My second experience was even better than the first. While I arrived later than last year (Saturday afternoon vs Friday afternoon) and missed out on some of the cool events (the 5k and Pro Mile), I still got my fill of marathon madness. I felt last year I maybe spend a little too much time out and about.

We had a great group from Chicago which made the weekend really fun. I highly recommend looking into the Boston365 training program/race amenities if you're headed to Boston as sharing the experience is half the fun for me and the amenities take a lot of stress out of race day.

The race itself is a classic. The field is very competitive and the course is a conundrum. I tried to prepare again this year, but fell prey to its siren song of declines and a fast first half. A word of advice: make a plan and stick to it!

Finally, no review would be complete without a tip of the hat to the crowds and volunteers. They cheer triumphant and faltering runners alike. They really carried me through the race. Unlike last year, when I felt embarrassed about jogging in the last few miles of the race, I enjoyed and accepted the adulation of the crowds and used it as fuel to continue onward.

This is a must do race in my opinion.