Boston veterans

[ktzmoh]

I searched for "boston" to see about marathon recommendations and I saw a post I made in September last year asking you amazing ladies about your thoughts on how to get faster. I followed all of your excellent advice, was consistent, boosted my volume (by a lot and for a lot of consecutive weeks), made a real commitment to strength work, took a block of months to focus on speed and 5Ks, and paid better attention to my nutrition and got myself a lot leaner. The other thing I did (which I highly recommend) is worked with a coach on a continuous basis since September last year rather than my previous 12 week, train-me-for-this-marathon sort of coaching relationship. It all came together in a perfect way for me last weekend with perfect weather and a great race and I ran a 3:32.

So... I haven't gotten to my 3:30 yet, but I'm confident it's coming. And maybe more if I can follow in the footsteps of my badass friends here.

In the meantime, I'm pretty stoked to be making plans for Boston 2020. I'm thinking of fun running it so I can soak in all of the experience... and because I'm hoping to get into Boston 2 Big Sur, so I'll need to not destroy my legs. I know we've been over his before, but I can't find the threads, so I have questions: 

Where should I think about staying in Boston?

When should I come in and when should I leave? I don't want to miss the festivities by coming too late or leaving too early.

What should I plan for my weekend? Any highlights or other experiences you would not have missed?

[sadlebred]

I have no idea about the logistics...but...
3:32 is awesome! I know you are going to do 3:30!!!

I agree that working with a coach long term can yield good results. It's usually how it's done in cycling instead of "train me for X event." It's amazing what always having a good training plan year round can do.

[gt7301b]

Congrats, again!!!

We are currently planning on flying in on Friday and leaving Tuesday, which is what we did when Mr. GT ran the race. Since you have a long flight I'd certainly want to come in earlier rather than later.

Last time we stayed in a hotel that mrshandy found near the Garden. Personally, I like staying as close to the action as possible, but the hotels closer to Boylston are not cheap. I know others have mentioned that it was pretty easy staying in Cambridge.

[mrshandy]

Yay!!! So exciting!

2016 - we flew in on early Friday morning and hit up the expo right away. We stayed at a VRBO in the South End a few blocks from Back Bay train station. The house was an adorable brownstone on a quiet street. The location was awesome, the accommodations were a little tight, but we had like 9 people with us. We left Tuesday because I wanted to enjoy post race festivities.

2019 - we drove and stayed overnight with friends in Western Mass then arrived in Boston around 10am. We ended up booking a house in Cambridge because once again we had a big crowd. But it was a beautiful place and a few blocks from the T. Cambridge wasn't as close to the action, but it was nice when we went out the night of the race and it wasn't as packed as other places Taking the T on race day was surprisingly easy and free! We left again on Tuesday and made a family vacation out of it, driving to Burlington and Montreal. It was a really great vacation.

Things to do - Are you bringing the family?

• Red Sox game - My husband is from Maine and a lifelong Red Sox fan so we've done this both times. They're fun, but definitely kind of pricey.
  
• Pasta Party - I went to this in 2016 before they had timed tickets. We went very early to beat the crowds. The food is actually decent and it's a cool experience. I got free tickets for everyone because I asked people at the expo for theirs. I guess you can't do that anymore. I wasn't willing to shell out $25/person to go in 2019. I'm glad I did it once though.
  Science Museum and Children's Museums are great for the kids. 
  
• Duck Boat Tour was another winner for the kids and nice to see the city without walking too much.
• North End is fun to walk around.
• I have yet to make it to a post race party. I didn't feel like paying for friends to come with me. 

Boston is a great race to just have fun with. I had a more aggressive goal for 2019, but not a PR goal because I know it's a challenging course especially the last 10 miles. The weather is unpredictable and you don't want to spend the whole weekend sitting around not enjoying the city because you're running a marathon. 

Just soak up the wonderful energy that surrounds this race. It's like a celebration of runners the whole weekend. You're going to love it. 

[labbie]

I have zero input on the marathon (hope to someday!) but wanted to say a huge CONGRATS!! on this accomplishment after so much hard work. So inspiring!

[runblondie26]

Ahhh, I’m so excited for you! You rock, ktzmoh!!!!

Are you going as a family? The rooms are small, so this would only be if you’re going as a couple, but check out Hotel 140. It’s close to the finish line and relatively inexpensive for the weekend.

You’re going to have so much fun!

[hurricanedrunk]

I have nothing to add on to logistics but this is super exciting! It's very inspiring to someone like myself who hopes to one day get a qualifying time! You are awesome!

[ktzmoh]

Thanks everyone! I'm so excited and kind of can't believe I'm going to get to wear a boston jacket! I hope the colors are good this year.

So my family was planning on all coming for the whole preceding week to do some spring break touristy stuff. But I may have a change in my work situation, so at this point, it may just be me going in on Friday and leaving Monday night. I'm thinking of staying in Cambridge as I have friends there who will let me use their guest room. Thanks mrshandy for reassuring that I'll be able to make my way to the race from there, that's super helpful.