Running the Majors: Mastering the Boston Marathon

Embark on an exhilarating exploration of the second in our series of Running the Majors, the Boston Marathon, the world's oldest annual marathon and a beacon of athletic excellence. 

Join Coach Christine and Ashley from Mystical Dream Travel as we journey through its rich history, starting from its inception in 1897 to monumental moments like Roberta Gibb's pioneering run in 1966 and the city's inspiring resilience post the 2013 bombing. 

We'll celebrate Des Linden's triumphant 2018 victory, delve into Boston's unique role in shaping women's distance running, and honor the community spirit that makes this race unlike any other. This episode promises an engaging mix of history, personal anecdotes, and a shared love for the marathon experience.

Get ready to master the Boston Marathon with insider tips and essential strategies that ensure you're fully prepared for race day. We discuss the importance of hill repeats, the necessity of packing for unpredictable weather, and the art of navigating the course's logistics without official pacers. 

Discover the best neighborhoods to immerse yourself in Boston's vibrant culture and culinary scene, and learn how to capture unforgettable marathon moments. 

Whether you're competing for a coveted unicorn medal or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this episode equips you with everything you need to tackle the marathon with confidence. 

Want to keep this "major" conversation going? Join the Women of the World Marathon Majors or the Stride Collective. 

Plus, check out our highlighted Boston 2025 runner, Emily Brennan in the bonus episode. 

Join us as we continue on our journey of Running the Majors Series, next stop. London! 

Chapters

• 0:00 Boston Marathon
• 13:26 Preparing for the Boston Marathon
• 20:44 Boston Marathon Excitement and Preparation

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Hey friends, welcome back to Extraordinary Strides. I'm Coach Christine, and with me today is Ashley from Mystical Dream Travel, because we are teaming up to take you on a global adventure through the Abbott World Marathon Majors. And today we're heading to Boston, home of the iconic and the oldest annual marathon in the world. Of course, it's well known as one of the most prestigious races out there. That's right.

Speaker 2: 0:22

Christine, Boston is not just a race. It's a symbol of achievement the tradition, the crowds, the infamous course. There's nothing just quite like Boston. Whether you're dreaming of earning your unicorn medal or just curious about the magic of Boston, we've got you covered.

Speaker 1: 0:39

So I'm going to be honest with you. I'm a little nervous about this race and having this discussion because, again, we have some friends in the Northeast and I feel like, if I don't nail the details, they're going to come at us, my friend. So I think, though, for today, I want to reassure you guys. We did our homework, so we're going to drive into the race history. We're going to talk about how to get in. The best parts of the course, in our opinion, we know that are subject to be changed when to stay, what to eat and everything you need to know to make the most of your Boston experience. So are you ready, ashley?

Speaker 2: 1:09

Absolutely. Let's lace up and hit the street of Boston.

Speaker 1: 1:14

See, I'm even nervous about that. How are we supposed to pronounce Boston? Okay, I digress. Let's start with a little history, because, again, this race is. It has a legacy, it's legendary. The Boston Marathon began in 1897, inspired by the marathon event at the 1896 Summer Olympics, and at that time only 15 runners took to the streets. But today it attracts over 30,000 runners every single year, and the Boston Marathon has grown into more than just a race.

Speaker 2: 1:42

It's a part of the history of the city. It is, yeah, it is held on Patriots Day, but it is very much local holiday that everything shuts down for this race. So you have the support of the entire community coming out cheering. The energy is just incredible for this race. And there's a lot of stranger danger along this course, but we'll get into that later.

Speaker 1: 2:08

Yes, there is as well, for sure. And we can't talk about Boston without mentioning its groundbreaking role in women's distance running. So in 1966, roberta Gibb became the first woman to run the marathon, though she did it unofficially, so she literally had to hide in the bushes at the start and join the race after it began.

Speaker 2: 2:27

And that's such a crazy story because you think about it nowadays and like to even imagine a world where she was hiding. It's just incredible how far we've come. It wasn't until 1972 that women were officially allowed to compete. Nina Cusick became the first female champion that year, and it really paved the way for so many women to break barriers.

