What can you say? ITS THE BOSTON FRICKIN MARATHON!!!
Lifetime goal was met this April when I finally got to run in this prestigious event. Everything was better than I could have ever thought of, even though the weather far from cooperated on race day.
The days leading up to the marathon were great as well. My advice, if you can get into Boston early enough, go to the expo on Friday and rest your legs the rest of the weekend. Our schedule did not work out for us to do so and we went to the expo on Saturday. Plan to spend a few hours on your feet when you go. Every shoe company that you can think of as well as every running product (or non running product) as well as other races. It can be mass chaos. The line on Saturday morning to get race bibs was not too bad.
Before going, check out twitter and other social media sites to see when and where your favorite professional or former runner will be. Was hoping to see Bill Rogers but after meeting Meb at an event at a local hotel, that was enough for me. Also on Saturday morning, check out the 5k and the mile races as well.
If you are looking for a way to stay off your feet, Duck Tours are a great way to stay off your feet and see the city (make reservations ahead of time as marathon weekend fills up fast).
Race day has its draw backs with an early wake up call to get on the bus to head to the starting line but if you qualified and got in, it's a sacrifice worth making. There is no bag check at the starting line so be prepared to donate anything you don't plan on wearing when running to charity (there is a place to leave your bags where you load in the buses to have waiting for you at the finish.
As you would expect, the course is very well staffed with volunteers and getting the hydration you need should not be a problem.
Many will tell you to relax really, don't pound your legs too much on the down hills and save them for the late miles. They are right. The scream tunnel is as advertised. Very very loud. People say there are three Bewton Hills. I think there are 4 with the last being Heartbreak Hill. I would say the 3rd hill is the toughest though. After Heartbreak, it's all down hill and there is no better feeling than seeing the Citgo sign and finally the right on Herford, Left on Boylston. The crowds are unreal at the finish.
If you get the opportunity to run Boston, take it. There truly is nothing like it.

This is the earliest half marathon of the year in southern Michigan. The half marathon is run on the first Sunday in March. It is cold, some times snowy, but the city does a great job of ensuring that the streets are clear and safe.
Also the race is very well staffed with volunteers and there are frequent aid stations with high energy volunteers. The course is very well marked, is somewhat hilly and runs on some roads and some bike paths (about 50/50).
The shirts are nice, and there is a lot of post race food to choose from. The finishing medal is simple but the cost of the race entry was low. Age group awards are hard to earn as the competition is tough (finished 7th overall and 5th in age division) and only 1st place received overall awards.
If your looking for a good early year half marathon, give this one a try.

Despite the cold/windy conditions, this is a very fast course that is mostly flat with really only one noticeable hill at about mile 16, but it's no Heartbreak Hill. If you are looking for a large crowd to support you along the way, it's hit or miss depending on where you are on the course. I was able to PR and set a new BQ this year. The course takes you by Lucas Oil Stadium(Home of the Indianapolis Colts), monument circle, and other war Memorials. You also wind through ButlerUniversity (unfortunately not close enough to see Hinkel Fieldhouse), and the art museum. There are a couple of dull sections on the course but what marathon doesn't? You then finish right in front of the state house. Great atmosphere.
The city really embraces events like the Monumental marathon. No city does big events like Indianapolis. Finishers medals for this years run were the first in a four piece puzzle that will continue over the next three years.
The Expo held the day before was ok. There were a lot of vendors, but most were geared towards women I felt as well as way of carrying your phone when you are running. I think I only made one purchase, which is low for me. Packet pick up was a breeze and the shirts are great and really comfortable.
I strongly suggest staying in a hotel down town. There are several great hotels wishing a couple blocks of the start/finish line.

The Veterans Marathon is held in Columbia City, IN typically on the Saturday following Veterans Day (the 2015 race will be held the following weekend due to how early Veterans Day is and the Monumental Marathon in Indianapolis is held on the first Saturday in November every year). This is a great opportunity to get you Marathon Maniac status without traveling far if you live in Indiana.this is a smaller race. Marathon had 171 finishers, half marathon was around 330 finishers, and the 5k had 137 finishers.
The race starts and finishes by the very picturesque county courthouse in downtown. City hall also has a very large flag hanging from its roof by the finish line. The race starts in dramatic fashion, by firing off a cannon and the half and full marathon are under way.
The first mile or so is straight out of town, no turns. Miles 2-12 are in the country. The disadvantage of this is that there is nothing to block the wind. It just all depends on which way the wind is blowing on race day.
The country also provides some rolling hills, nothing major, just enough to keep you humble and honest. With this race being on the smaller size, you do find yourself running alone often as well. The aid stations are very well staffed and the drink of choice is water and Gatorade. The finish makes its way back into down town and finishes by the courthouse.
They do give out nice finishers medals, in the shape of the great state of Indiana and each year they represent a different branch of the military.
All marathon and half marathon runners received a nice New Balance Jacket instead of a race shirt. Nice way to change it up. 5k runners received a tech shirt.
This race is resonanly priced with proceeds going to a different veteran charity every year. A nice little touch that the race does is before the start, they ask every veteran who is racing, to step forward to be recognized.
This is a smaller race. If it's large crowds you want either running or lining the course, find another race. This is not a race for you. If you are looking for a good quality run race, nice swag, and helping a great cause. I recommend the Veterans Marathon. I will be back for 2015 on November 14