set of obstacles for runners. Having run the course twice before, I've picked up valuable insights that I'm excited to share with fellow participants:
Set your goal: Is Boston your goal race this year? Or is it a victory lap to celebrate all the training and the time it took you to qualify? My goal for this year is to have a great run and to run strong. This is the first time in the last 3 years that I can say to myself that it is a reasonable goal. My goal in 2022 was to just finish, and in 2023, my goal was to run the whole race and beat time from 2022!
Pace yourself for the hills midway: The infamous Newton hills, including the notorious Heartbreak Hill, await runners past the midway point of the race. It's essential to conserve energy in the early miles to tackle these inclines effectively. Resist the temptation to start too fast on the downhills of Hopkinton and Ashland (trust me the crowd in the beginning will prevent you from doing that), and aim for a consistent pace that you can maintain throughout the race. Feed off the energy of other runners and crowds and don't forget to smile!
Mental preparation: Running the Boston Marathon is as much a mental challenge as it is physical. Visualize success, draw strength from past accomplishments, and stay focused on your goals, especially during the toughest stretches of the course. Break the race down into smaller, manageable segments to keep your mind engaged and motivated. Tap into a run that happened during your build that was enjoyable and gave you confidence - for me it is my run to the Illinois/Indiana border with my friend Wendy. It was my last long run before Boston and it was a great day. I will be thinking about this run when the going gets tough in Boston.
Embrace the crowds: One of the most exhilarating aspects of the Boston Marathon is the incredible support from spectators lining the entire route. Their cheers and encouragement can provide a significant boost when your legs are feeling weary. Channel their energy and let it propel you forward, mile after mile.
Hydration and fueling: Boston Marathon starts later than most of us are used to. Practice eating 2 carb-loaded breakfasts this week. Have an eating plan in place. I always pack extra bars, bagels, bananas and gels to bring with me to the start and share with others who may need it. Since Boston is looking sunny this year, prepare to run with a handheld water bottle or utilize stations along the course for hydration and to pour water on your head/body to cool off. If Maurten is your gel of choice, you are in luck, it will be on the course 3 times. Last year I started with 2 Maurten gels, took 4 along the course and finished with 4 spare gels. Maurten math brought to you by Boston Marathon magic!
Enjoy the experience: Amidst the physical exertion and competitive spirit, don't forget to savor the experience of running the Boston Marathon. Take in the historic landmarks, soak up the camaraderie among fellow runners, and cherish every step of this extraordinary journey to get to this race. One of my favorite things to do is check out everyone's running outfits to see where people have come from and the different run clubs they belong to.
As I stand on the brink of my third Boston Marathon, I feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event. This year's lighter training build has taught me valuable lessons about adaptation and resilience, reinforcing the notion that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to marathon preparation. With each step forward, I'm reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless possibilities that await on the road ahead. Here's to embracing the challenge, conquering the course, and crossing the finish line with pride!
Comments