Boston Marathon Prep-Final Thoughts

Final conversation with Dani

-Weather can always impact the marathon. It's not over in 20 minutes and it's not in the same town. You are running through several towns. If you were still in Raleigh, it would be the equivalent to running from Fuquay Varina through Raleigh and all the way out to Wake Forest.  You may need to adjust according to the weather at the time. Her plan is to go out 10 seconds slower per mile over the first 6 miles and then settle in.  She is also going to write her goal times on her arm. A GPS can get off in large races due to the large crowds and the weather can also impact the connection. The time on the race clock is the only one that matters. She will wear warm discardable clothes to the race site and has shoes covers for her shoes incase it is raining.  Heavy wet shoes can't be helped in rain, but you don't want them to start.

-On the course, it will probably be wet at some point, so do your best to avoid the painted lines on the road. They can get very slick. She plans to take her own hydration bottle for the first 6 miles to help her focus on a slower pace at the start and to avoid the crowed water stations that can get very slick with rain. 

-Get a good finish line photo by not running directly behind another runner. If this costs you a few seconds, it’s worth if. Unless it’s the difference in breaking 3:18 and then you won't care about the picture!

- And finally...Have fun! You've done all the hard work and this is the reward.