# I just got a bib for the 2011 Boston Marathon **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [November 9, 2010, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987 "2010-11-09T02:12:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2010, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/1 "2010-11-09T02:12:36Z")
No, I didn’t qualify as I’ve never run a marathon before and even if I did there’s no way I’d make the qualifying time for my age group. I’m going in as a fundraiser for a local charity; it’s a bit of money but I’m not that worried about that yet. Yikes! I’ve run 2 half marathons (the last one in 1:53) and I think I’ll be able to finish Boston without _too_ much difficulty in the abstract. But my training will be through the winter which holds a whole host of issues for me. I’m buzzing just a bit, since I didn’t know if this would come through or not. And now it’s a reality. Yikes. ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2010, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/2 "2010-11-09T04:41:31Z")
Awsome! Running Boston is many a runner’s dream. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dead\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Dead\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Cat)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2010, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/3 "2010-11-10T13:38:56Z")
Excellent - I have only run one half marathon (which involved training in the summer) so there are much better sources of advice on this board, but my one tip would be - despite what some say, it is worth running the full distance (or at least almost all of it) before the race (at least 2 weeks before, obviously - ideally at least 4 weeks before). That way, you will know what to expect. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2010, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/4 "2010-11-10T14:20:13Z")
Almost no one recommends running the full marathon distance before the marathon, and certainly not 2 weeks before. The training plan that I am following ([http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm](http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm)) has a 20 miler 4 weeks before, and a 19 miler 6 weeks before. I’m sure that will get modified as needed, but I don’t plan on running 26 anytime before the actual race. One thing I will be doing is running some of those long training runs on the actual course, so I’ll experience Heartbreak Hill when I’m tired and I know where the landmarks are. I think that will help a lot. When my brother ran Boston for the first time he was living in south Florida and had to train for hills by running back and forth over highway overpasses. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2010, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/5 "2010-11-10T17:59:00Z")
I only live about a mile from Heartbreak Hill. I could maybe mosey on over there and wave when you come by. ---
**Author:** ![Dead\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Dead\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Cat)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/6 "2010-11-11T18:43:29Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Almost no one recommends running the full marathon distance before the marathon, and certainly not 2 weeks before. The training plan that I am following ([http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm](http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm)) has a 20 miler 4 weeks before, and a 19 miler 6 weeks before. I’m sure that will get modified as needed, but I don’t plan on running 26 anytime before the actual race. I know they don’t, but I (and a friend of mine who has run a full marathon) cannot understand why. You are right that 2 weeks before is not long enough, though, I think. The schedule you mention sounds OK - just bear in mind that 26 miles is a lot longer than 20 miles. To summarise: IMHO, if I were training for a marathon I think I would want to try for 26 before the race, given the time. YMMV (pun intended). ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/7 "2010-11-11T19:03:57Z")
_turns green with envy_ [Jeff Galloway](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Galloway) advocated doing much longer than the full distance. In his prime, he was known for regular 30 milers. He did also say that total time for any training run should not exceed 3.5 hours so the super long run was more appropriate for fitter runners. At any rate, the last long run can be done 3-4 weeks before without affecting fitness or readiness for the race. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/8 "2011-03-21T18:43:59Z")
It’s less than a month away. I’ve been fighting some ITB problems since January but I seem to have worked them out. I did an 18.5 last weekend, a half marathon at race pace this weekend, and a 21 miler planned for next Saturday along the marathon route with all the fund raising groups. I’m feeling a bit more confident after getting that 18 miler in; I had to drop in the middle of my last 18 miler because my ITB seized up. I don’t know if I’ll run any more spring marathons; the winter training in Boston just sucks. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I’m looking forward to Patriot’s Day. ---
