I’ll try to run through all the questions I received; please remember these are just my personal opinions; I’m in no way trying to take away from anyone else’s Boston experience. Boston means different things to different people.
Gansett Marathon – Would I do it again….
I don’t know. The course itself was gorgeous, the field was fast and competitive, the wind was brutal, but the town was pretty boring without a car. If I did it again, I’d probably leave soon after the race; there just wasn’t anything to do there at that time of the year and within walking distance.
Also, getting to and from Narragansett from the airport was a big headache so a car would be a must.
But if you’re looking for an “elite” qualification ONLY (no charity or corporate bibs) race, this is it. Let’s be honest: isn’t that why we all want to run Boston because we have to qualify??
Boston – the hotel…
We stayed at the Omni Parker House which was a great location in the Back Bay area. We could walk to the expo, to the finish and the busses to the start were right out in front.
The hotel itself was pretty expensive for what we got. If I did it again, I’d book a hotel right away instead of waiting so long; I think I waited until February or even March.
Also, I’d try to stay in Boston for a few more days; we got in Sunday afternoon and left Tuesday so I felt like we didn’t really get to explore the city much.
Was Gansett or Boston my PR?
No. I ran Gansett in 3:21:13 and Boston in 3:26:32, both faster than I had anticipated, but my PR is 3:20:54.
If I think about it, it frustrates me that I still haven’t broken 3:20 yet. I can go run 3:21 in a LA monsoon with no music but can’t seem to break 20. I know I can and will eventually, but I still like to beat myself up over it from time to time.
How was Heartbreak Hill and the rest of the course…
Overhyped. It’s a hill, a little on the long side but not that steep. If you’ve ran any type of hilly race (San Fran, Palos Verdes, Red Rock), you’ll be fine on Heartbreak.
The course isn’t flat and fast, (but then again, look at all the records that were broken so what do I know?!) but I don’t think it’s that hard either.
Candy vs. GU – which was better…
It’s hard to say that I really noticed any difference so I guess the candy worked just as well? There’s so many variables in a race that it’s difficult to determine exactly what affected my performance and what didn’t.
I normally take 4 gels in a marathon at miles 8.5, 13.5, 18 and 22. I don’t mess around much with changing that so it’s pretty automatic and routine. The problem with the candy was that it wasn’t as easy to keep track of what/how many calories I was taking in… Did I eat 2 cinnamon bears or 4? Would that licorice rope be the same as one gel or two?
I want to fuel enough to keep going with energy but not eat so much that I feel sick, slow, or heavy.
But if I was really watching my pennies, I’d buy jelly beans or the small Swedish fish and take those. The bears were a little too big to chew, although tasty.
Does Boston feel any different than other marathons…
To me, no. Which leads me to my thoughts on Boston:
Personally I don’t think Boston lives up to the hype; it’s not the race’s fault, it’s just that it’s so hyped up, it can’t. just my opinion.
Now that I’ve ran it, I do support the time qualifications getting tougher because I don’t think it’s as an elite race anymore as it once probably was. Again, just my opinion; I’m no expert on Boston.
That being said, I completely understand that it’s still a very special, emotional race for most people. I’m just a dude with no running emotions; I save my tears for stuff like Ronnie and Sammie’s 15th breakup. What, it was sad!
I thought the first 10-12 miles of the course were a little boring, partly because they were out in the sticks in Hopkinton. As we started getting closer into the city, the course became more interesting and there were a lot more spectators.
And that’s what really makes this race is the fans: they go crazy cheering for everyone, handing out food and drinks, having BBQ’s on the side of the road and tailgating. The spectators really make Boston fun.
Also, the whole city gets geeked up on the race: it’s like one big town of runners which is part cool and part geeky. I mean, at the airport yesterday , I thought we were in a war zone with all the people limping, dragging their legs, gimping around with their war medals on.
Would I do Boston again…
Sure, one day, it was a lot of fun and I love big races. I don’t, however, have any desire to do it again right away. I think I’ll wait until I’m about 79 so I can finally place in my age group.
Which did I like better: BOSTON or NYC…
New York hands down. I’m not exactly sure why, but maybe because NYC isn’t the Holy Grail of races. Maybe because they have Lombardi’s pizza there, who will ever know?