Speaker 1: 2:52

And a shout out to Catherine Switzer, the first woman to actually run it with a bib. Everyone who has been running for some time is probably really familiar with that 261 bib that she has. She now has her own nonprofit with it. But also this kind of history and the fact that this was not so long ago is why the Women of World Marathon Majors Facebook group exists. So please, if you are pursuing the World Marathon Majors, come join us there. And, of course, we cannot talk about the history of Boston without acknowledging 2013, a tragic but pivotal year in its history, with the Boston Marathon bombing. It left the city and the running community completely shaken, but it also led to the rallying cry of Boston strong, and that resilience is still felt every single year when people toe up to that start line.

Speaker 2: 3:39

Absolutely. I still just get chills even thinking about it. It's such a pivotal moment of that race, but they really took it and made it into something beautiful. And then we move into 2018, when Des Linden became the first American woman to win Boston in 33 years. This year they had freezing rains, brutal conditions and she pulled everything off to win it. It's incredible.

Speaker 1: 4:04

It really is. I mean I truly get chills. And also reading her off to win it. It's incredible, it really is. I mean I truly get chills. And also reading her book and hearing it, because I listened to the audio book of her accounting of it is just absolutely incredible. But if you're wondering just how fast you need to be to break records in Boston, in case you know this is something you wanna add to your bucket list, I'm dropping a little bit of the current course records Again. I cannot stress this enough. These could be broken this spring, so stay tuned. But as of right now, men are at 20302, and that's by Jeffrey Mutai in 2011. Women's is held at 21959 by Buzanesh Deba in 2014. In 2014. Men's wheelchair is 11706 by Marcel Hug in 2017, and women's wheelchair 12817 by Manuela Scharr. So again also 2017, we're seeing just a lot. I mean, the course is getting faster. It's just absolutely amazing. So I think the question is tell us what are you thinking?

Speaker 2: 5:03

How do we get into this race? Because seeing the community, the history, there's so much about this race that is incredible and is definitely that million dollar ticket when you get in how excited are you for Boston?

Speaker 1: 5:19

I asked this with Tokyo, but I have to ask, like I'm just curious ranking like how excited are you to run this race?

Speaker 2: 5:25

I think this is probably like my top one, Like I am so excited for the day that I get to run Boston because there's so much history you get to be a part of history. Boston is is just incredible and let's not forget, we do have a lot of friends up in Boston and that whole area and it would be so wonderful to share their area.

Speaker 1: 5:44

We do. We do Well. Of course, getting into Boston is an achievement in itself, because the most common way is to qualify. So for friends that are newer to the running world, you likely have seen a lot of BQ being thrown around and you're like what in the world is that? It is the Boston qualifying time standard, based on your age and gender. But here's the kicker While these standards were recently tightened up, even with the tightening of the time entry, you still had to be even faster than the cutoff time, because the demand for this race was so high and the fields are getting so much faster. So for the 2025 race, the one that we're going to be having here this year, the cutoff was actually six minutes and 51 seconds faster than the qualifying standard for your time, which blows my mind.

Speaker 2: 6:30

That just like raises my anxiety so much because I mean you want to run that race and you are so close and you get that BQ and then it's just ripped away. So it breaks my heart for all of those people. But there's so many other ways that you can get in and that's why we're breaking this down, so you know exactly how and when and where to get your your bib.

Speaker 1: 6:54

Absolutely so.

Speaker 1: 6:56

One of, I think, my favorite routes will always be charity, because it is such a wonderful opportunity to be able to make an impact and Boston has some of the most amazing charity programs.