**Author:** ![mcgato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac8455/32.png) [@mcgato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mcgato)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2011, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/9 "2011-03-21T23:14:25Z")
I’m always baffled why people who have never run a marathon give advice about training for a marathon. Enjoy the race, Telemark, and best of luck with training. Be wary of the first six miles or so, as they are all downhill and beat up your quads. The first mile is rather steep, so take it easy early, and be sure to relax. For the most part, Boston is a 26 mile party with the runners at the center of it. Wellesley College is fun too, with the shrieking college girls. It’s a good weekend to be in Boston. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/10 "2011-03-22T01:19:05Z")
I’m running the first 21 miles of the course this weekend just so I know how to approach the first 6 miles. I’m nervous and excited, and just got my bib number today. I’m in the third (last) wave which is perfect for me. I’m fortunate to have lots of friends and family who run marathons so I’m getting lots of good advice. I can’t wait until I get to taper. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/11 "2011-03-22T01:29:19Z")
Pretty cool! Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2011, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/12 "2011-03-26T18:40:23Z")
Ran today from the starting line in Hopkinton to BC - 21 miles in 3:29. My body feels pretty good and I’m looking forward to the marathon. What’s 5 more miles? Off to an ice bath - time to taper!! ---
**Author:** ![mcgato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac8455/32.png) [@mcgato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mcgato)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2011, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/13 "2011-03-26T19:56:10Z")
The last five miles are mostly downhill, so it should be a piece of cake. Right? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2011, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/14 "2011-03-26T19:59:07Z")
> [@mcgato](#): > > The last five miles are mostly downhill, so it should be a piece of cake. Right? The whole course is downhill overall despite the presence of Heartbreak Hill and the quads do get a pounding over the last five as the less prepared or injudiciously paced are hitting the wall about then. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2011, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/15 "2011-03-26T20:39:01Z")
> [@mcgato](#): > > The last five miles are mostly downhill, so it should be a piece of cake. Right? The downhills are worse than the uphills, once your quads are burnt out. But the last 5 miles have ups and down, although the overall elevation is down from there. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2011, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/16 "2011-04-11T21:38:19Z")
One week to go. I hit my fund raising goal this morning so that is not going to bug me the rest of the week. Nice 5 miler today but it’s just a bit too hot at 73 degrees. I really hope it’s not that warm a week from today. After today’s run I think I’ll mostly be shutting down and doing lots of stretching and hydrating this week. And watching the weather report. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2011, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/17 "2011-04-11T22:00:52Z")
A friend of mine just finished a the Brighton marathon in the UK. He did it in 3:50:51, which is pretty darn respectable for a first marathon. Of course, he is paying for it today. He is so sore and cramping up so bad, he has already called in sick for tomorrow… ---
**Author:** ![mcgato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac8455/32.png) [@mcgato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mcgato)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2011, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/18 "2011-04-11T22:50:38Z")
At my first Boston, I went with a bunch of friends. Before the marathon, we did not do much sight seeing. The day after the marathon, we had a mid-afternoon flight, so the others wanted to see as much of Boston as possible. We must have walked four miles before we got on the plane. I recovered pretty quickly from that marathon, unlike the one that I had done the previous fall. Since that one, I have tried to walk as much as possible the day after the marathon. Seems to help with recovery, though your mileage may vary. And I usually take the day after a marathon off of work (if nearby), more from excessive drinking after the race than being unable to walk normally. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2011, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/19 "2011-04-11T23:05:34Z")
I’m taking Tuesday (and Monday 🙂 ) off for the marathon. I’ll try to move around after the race and again on Tuesday if I can. I would love to do a sub-4:00 marathon but I’m not expecting to go that fast. My best guess is somewhere between 4:15 and 4:30 but I’ll worry about my finish time after I’ve passed BC and head towards home. ---
**Author:** ![mcgato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac8455/32.png) [@mcgato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mcgato)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2011, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987/20 "2011-04-17T21:23:58Z")
Weather is looking good. Best of luck out there. Give an update afterward. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-got-a-bib-for-the-2011-boston-marathon/559987.md?page=2)