Boston Marathon

Went to see the finish line. So emotional. Must see.

Boston Marathon — if you are a runner you’ve got to do this during your lifetime. It is just magical to run in this venerable race. This was my 4^th time and it just gets better each year. This time around because of the lousy weather, I decided not worry about my time and just enjoy the moment. So glad I did because it’s been the best experience ever. I qualified again for next year so will definitely be back. Boston Strong!!!

You can definitely see that this race is really special! The volunteers were fabulous and the crowd was great! The crowd really interacts with all runners no matter their speed. I was 4.5 months pregnant and didn’t know what to expect. The race greatly surpassed all expectations. I enjoyed the expo, busses, and gear check. A little colder than I planned but definitely worth it!

I took my turn at the Boston Marathon back in 2001. I believed I was somewhat of an athlete and a friend and I decided to run as scabs. This meant we didn’t qualify. We made fake numbers and blended in at the beginning with all the other runners. I had trained for this my whole life.
Actually what I meant to say was I never trained for anything like this in my whole life. The truth is I am a cocky SOB who really knew at the time that running about 25 miles would be a crazy way to test myself. I had already hang glided, scuba dived, mountain climbed and joined the mile high club.
Yes that last one was a total lie but I have flown in many airplanes for thousands of miles and I felt that running a lousy 25 may take all day but I was young and in reasonably good shape so why the heck not?
It was a party at the starting line. Everyone was hugging, taking pictures, getting interviewed, making fun of the Kenyans and trying to get on TV.
Soon we were off and to tell you the truth it wasn’t bad for about five miles. My friend the runner really wanted to get through this in under 4 hours and at the start that seemed reasonable. I had listened to some Tony Roberts subliminal tapes all week prior and in my head I heard an army of men shouting «GO GO GO» over and over. It was really working. At mile 11 is when things started to crack. My armor was denting big time. I had a cramp in my right side and it was burning like the time I was shot in Compton during the riots.
Alright I was never shot nor was I ever in Compton but let’s just say it hurt. It hurt a lot. I imagine it is what it feels like to be shot. Tony Roberts guys were now saying,” WIMP WIMP WIMP” over and over in my head. My sneakers weren’t laced tight enough. I felt a blister developing on my left foot. My friend was a few feet ahead of me so he couldn’t see me running with this weird limp, skip, grimace thing I was doing. (thankfully) There are so many people who come out to watch this race. There are college girls cheering, kids handing cups of vodka or water out, police, firemen, donkeys… You start to see things after mile 14. You begin to think they are all waiting for you to fall down.
I watched a race one time where some woman maybe Uta Pippic or someone, crapped in her pants and lost complete control of her bodily functions. This is my absolute worst nightmare. At mile 16 this is what I felt was happening. My friend was long gone ahead of me and some really old people were passing me. I felt like at any moment my heart would simply POP. I never should have told everyone to be at the finish line. «MORON MORON MORON» Screw you Tony Robbins!
Now you reach a point where everything hurts. Even my eyelashes felt like they were bleeding. My nipples which I never really noticed before were rubbing against my shirt for 17 miles and were actually bleeding. My knees felt like they were on someone else’s legs. I smacked a water cup out of someone’s hand that got too close. I hate you people. I hate you people. By the time I reached Boston proper and was coming towards Fenway I was in a quasi-​comatose state convinced that if I stopped I would really die. I was breathing like an asthmatic who forgot his meds. I remember focusing on someone who caught my eye. He mouthed «You can do it!» Of course he was in a lawn chair eating a hot dog. «Go to Hell! I slurred.
When I came into the Back Bay I wasn’t walking but I wasn’t running either. It was sort of a trot, then walk, then trot. Like many others I knew I had to at least run the last few yards where all my peeps would be. It was like slow motion. GO GO Loser GO It was 4:45 and counting. I was neck and neck with some short guy dressed like the American flag. I heard one of my loved ones yell «CAAAPPEEEE» I looked up smiled and took off. I don’t know where that last adrenaline rush came from. Actually, it came from a manic intense desire to not look like a complete failure. I crossed the finish line, then sat down, then lay down, then
hyperventilated.
It was a great experience to look back upon but as God is my witness. Never would I ever do that again. It took a month to recover. I don’t wish that kind of pain on a dog. I won’t even watch it unless I’m at a bar. The Kenyans can have it.

One of the largest event’s held in the city every year. Even if you’re not a runner you will enjoy the venue and everything the city has to offer. The marathon’s finish was less than a half mile from my school, so I would attend regularly. I haven’t been to one after the bombing, but I wouldn’t let that stop me from putting this on my list of things to do if I were you.