Speaker 1: 7:06

It's truly a great way to give back while earning your spot. It will, though I'm not going to lie to you, they do have also higher minimums. So you need to bring your A game and be prepared, because that charity fundraising for Boston is definitely just as difficult as the course getting entry and all of that jazz. Now, one of the other ways ways we discussed it a little bit with Tokyo as well the Abbott World Marathon Majors has their own lottery and if you have five stars meaning you run the original six except for Boston you can get an entry into that drawing, and actually I know someone who literally got that golden ticket. So it's really important to know that you have to go register with the Abbott World Marathon Majors website to enter into these drawings. But for international runners, there's also the option of tour operators that offer travel packages that include the race and train.

Speaker 2: 7:54

Absolutely. There's a little bit of option for everybody for this race, whether you're the speedster or you want to run for a cause and give some more meaning to your miles. It's just a great race to get everybody involved in.

Speaker 1: 8:08

I think it's super important to know that once you cross that start line and you get to that finish line, that, regardless of how you gained entry, you are one of the extraordinary group of runners who have conquered Boston. But we want to definitely talk about how I have my golden ticket. I'm making my way to Boston and automatically I'm thinking of that song shipping up to Boston. Let's talk about some of the questions that folks have, and I think one of them is like how do I plan my race weekend and when should I arrive? So what do you think about that, ashley?

Speaker 2: 8:34

So you always want to travel in and give yourself plenty of time to get acclimated, whether you're going overseas in your same time zone or even another area. So we always recommend two to three days before the race so you have time to go to the expo and shake out your legs, maybe with an easy run. There's so many different groups that do shakeout runs before these races now and it's wonderful that you can kind of meet new people, all while kind of giving yourself a little shake out for that big race. And then there's so much to do and see in Boston on marathon weekend and again it goes back to that community of they took something so terrible and just made something beautiful out of it. You have to go see everything that they do around the city. You can also partake in the BAA 5K to the course preview tours as well.

Speaker 1: 9:31

Yeah, I really suggest that if you want to save your legs a little bit. I mean because you could essentially to your point, ashley, you could almost do a full marathon of just shakeout runs the day before because there's so many of them being held. So we don't want to necessarily do that, we want to just pick one and go with that. But if you want to save your legs a little bit, grabbing your spot on one of the course preview tours off the top of my head I know that Marathon Tours offers it, but I'm sure there's a few others and it basically is a bus like historical tour that starts you at the start line, brings you to the finish line and kind of gets you a little idea of what to expect on race day. Because this is a point to point adventure, because we're going to break down the course a little bit, the point to point race starts in Hopkinton. See, austin friends, how do I say this? Ashley, hopkinton.

Speaker 2: 10:17

That's how I'm.

Speaker 1: 10:18

Okay. I'm pretty sure that Sue's going to give us a call after this actually airs Okay and it finishes at the Copley Square in Boston. It's known for its net downhill start. We're going to talk a lot about that, because that net downhill start it's no joke Also goes for the infamous Newton Hills, which includes Heartbreak Hill at mile 20.

Speaker 2: 10:39

Absolutely, and I know this course is so many ups and downs and I know our infamous Sue that will certainly call us out on our history likes to stand around Heartbreak Hill to give you that little pep in your step.

Speaker 1: 10:53

I think that's what everybody should put on their bucket list is to see Sue cheering folks on at Heartbreak Hill, especially if you're running and racing. So big shout out to our fabulous Fridis. But what's really important with this race from a race strategy point of view is that those first few miles are net downhill. They're going to feel very easy. You're going to feel like you're flying and your quads are going to hate you if you continue to do that, and those quads are going to be needed when you hit those rolling hills in Newton.

Speaker 2: 11:18

So please do take into account having a good race day strategy, and we can't forget to talk about our landmarks, because we do see a lot of that, but the biggest one, I think, in my opinion, is Scream Tunnel at the Wellesley College Around mile 12, you hit that. This is where students cheer so loudly that it's deafening. So it gives you that kind of like boost to keep on going. You know who doesn't love when you have a crowd cheering just for you Like nobody else is there. It's your own personal true self.

Speaker 1: 11:49

You can also get the infamous kiss though, too, here like in the screen. So are you going to get a kiss? I take stranger danger into a whole other.