Do I like visiting the East Coast and would I come back…
Yes, I do like it because it’s so different from where I live. The public transportation (not jumping in your car when you want to go somewhere seems so strange to me!), the old buildings, the little restaurants, cafés and corner stores are all intriguing to me.
I’ve never lived in a big city (hello, small island in Alaska) so the whole city living thing also interests me. Like, where are all the Walmarts and Targets and grocery stores?!
The one bummer is that it’s a really long flight, especially when you’re cheap like us and not flying direct, so for a 5 hour flight, I’d probably go to Hawaii.
Things I would do differently…
-Like I said, I’d spend longer in Boston checking out the city.
-I’d go with another runner, someone who was balls to the wall about Boston. Jaymo doesn’t like running; he likes to make fun of runners (me included) so maybe if I went with someone who was crapping their pants over Boston, I would too. Or at least this girl would:
Thanks Stephanie for the pic!
-I’d spend more time doing “runner’s stuff” like the pre-race dinner, blogger meet ups, congressional hearings on the benefits and side effects of compression sleeves, etc.
-I’d definitely make travel plans a lot earlier than I did so we’d have more choices than Motel Crack or the Omni Closet.
-I’d put my name or something in big letters on the front of my shirt. Maybe next year I’d write Ben Dover? or Estelle Hurtz, Harry R.M. Pitts, Peg Legge?
Things that surprised me…
-The 3 hour time difference. It really messed with my sleep which I didn’t think it would at all.
-How apathetic I felt about the Boston Marathon. I’m still not exactly sure why.
Some random questions…
-I wore a SPIbelt to hold my candy and some cash and held my camera in my hand.
-I listened to my ipod in the Gansett Marathon and went without it in Boston which was great because I was able to hear all the cheering.
-I just use a regular ponytail holder/rubber band that’s really tight to get the high pony. To get it to stay, you gotta pull so tight your eyes get slanty.
-The pink compression socks are Zensah.
This picture was on runnersworld.com; thanks Rebecca!
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{ 60 comments… read them below or add one }
This is great. You look AWESOME in the first race pictures!
Well, thank you for the answers here! And for telling us how the Race really was for you and not just the overhyped stories you hear otherwise.
You’ll break the 3:20 this year I think, but I think you can run even faster than that.
Love!
Very cool info SR, but I totally can’t focus on anything except for the chick that pooped her pants. That would be the worst. For real.
Hey Sarah! Wish we got to meet at the Blogger event- next time. So I ran NY in 2010 and Boston this year and although I feel like I shouldn’t admit it since I grew up in Boston (actually around mile 10 of the marathon) but I liked NY better. Boston was great but I also think its a little over hyped. I thought NY was seriously amazing! Good job on your marathons- thats seriously impressive!
that poop is incredible. how do you just poop down your leg? i haven’t built up to long distances… i guess you just can’t hold it anymore?
I know not everyone has this problem but I’m vegetarian and basically all I eat is fiber and uhh… well lets just say I feel like if I got really really desperate about hitting a certain time that this could happen to me. God, I really really really hope I never get that insane crazy about running. On my long runs when I wasn’t close to a gas station I’ve seriously considered knocking on random strangers doors or going in the woods. Always made it to a gas station though! It’s awful =/
I love seeing the pictures of you running — my race pics always look terrible — one eye closed or right as I’m coughing or blowing my nose. Yikes.
I still can’t believe you did 2 marathons in that weekend — that is amazing!
I didn’t know much about the Boston race until recently. Nothing against the runners who love it, but I keep thinking it would be so much cooler to run a race in Hawaii or London or France.
But what do I know, I’ll never BQ anyway so maybe that’s why it’s not as exciting to me.
Boston is one of my very favorite cities ever. I wish you could’ve spent more time there – you probably would’ve loved it.
I really appreciate your thoughts on the race. Boston is SO hyped up. I’m sure for a lot of people it’s a lifetime achievement type of thing, especially if they’ve had to work really hard for it. But it was nice to hear a different version of the story too.
agreed. the race is super hyped, but the city is awesome; my favorite city ever!!!!
Check out the guys website who photographed gansett and Boston . Have you seen the Boston photo collage video he put together? He got a close up shot of you in full blogger action . Come back next year yo!