Being a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon,
Its fitting to write my 300^th review for this event.
I live a block from the marathon finish line
And watch 2 million people pour in annually.
This year, for the first time, I’ll be running it
To raise money for the US Pain Foundation,
and awareness for all those who live in chronic pain, as I do every day now, due to my permanent injuries.
The deal: I’m training everyday, through my pain,
To inspire others who love in invisible pain, like me.
My Unilocal Friends can donate a $ 1, or more, here:

Service, service and a good portion of service. Was in boston for 48 hrs and had a couple of hours spare time to grab some good running shoes. Felt being well treated moment i walked in and got to try multiple shoes and some advice on walking style as well. Prices very fair for this high street location.

I thought I’d see tons of reviews since the events of the 2013 marathon, but surprisingly I’m the first since then. I’ve been happy to hear nothing but stories of people who want to run this marathon or come to the marathon than ever before. Although I didn’t spectate this year, I have for many Boston Marathons. I wish I could say I’d run this marathon, but alas, that will never happen. If you are a runner, stop by the «beer stop» at Mile 20 on the course. My running club sponsors it every year! Long live the marathon!

For runners, Boston is the ultimate experience, the holy grail of marathons. It is one of the few marathons in the country that you must qualify to enter, and the qualifying times, though scaled by age and gender, are difficult enough to make Boston a dream that most will never realize.
But if you are fortunate enough to stay healthy and train hard and get a qualifying time, and make it through the registration gauntlet, it is an experience you will never forget. Last year they changed the registration procedure making it much less about luck, and more about skill. It now favors faster runners, with those furthest under their qualifying times, getting first crack.
Once you get that postcard telling you you’re in, then you are on your way to realizing your dreams. You train your ass off, you bring your family to Boston, and you pray for a good day. My first Boston in 2010 was a perfect day. I went down to the commons with my experienced running buddies and waited in line for the buses that would take us to the start in Hopkinton. This process is run like a machine by the BAA, they are very efficient in lining runners up and making sure buses depart to you to the start on time. When you arrive in Hopkinton, the athlete’s village is abuzz with excitement, announcements crackling over the loudspeaker, music pumping, everybody getting excited… there are plenty of gels and energy bars and water to fuel up for the race. The country’s best runners are all together in one place to realize their dreams, and the energy is infectious. Everyone is smiling and joking and getting in their last port o potty stops and fueling up and getting their race gear on. Then they begin to call up runners by bib numbers to the start. You walk about a mile to the start and you soak up even more energy. There are tons of volunteers to assist if you’re a first timer, but it is pretty impossible to get lost, with everyone heading in the same direction. Corrals are well marked and well staffed with volunteers. Soon you are in your assigned corral, surrounded by men and women just as fast as you, and you are chomping at the bit for that starting gun. Helicopters flying overhead, music blaring, it’s a carnival and a rock concert and a tent revival in one. Everybody is crazy psyched and you can’t help but get sucked in. You’re at the start of the Boston marathon baby, and it’s incredible!
Finally the starting gun, and you’re off, the route is lined with crowds cheering, little kids high fiving, college kids drinking beer, and everyone shouting words of encouragement. It is hard to describe the inspiration of running those first few miles. You are so excited, and the miles are mostly downhill, it is easy to get suckered out beyond your pace goal, but stick to the plan, stay within yourself and know that you will need some gas in the tank for those Newton hills. The Boston course is fantastic, lined with energetic spectators, bands playing music, and all kinds of crazy characters. The miles click by fast and before you know it you’re ten miles in. Then not long after, you hear the screams… the Wellsley girls… imagine thousands of college girls lined up for nearly a mile screaming at the top of their lungs and begging to be kissed… what a race! So fun. But you have to keep moving along. You keep it rolling, chatting with other runners and taking energy from the crowds. Soon you are 17 miles in and things get tough, the Newton Hills will test you. If you’ve gone out too hard, you’re finished. But if you stick to your plan, you can power through. Feed off the crowd and just stay focused. There are a few downhills in there to help you recover. Finally you hit heartbreak and it is madness. People are imploding all over, but you have to keep moving. Finally you get to the top, yeah baby! The Boston college kids are screaming and cheering you on, and you just need to dial it in for those last 5 miles. You hang on and soon you’re on Beacon St. At this point, everything is a blur. You just tell your body to keep moving, and the volunteers help you struggle along, giving you that final gel or drink that you need to survive. Next you turn on to Commonwealth and you are struggling to hold it together. But the crowds are insane, one last little hill and you’re on Hereford, and then your final left turn onto Boylston. You may as well be running into Wembley stadium, cuz you’re a freakin’ rock star! You’re absolutely trashed, quads screaming, and that blue finish arch is a million miles away, but the crowd is insane, and somehow you find the inner strength to will yourself down Boylston to the finish, your dreams come true, the volunteers place that medal around your neck, and it’s official, you’ve just finished the Boston marathon! You are exhausted and ecstatic at the same time… it is such an emotional experience. The BAA puts on an amazing race. If you can get there, you will love every minute!