Speaker 2: 11:57

Yes, and that one that might be a little far past the line. But there's also so many wonderful things. There's the Sitco sign near mile 25.

Speaker 1: 12:10

That Sitco sign. I feel like every race course has a point where I'm just like I don't know how much I love that part. That Sitco sign. It was mean, it was like it personally attacked me because I was like I'm so close and yet I really wasn't. But of course there is the iconic turn and marathoning you might even see shirts and different paraphernalia with it which is right on Hereford and left on Boylston. And that final stretch is unforgettable because while the crowd does roar from start to finish here, it's just mind-blowing as you approach that finish line.

Speaker 2: 12:46

Absolutely. You're making history.

Speaker 1: 12:48

Okay, let's talk a little bit about that finish line course time limit, and then we're going to come back and talk about that weather, because I agree with you, as what you said in Tokyo, if it was up to runners, no, we would start looking at the race weather conditions like a year ahead of time. So we're going to talk a little bit about that. But the course limit for Boston is rather strict. They have officially a time limit of six hours. We know for sure that it does stay open a little bit later. How much later, we don't 100% know. We also know that this includes six hours from the time the last wave of runners get started, so of course faster runners from earlier waves have more time to finish. So I know that can be a point of contention for folks, but what are your thoughts about it?

Speaker 2: 13:31

I always think, don't stress too much. Have that kind of mindful awareness of where you're at. But at the end of the day it's your race, so always put your best foot forward, but just go out there and have fun. This is one of the best races, in my opinion, in the world because of the environment that you're in. So just kind of keep that in the back of your mind but don't stress too much.

Speaker 1: 13:55

Yeah, I agree, and I think this one comes back down to make sure that in your training you're incorporating those hill repeats and those rolling hills for your long runs so you can really feel like you're prepared. In that course. That would help to minimize the anxiety. But of course there's always that question as to weather and, as we mentioned before, spring races are always going to be a bit unpredictable. I think that our friends in the Northeast will tell us it's even more so in that area that time of the year. So it's really important that you kind of pack something for everything. So, from cold, rainy, windy, warm, sunny, there's been some really hot marathons on Boston, so you really need to take that into account.

Speaker 2: 14:29

Absolutely. In 2018, the runners faced freezing, raining and gusty winds, like that's something that they weren't expecting, but then in 2022, we saw absolutely perfect running conditions in the mid 50s. So it really just goes back to making sure you're training in what you were planning to run in. That doesn't mean pick one outfit and that's what you're going to wear that day, because it might throw you a curve ball. So always make sure you're doing those layers. Also, consider throwaway clothes. A lot of these races will have crews that pick up those throwaway layers and they donate them. So it goes to a good cause and it keeps you warm while you're waiting there.

Speaker 1: 15:09

I just think that that's one of the best things is to stay as comfortable as you possibly can before you get started, especially if you are not going to be in those faster, earlier start times. You'll be at the start village for quite some time. Let's talk a little bit about that as well, because you, as we mentioned, this, is a point-to-point course, so you are going to have to be aware of getting there, a specific timeframe to the buses, and the buses are going to ship you to the Start Village, and the Start Village is where you're going to spend a majority of your time. But one of the questions that folks have is we've started to rely a lot on pacers. There's something great about having the pacer keep you on track, but that is not something you're going to find in Boston. They don't have official pacers. So I am a big fan of pace band and just making your own. I know that you can buy some pace bands. I'll have them at expos as well. So I think that's really, really important to take into consideration.

Speaker 2: 16:02

Absolutely. Or just grab a little buddy that's running the race as well. There's always, always, always, race groups Guaranteed. If it's a race, there's going to be a race group on Facebook. Jump in there and say, hey, this is my time, maybe find somebody that's local to you and you might be able to even train with them and just run along with them. I've even picked up people along the race course that has been kind of we've been leapfrogging or just very similar, and hey, do you want to run the rest of the race together? Runners, it's another world. Everybody is so friendly on the course for the most part, and most of them will just strike up a conversation and cheer each other on.

