WEATHER: The weather conditions will make this year’s race the most memorable in many/many years. Cold + strong headwind + heavy rain = Epic #@&$! The combination made the race surreal, as people (including the elites) struggled to figure out what to wear, how to fight (survive?) the conditions and what pace to run. Spring time weather in Boston is unpredictable....and all part of the Boston mystic. Think of it just as another part of the challenge that is the Boston Marathon. Hey, you run marathons...what’s a little weather!

EXPO: It was in a different location this year...at Seaport World Trade Center instead of Hynes Convention Center. I like the Hynes much better...it is located right in the middle of the Boylston Street atmosphere and it seemed better organized. Hopefully back to the Hynes next year...but not a big deal. The expo is jammed packed with vendors. And if that is not enough, there are many great running stores in Boston....including pop-up stores that come just for the race. The Adidas Boston Marathon clothing is awesome.

START: As I mentioned at the start, this was my 3rd time running Boston....but it was the first time taking the shuttle bus to the start from downtown Boston. Previously I had stayed in a hotel out near the Hopkinton start to avoid the long bus ride to the start. This year was much better....having a hotel near the finish is definitely the way to go...and the logistics of the bus ride to the start is well organized, and interesting to talk to other runners and feel the race excitement build.

RACE: Despite the weather conditions, I was able to set a PR....and to do so in Boston and in those conditions makes it all the more memorable. Think of the race in 4 sections....4 miles starting downhill (run easy), 12 miles of “flat” (run your GMP pace), 5 miles of mostly hills (ok to give back time here) and 5 miles to the finish mostly downhill (let it fly if you have anything left). The spectators and volunteers were truly amazing in these weather conditions! Boston Strong!

FINISH: “Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston”...and I got my medal and counted my blessings that my hotel was near the finish!

CONCLUSION: There are marathons with more scenic courses, easier courses and better weather. But there is only one Boston Marathon! Being able to say you qualified and finished the Boston Marathon is a worthy milestone and lifetime memory to cherish for any runner. If you get a chance, do it! My time qualifies for Boston next year...which I will gladly do. Now if only we can only get a tailwind next year as strong as this year’s headwind!

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