Boston Marathon Course Scouting

Ah, what a grand day. Blaine, Erin, Kate and I headed down to Boston for a fun day. Blaine and I ran the last 14+ miles of the Boston Marathon course while Kate and Erin headed downtown to do some shopping. Went quite well and it was a very fun day.

Plan was to do the run easy, like in the 8:00-8:30/mile range. We ended up going a bit faster (7:28/mile), which I didn't have a problem with since the legs were feeling better than expected and I didn't feel it would hamper the harder workout I have planned for Wednesday.

We were dropped off at Wellesley College and began the run from there. First few miles were pretty slow as we warmed up and talked about writing, racing and a multitude of other topics. I haven't run the course since the marathon last April, and every now and then I would see something that would trigger a forgotten memory. Can't wait to do it again this April.

Young at Heart statue on the Newton hills.

The pace started to pick up a little once we reached the Newton hills. Just got excited thinking about the race on this key stretch. Nice to get reacquainted with it. There are really four hills and I like to envision them as stairs. The first is before the right turn on Commonwealth, then one immediately after the turn...flat stretch...another climb...flat stretch...then, Heartbreak Hill. After that, mostly downhill to the finish.

Blaine with the Citgo sign in the background. 

It was on the downhills that we picked up the pace a little more. Not full throttle, but we still had a couple of splits going pretty well under 7:00/mile. Then the pedestrian traffic picked up and we slowed our pace down and reached the finish line (but did not cross it...I hear that's a jinx).

Somebody double-parked on the H.
I'm sure that's bad luck.

We met up with Kate and Erin, got the keys and headed to the car to change, and then remet with them and refueled on some awesome food at an Irish pub on Boylston before heading home. Very fun day!

Bronze statue of George Washington.
Happy Presidents Day!

Ran 14.4 miles @ 7:28/mile pace.

Paved roads. 

Moderately hilly. 

Mid 30s to lower 40s, sunny, breezy. 

Saucony Kinvara, long tights, windbreaker, short sleeved shirt, beanie, Salomon 45 water belt.