Speaker 1: 16:45

I think that is such a wonderful aspect of the running community is being able to create that friendship literally on the run. But we're gonna also give you guys a little bit of some tips as to common mistakes to avoid at Boston. I've already mentioned that you're gonna be bused to the start in the starting village, so please do give yourself enough time so that you are able to get onto the transportation. We've already mentioned how we really want you to be prepared for any kind of possible weather situation. We want you to not underestimate those Newton Hills, and the best way that you're going to not underestimate them is by training for them, but also not starting too fast. I also think that one thing that I know, ashley, that you always have on lock is your hydration and feeling clean, so that's something that's really important for folks to take into consideration as well.

Speaker 2: 17:30

Absolutely, and again, we've already talked about it as unpredictable weather. Make sure you're training in multiple different outfits for different weather situations. You never know what you're getting into on that race day. So make sure you have those different layers and also don't forget them at home, because when you're planning to leave, you're getting in there two, three days, maybe sometimes earlier, in advance and you don't have that luxury of just running down to the store and grabbing something, although that's a great option when you need to. You didn't train in that, so that can cause some big problems on race day. So making sure you bring multiple outfits for that race day and those throwaway layers as well, you know.

Speaker 1: 18:14

What I think is also really important to note, though, is that their expo and their race week happenings are so intense because it's such like, as you said, the entire area comes out to really put this together that one of the mistakes and I know I've been guilty of this is not to overtax yourself with all of the fun stuff that's going on before you go into the race, so take that into consideration. You have to have a little bit of rest built in, but for folks that are traveling with family and friends, there are some popular spots that they can definitely pick on up. What are some of the spots that you'd think that you would suggest folks to have their families or their friends to cheer them on?

Speaker 2: 18:45

So, of course, the scream tunnel, I mean you can start there. You might not have a voice by the end of it, but definitely there. Obviously, the Newton Hills we we have talked about it and having that support when you have kind of like your lowest point is definitely very important to your runner, so that's definitely somewhere that I would recommend the Sitco sign near mile 25.

Speaker 1: 19:09

Coach Christine has given her feelings. I would have been super happy to see people there.

Speaker 2: 19:13

Yes, I would have loved that and obviously at the finish line, there's nothing like seeing your people when you're crossing the finish line and just having that whole sense of relief that you just did that.

Speaker 1: 19:27

I think also that it's really important to know that they're not going to be able to drive around to see these different parts. The city is shut down for this race day, so they really do need to become comfortable with the MBTA lines for Marathon Weekend. But, do know, usually it's the green line. It's the most important line for marathon runners and spectators. It stops at Copley station and right near the finish line it really is again, it's a straight shot, so it's not from a spectator point of view. The most difficult aspect of what they're going to have to deal with is the crowds the crowds to get onto the different public transportation vehicles. But aside from that, it is actually a pretty easy peasy and it's rather inexpensive using the Charlie card or the Charlie ticket. So, keeping that in mind, also something to do before the race so that your spectator feels very comfortable. Okay, so we've talked about the fun of the incredible race. I want to know from you where should we stay? We talked a little bit about how to get around, but where should we stay?

Speaker 2: 20:28

So obviously we talked about this being a very different setup with the point to point. So if you want to be towards the finish line, bath Bay is the place to be. You'll be just steps away from Copley Square and all the post-race celebrations. There is also some different options. Closer to the start area, some of those that want to stay. More of the city is the downtown Boston is your best option. This is close to the historical landmarks like Freedom Trail and the Boston Common, and then there's always those quieter areas that I personally love. That is Cambridge. It's just across the Charles River, a little more laid back, relaxed, but still close to all the action.