I laughed out loud a few times on this post. On a more serious note: how do you deal with your husband not being into running? Does he go to many races? My bf isn’t a huge fan and always reminds me that it is “not a spectator sport.”
SR,
Thanks for the detailed post. You mentioned that Jaymo doesn’t like running and makes fun of runners. My Jay is the same way and I find it incredibly frustrating. Also, considering you spend so much of your time running, how do you keep it from interfering in your relationship? Do you have other activities in common?
I respect your honesty. I agree that theres so much hype that everyone has the highest expectations, it would be hard to live up to.
I do think maybe your experience would have been a bit different if you were with running friends. As much as I LOVE my husband to be at the finish line, the race “feeling” is never the same because hes in a hurry or doesnt want to deal with crowds etc, simply put hes not a runner so he doesnt “get it”. So I can see where that may have made a difference?!? Major props to Jaymo though for sticking it out, especially when he was busy with work
that is TOTALLY my husband too!
Also a member of Team Cranky Race Husband checking in.
Anyway, if you’re looking for a fast course with great crowd support, you should do Chicago! It’s totally flat, and the crowds are amazing. You could definitely break 3:20 there, and the post-race food in the city (deep dish pizza, Garrett’s popcorn, italian beef) is to die for.
Ahh so that is the poop picture people have been searching for and clicking on my blog to see. I will have to send them your way! Ha ha. Nothing like having a BM at the BM.
I was born in Boston and thus raised on the awesomeness of the Boston Marathon. I will never BQ and I’m ok with that – but I will always have a strong desire to hype it up!
I saw that girl who pooped herself run by. Eh, I felt SO bad for her!! How embarrassing?! The crowd didn’t really know how to react to her once everyone noticed. I wonder when she did that…how many miles she had to run with poop on her legs.
congrats again on your marathons! I felt like I saw a celebrity when you ran by me
Way to be SR! I love your honesty and your mad running skillZ! Haha. Congrats!
I think I would feel the same way about Boston (too hyped up) and would ultimately be disappointed. Yet, I still want to do it some day but NYC is first on my list in terms of East Coasts Marathons.
It’s tough to have a spouse who isn’t into the whole running thing. Mine isn’t into running but luckily I run marathons that provide “beer tents” at the finish so he is easily entertained for a bit!
If you like big races then CIM is probably not for you afterall . . . small cow town but the spectators get into it at least AND the time change won’t mess with you.
I don’t understand the hype, either. Behind any race, really. Not like I’m anywhere near qualifying, but I don’t understand the allure of races like Chicago, etc. I only like LA Marathon because it’s my hometown and traverses world-famous landmarks. Otherwise, it seems like boring, crowded streets to me.
Thanks for the honest thoughts about the race. I often wonder with things like that, are they really worth all the hype? I think I would feel similar to how you do about it. Boston is the cutest city though, so I hope you get to head back soon and just enjoy the city. Even though you didn’t break your PR, way to go killing it with back to back marathons! Not to mention you looked super cute doing it.
I think you should come to DC and run the Marine Corp Marathon! I would be YOUR biggest and best cheerleader! That is all!
Way to rock 2 marathons in 1 weekend. you = my hero!
Love the honesty! I’ll go to Boston with you (you run, I eat) especially now that you have slanty eyes too!
I LOLed at this!! Love it.
SR-
If you come back to the east coast to do more marathons (and stay and explore awhile…), the Suntrust Marathon in Richmond, VA (November) is supposedly one of the best and most fun to run!
http://www.richmondmarathon.com/
I ran the half last year and it was a blast-gearing up to run my first full this year (eek)! Richmond isn’t a big city.. but wineries are close by and so is the beach (oh yeah, and that place where the laws are made)… so you can’t go wrong in any direction!
PS Congrats on the two marathons this past weekend!
All of these questions and answers, and I STILL don’t know what a Easter European prostitute is? Maybe you’ll tell us this Sunday?
I think Boston is whatever you want it to be. I’d been following it for a long time (and didn’t qualify until my third marathon), so it meant a lot to me…and I had been reading about everything along the course, so it was really excited. Plus, the crowds were great. My exboyfriend who ran it this year is much less into all the hype (although he’s super speedy!), and he just thought it was another marathon. He even said that Boylston was quiet!
