Boston 2010

As I’m expecting the entries for next Aprils BM to open anytime now and as I’ve had my flights and hotel booked for about six weeks I thought it was time to start a new thread for this one.

I got the qualifying time in New York last year and as I enjoyed the American Marathon experience so much I’m going to give Boston a go.

Anyone with Boston experience, all tips are welcome !!

We're just back from 10 days in Boston, so can't speak for the marathon side of things, but the city is very friendly and felt safe, even in the middle of a huge baseball crowd. Public transport is clean and fast, each trip was $2. There's a running shop (name escapes me) at Quincy Market. Hope you like seafood, I managed to eat it every day.

Like Stray Celt said, there's plenty to do once you've finished racing, we did whale watching, trips to Cape Cod and Plymouth Plantation, went to the baseball, Freedom Trail ( I heckled the tour guide). Which hotel are you staying in?

Whiteleyox - you've picked a great location.

I worked in Boston for 3 months in 2007 (Mar to May) and experienced the marathon fever - I didn't run it but did some other local events.

As the others have said, Boston is a great city, and there are plenty of Irish bars to keep your iron levels up with Guinness

I've Boston in my plans for 2011 so I will be interested to hear your thoughts on the event.

Hmmmm 2010 0r 2011not sure yet. 

Got London place so probably 2011

No idea of flights from B'ham / accomodation etc so looking for clues!

Spoken to people who've run Boston all who say its fabulous......

I did Boston this year and its everything Stray Celt says and more.If you liked NY youll love this.The whole city takes on marathon fever and you get caught up in the atmosphere and you also feel part of a historic event.Its all the more special knowing most there are there because they and youve qualified.

.Lots todothere and the Monday start gives you an extra day to adapt.The race is ,I think net down hill so has pb potential particularly the way the starts are organised in line with qualifying times to avoid blockages.Heartbreak Hill etc isnt that bad and in fact its the smaller hills that confront you afterwards that provide a bit of a reality check.The run in along Boylston Street is something else particularly ifyou hear the commentator call your name.My only regret was wimping out of doing London the week after.Enjoy the experience.

I had my usual rejection from London arrive yesterday, it's the first time I’ve been glad to see it as I can't be tempted to do both, although I’d said if I got accepted for London i would defer I’m sure I might of been tempted !

Is anyone else going over for this one and starting to plan the winter training?

I did Boston this year, but as a charity runner. Well done to all who qualify.

Even as a 5 hour marathon plodder, it was a fantastic experience. Some tips to add to those good ones already listed:

- You'll find the US RW forum at www.runnersworld.com has a very active year-round Boston thread. There is great advice and banter on there, much of it from people who know the race isnside out.

- Boston is a v historic event. Next year will be the 114th. Do read about the race, and its history. It really is special, and has loads of celebrated points on the course.

- The first half of the race is downhill, and is notoriously easy to crash and burn on the hills. The hills are not that bad, they just seem bad because they appear when you're flagging.

- Train for hills

- The expo is great, but crowded. Do go and see some of the speakers and side-events.

- Buy the jacket and wear it round the city each day you are there. I didn't buy one as I hadn't qualified, and didn't think it right, but if you do, you'll get into loads of conversations with other runners and impressed locals.

- Sell your granny if necessary to get a ticket for Fenway Park to see the Red Sox. The oldest ball park in the US, and like the marathon, very historic. Red Sox fans are passionate and funny.

- Eat, drink, sleep Boston from now until next April. It's the one marathon all runners should try to get to. Check out youtube for clips of the race and the course.

- Read the race reviews at www.marathonguide.com for a flavour of how this race is perceived.

I have just run Chicago where I had a great run and qualified for Boston with 4:14:28 (I am 65+ age group)..Chicago was my 16th Marathon in  under 6 years but for the last few I had slowed down to almost walking pace (around 4:45) but with some harder training, great encouragement from a friend, enforced rest 2 weeks before the race with Shingles  and perfect conditions in Chicago I achieved what I did think would be impossible.Now I must have a few weeks recovery although I feel good after Chicago before starting training again not forgetting some hill training as Chicago was completely flat.

I was in Boston many years ago on business and thought it was a great city.

Running is fun.

Boston 2010 will be my 3rd Marathon - managed to qualify by the skin of my teeth in Dublin last year. After concentrating on Triathlon this year I am really looking forward to getting back on a running programme for this race, as well as a few others along the way.

Flights and accommodation have been booked this afternoon - so bring on the winter training!

A half marathon around Richmond Park organised by my Tri club next weekend should be a good guide to see how the training will start off!

Thanks for all the info posted on this thread so far - it has been very useful. For those who have not seen it there is a useful elevation chart of the course on the official Boston marathon website.

Welcome the BQ club. i have just started running again today after a 2 week lay off after Chicago. Only 29 weeks to go!! 

Anyone got advice on how many days you need between flying transatlantic and running the race?  Ran NYC last November and arrived a week before and got rather caught in too much sightseeing, not enough resting.  Can you really fly Saturday and run Monday?

 A ticket to the red-sox.  I hadn't thought of that.  Maybe just what I need to say thank you to my support team!

Hi Jean,

I am flying Friday allowing me 2 days before the jog which is what I did for NY and Chicago. As you are flying west jet lag should not be a problem but you may be tired after the long flight. Remember you will have to pick up your race pack from the Expo so you will not have too much time for rest.

You should be ok as you are probably young and fit. We Veterans need our sleep.

Boston will be fun. 

Hi, Can anyone tell me, if i want to run in the 2012 boston marathon (i have Q time) when do i need to start booking flights, Hotels......................................................

Will i defo get in if i have Q time

Thanks all..