Boston rolls out the red carpet for all of its runners. Everyone is treated like an elite. I love the expo and try to listen to as many speakers as possible. This year my favorite session included Meb, Deena and Ryan Hall in a panel discussion. So inspiring to hear these runners talk about their journey. My husband has to talk me into leaving so as to not spend too much time on my feet.
The swag in 2019 was a high quality long sleeved tech shirt. I picked up my first Adidas Celebration jacket as the colors were awesome for this race. I did Boston in 2016 as well and the jackets were awful that year! If you go to Boston, ya gotta get a jacket!
I encourage anyone doing this race to stay in Boston. Part of the experience is taking the bus to Hopkinton and hanging out in the Athlete's Village Village beforehand. You will meet so many runners from around the world and I love thinking about how our common thread is that we're all so passionate about this sport. We have all gone to great lengths to toe this line. Boston is a dream that comes true with 30,000 other dreamers! Most runners are balancing jobs and families with training their tails off so the accomplishment arriving at the starting line is no small feat!
You can hear the college kids in Wellesley cheering much before you can see them. Save some energy for the hills in Newton. Heartbreak Hill is amazing because you have a ton of people cheering for you! My favorite part of the course is running down the the other side of Heartbreak Hill. You got it from there. And then that Citgo sign is just so dang big! Such a welcome sight!
The whole course is lined with spectators and there's something unique about this group. I've done my share of big races and I can honestly say that the way these fans support the runners is really special. It's Patriot's Day so the kids have the day off school...they're all out there rooting for you too. I get so much energy from the spectators...especially the kids. If you high five one of them, 10 more will stick out their enthusiastic little hands. It's the sweetest thing ever.
Few things are finer then turning onto Boylston Street for the home stretch. Slow down a bit and take it all in. Enjoy every single mile on race day. You earned it.
Getting to Boston requires a lot of focus and commitment. Is it worth it? Absolutely.