I do think that Heartbreak is overrated…I think one of the hills before it is much worse.
You’re so close to breaking 3:20, it’s definitely in the close future!
whoaaaah I cant even believe the poop picture!!! That really happens?? I am just in shock. Don’t they have potties for people??
I Feel bad you were disappointed with Boston. :{ I have ran it three times and loved every second. To me it is the superbowl of running. Maybe because its easy for you to qualify who do not understand what it means to average runners to to achieve that goal? I have friends you have seriously tried for years and have not made it yet….. Totally agree New York is the best ….but something special and amazing about Boston…..next time go with a running friend…..;] Take it all in not just the race…
Two marathons in one weekend, I am so impressed. Jaymo gets marks for a least tagging along.
OMGosh that poor girl with the trots! I hope she PR’d, she must still be embarassed! Oh I feel so bad for her!!
Thank you for your honest review and way to go on 2 marathons in 3 days. Pure awesomeness!
You will break 3:20 this year- just keep doin what you do!
I’m glad you addressed your apathy towards Boston, because I have to admit I was wondering a little. I don’t blame you, though, it happens! My husband and I went to Hawaii for vacation and I felt the same way. I was soooo excited that I set the bar way too high (but I’d definitely go back). Congrats on two great races.
I think you need to check out a marathon in Denver
so glad the nasty poop pic made it on the blog! i feel awful for that woman, but kind of admire her dedication… kind of.
Thanks for the honest info! (I wouldn’t expect anything less
) Next year, come out and run National or MCM in DC with us!!
Haven’t commented in a while, but had to chime in when I read your commentary on city living! I lived in Manhattan for a couple years and just recently moved to DC. I didn’t grow up in a city, so it was always strange to me that people rely so much on public transportation. I kept a car in NYC solely for use on the weekends, so I could get out of the madness on my own!! I’m glad someone else thinks that such “super urban” living is odd. I hated it.
Also – I’ve learned, don’t bring non-running friends to race expos or races. You’ll feel guilty that they’re there. And they always are bored even if they don’t admit it. Family non-runners… bored, yes, but they love you, so they have to be there. Ha!
You should definitely consider adding Philly or the Marine Corps Marathon to your list! Both are wonderful races with great crowd support.
those are such wonderful pictures!!!!
I appreciate all the thoughts and opinions. It is always refreshing when someone “goes against the flow” and say something different.
so let me get this straight…that poop picture was from this years Boston? wtf? I have seen a few, and also ALMOST been there myself…but…wow.
I think it’s awesome that you put your opinion out there on this even though I’m definitely on the other side of this. But I respected the way you put it out there. I’m obviously partial to Boston since I grew up there, and the charity I ran with was close to my heart. But somehow the allure of Boston was still the mecca of all things running. Hearing that you thought the race was just so-so actually made me love it more. For you it was just another race, for me, it was the highlight of my running “career”. Part of me wants to say “SR, do you know how many people shed blood and tears to run Boston??” But I know you’re just amazingly talented and really good at what you do. You just make running look so easy! You’re such a strong athlete and I know you’ll break 3:20 soon.
i don’t blame you for not wanting to do gansett again. i hate ri though hahah!
and i agree with you that heartbreak is overhyped. as boston in general. i’m glad that i can say that to you because i said it to a friend over the weekend who i thought was then going to maul me.
and that sub 3:20 is yours. i bet it’s close
I think I just want to go to Boston to tailgate and cheer on the runners. I’ll never qualify but the atmosphere seems cool. I’m in the lotto for NY because of all the race reports made it sound so much more fun than Chicago (which is where I am from). I feel awful for that women who pooped to, but at least you only see the back side and not the front with probably tears down her face as she tries to finish!
I knew you were famous!! RUnners World!? Only Kara Goucher gets on runners world…and you!
Thank YOU for sharing your thoughts about the Boston Hype. I have blabbered about this forever, but I have zero interest in the race, and I have qualified at every marathon I’ve run (as have you I think). Seeing your hotel room situation made me especially never want to go back (because of the $, not the size)
eh, I didn’t mean “go back” — I just meant “go”.
Dang, Rebecca!!! That’s some serious SR-stalking with the RW picture!