Speaker 1: 21:15

That's what I did. I felt so overwhelmed because, again, as you mentioned, I feel like the entire state of Massachusetts like merges, like literally flocks to the city for this particular weekend. I'm sure that's not actually accurate, but it's the way it feels. So for me, staying a little bit further away, where it was a little bit quieter, helped me to kind of get into the mindset for the weekend. But there is so much pop culture and things that are must-do experiences there, so I'm kind of curious like have you watched any of the movies that make you get excited for Boston? Absolutely.

Speaker 2: 21:51

I quite honestly watched Stronger on a training run and everybody would probably think I'm the craziest person because I'm running on a treadmill. But watching that whole documentary was very like chilling. It takes your mind out of what you're doing and really puts you into that You're in a bigger picture than just you at this point and it just kept me going and it leaves me speechless to even think about that. But one day, when I get the chance to run that you will be a part of history.

Speaker 1: 22:23

Is that why it's the top of your list? Is that what kind of helped propel it to the top of your list?

Speaker 2: 22:27

Yes, Okay, I'm a very big history person and that kind of stuff is like my jam, so feeling like you're going to be a part of that, but like remembering the people that were there and how terrified you know they all could be. You know there were people that survived that and thankfully were able to and can tell the story of what that day is, because there's so many tragic things in the world that just hearing what those people went through, just kind of humbles you.

Speaker 1: 23:00

I didn't even run my first marathon yet. I was training for Chicago, or I wasn't training for was I training for Chicago? I knew Chicago was on my like halfway for that year when the Boston marathon kind of came to Boston, bombing happened and I'll never forget just being so devastated by it all. It was just so. I was so shaken. It was just super emotional, but I did. I do have to say that something that sticks out, as you said, is the Boston community and how resilient they are and how they pull together. I do love Boston, the documentary as well, as strongly would suggest that Patriots Day and of course, the long run, boston Marathon is. It's a documentary, short, but really good to watch as well. Friends, there's so many different movies like even if you didn't want to watch a running one you could get excited with, like Mystic River or Good Will Hunting. I might need to rewatch those so I can make sure I can get the accent down. But let's also talk about maybe some of the favorite foods that you're looking forward to when you're there.

Speaker 2: 23:53

Well, let's talk. How can you even go up north and not have a lobster?

Speaker 1: 23:59

roll Like. Did it even happen? Like, if you did, oh my God.

Speaker 2: 24:02

No, no. Another kind of thing that they're known for is their clam chowder. You know, going and having that kind of like local cuisine is out of this world. Another one that is very well known is the Boston baked beans.

Speaker 1: 24:19

I didn't have any of those when I was there. Don't hate me, folks, I didn't. Don't worry, I know, don't tell, don't tell anyone the secret. Safe with you, right, absolutely. But I do know. Of course there's also some great pastries Boston cream pie and cannoli. So definitely some great things to check out. How are you celebrating your?

Speaker 2: 24:39

unicorn moment when you get that medal, my friend. So you have to take the pictures or it didn't happen. You know why wouldn't you Absolutely Pictures, pictures, pictures. It's such a monumental race. Get some food maybe a lobster roll or two, Absolutely. And visiting the Charles River Esplanade, why not just?

Speaker 1: 25:01

sit down and getting your photo with that. Yeah, so are you. Are you team selfie? Or do you want to pose for the photo, like, do you want somebody to take a photo so they can get like the entire picture, or are you just happy with your selfie After?

Speaker 2: 25:13

my marathons is definitely a pose for a picture. Okay, because I am not holding my arm up to take my own picture.

Speaker 1: 25:20

Says the girl who held like 400 pounds worth of medals for your perfect Ren Disney season. I think you're capable of it, my friend, but I'm with you. I want that whole photo. Well, with that said, friends, we hope you enjoyed our little bit of this journey to Boston Marathon. We are so excited to have you diving into the World Marathon Majors with us all. Don't forget to connect with us on the Stride Collective or the Women of World Marathon Majors Facebook groups. You'll find those links in the episode notes. Next we're heading where we are off, to London. Yay, we're going to practice those London words. Stay tuned for more marathon magic. Until then, my friends, keep striding toward extraordinary.