I’m gonna have to up my game
I agree Boston is hyped but heck I “NEED” to run it one day
Thanks for answering our questions!
I so admire you for doing this race! Personally I love the scenery of trail running, which is why that is the main type of running I do. Like you mentioned was the case in Gansett – boring scenery kills the experience for me! Nothing like trees whizzing by and the peacefulness of the woods… I love it!
Ok, I am seriously in awe that you did 2-3:20 something marathons within 2 days of each other. Holy crap! How?!?! Amazing!
And someone please explain the poop thing to me. Was this person actually in contention for first place at Boston? Doubtful. Then how ’bout some lamaze breathing as while slinking over to a porta potty (or an alley or something…). There’s determination and then there’s, well… I don’t know what that is other than, honestly, the butt of a blog joke.
I can’t get over the poop pic. These things go through my head:
1) How do you not stop? That’s serious dedication.
2) Do we think it motivated her to go faster?
3) Did she secretly love the attention as “Girl who pooped down her leg”
We may never know.
Thanks again for your opinions! I hope you go back to Boston just for a visit sometime. It’s a great city… then again, I feel that way about all Northeast/Mid-Atlantic cities
Oh man… the poop pic….
I’ve run Boston twice and enjoyed it even more the second time. Lovelovelove all the partying going on all along the course-especially the second half. Also, Stayed at the Omni Parker House last year and had a big beautiful room with two beds for about the same money you paid(?!).
My husband is a runner-abstainer too. When we travel to my marathons, I always try to do stuff that interests him in the days leading up to the race (ie, Redsocks game, historical tour, etc).
It’s very interesting to hear your take on the whole thing. I assumed all marathons were full of crazy fans like Boston, but judging by your reaction and surprise, I guess not!
I think the hype is that it’s the oldest marathon. And there have been all sorts of scandals over the years. And you have to QUALIFY, so that’s a clincher right there. And you NEVER EVER know what the weather might do so you’re really taking a chance.
As I said in an earlier post, Heartbreak Hill is almost a misnomer. People think it’s sooooo steep it breaks your heart but there is a story there that has nothing to do with the slant of the hills.
I laugh that you find public transportation on the east coast to be fascinating. that’s only in the big city, baby! We bumpkins still have to drive our cars everywhere we want to go!
My favorite part of reading your takes on marathons is that you take pictures and carry a camera the whole time. I love that you are not so beside yourself that you can’t think about anything but placing. You make it seem like a marathon is fun.
well thank you, but really its only because im too slow to ever place!
Love this! Thanks 4 doing this!
The poor girl that lost her bowels!
I can’t even imagine!! Terrible!!
Chica, you’ll get your 3:20…for sure!!
BTW you look great in all of your pictures. You still look very tan and skinny!
I think you make a hugely valid point about being excited about something… you get more pumped when people around you are feeling the same way. With J not being into running I can see how it might feel a little less exciting for the marathon.
My boyfriend and I are similar. We don’t share the same workout ideals. He’s actually making a mock guest post about his weight loss journey on my blog sometime today… he makes a point to say “F-RUNNING” meanwhile, as his girlfriend I’m thinking of taking up running. To each his own but I feel you 100% on that point of getting more exciting about doing something/visiting somewhere/experiencing something if the person you are with is more excited.
I’m sure you and J have a great time together doing everything else as my boyfriend and I do but sometimes that extra big of EEEEEEEE! Comes form someone being as amped as you!
I live in Boston and run the marathon and I honestly think that the reason it was not that special to you is because it was super easy for you to get in. I mean, you qualified the first marathon you ran. Which is awesome! I think Boston is most special to those who have had to work their butts off to get in. Not that you haven’t, but the speedy running has come more easily to you than others, which is great!
i completely agree with you!
I like your honest take on Boston – takes some guts to post that but I like it!
I still think you did a great job – congrats! You’ll break 3:20 soon…no doubt about it!
Two things–
One of my new fav photos of you is the one of you running with the water in the background (horizontal.) Great pic!
Also, nice photo in runner’s world, someone has a good eye.
I always thought the hype over running Boston was because it’s one of the oldest marathons-115 years + the people of Boston LOVE their sports-Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox all had games over the course of this past weekend & they were out in force showing their team spirit!
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