Even when it’s 85 degrees and the concrete is melting, the Boston Marathon is as good as it gets. I only wish every runner would write their name on their shirt so we could shout every name as they run by. Keep it up, runners!

1^st 2012 Boston Marathon Review.
Thanks for shutting down my street, I had to wait in front of someone’s oversized driveway in Newton for an hour until I could drive into Brighton where I live to park my car.
I got to watch the last hour of the marathon perched atop of my car. The stragglers were all walking, c’mon people actually live here and need to get home to tend to their dogs, eat dinner, and rest after a long day.
Run or get off my street.
I gave it two stars because the weather was nice and the people that were still out in Newton at 4pm were cheering on every runner that passed by.
Respect to the runners-​85 degrees and still chugging.

Props to all the runners for this year’s Boston Marathon. Temperatures well into the 80s made this already rigorous run something to really be cautious about.
Starting in 1897 this is the world’s oldest annual marathon.
Although that history is one mostly to be proud of, it does give me pause to think that women weren’t recognized as official runners until 1972 (!).
All is forgiven now and watching as I’ve done over the many years I’ve lived here always gives me a lump in my throat as I consider the passion, hardwork, sacrifice and discipline it takes to do this.
Kudos to my friends who were running for a variety of causes like the Mass General Hospital for Children Oncology Team, the National Marfan’s Foundation and others.
All the runners from near and far should be proud of their accomplishments but I especially bow before those who run for charity.
It was another good day for Boston and the world.

I hate letting out secrets, but you know the best place to watch? Mile 21 in Newton, right after Heartbreak Hill. It’s not too crowded and the runners really need you cheering them on because a) they went over Heartbreak Hill and b) they just hit the wall. It’s also good for you because it’s not too far from the end of the B line.
What an amazing experience… maybe even my best day since moving to Boston.
I usually feel like a fat, lazy drunk when I see so many fit runners… but the Boston Marathon is such a joyous experience, that I totally forgot my lack of being in shape. Or about how I totally wrecked my own knees that one time I trained for a marathon five years ago.
But you know what’s even more awesome? Waking up your 3-​hour-​behind friends in California because you have the day off and they don’t. :)

Overheard at the Marathon:
«No, no — the cops are in front of you. Turn around and run the other way.»
«Can dogs enter?»
«Who won Men’s?»
— Dunno. He was Kenyan.
«And the Women’s?»
— Barbie-​yen?
«They’re all so skinny! I’m so jealous.»
«Where does it start?»
— In the womb.
«No, I mean the race.»
— In the womb.
And the winner…
«I don’t understand the big deal. Some Greek messenger did the same thing thousands of years ago.»
— Yeah, but he finished and died. Today, you finish, check your Facebook and get hammered at McGreevy’s.
«So, which is worse?»
Keep on truckin, runners. See you next year!

Carbing up for the Boston Marathon tomorrow… vodka is made from potatoes, right?
YEAH RUNNERS!!! Can’t wait to cheer you on in the morning… and to ponder your bat $hit craziness at wanting to put yourselves through the torture of Heartbreak Hill…
GO GET IT!!!

Love, love, love.
The Boston Marathon MIGHT be my favorite holiday. Yes, it’s a holiday. My love affair started many years ago, when I was introduced to said event as a little college freshman. «What is this? A marathon? Ok, cool. Wait, it runs by our school? Great! Wait, there are no classes that day? SWEET! And we drink while we cheer? Sign me up!!!»
As a runner, this marathon is the crème de la crème. I aspire to run it one day, but I’ll stick to half-​marathons for now. The course is a tough one, there is no mistaking that. But the spectators are amazing! Not an inch of course goes by without people cheering, offering words of encouragement, holding signs, you name it.
Many of said spectators (full disclosure — myself included) treat Marathon Monday like a Jimmy Buffet concert — without alcohol, what’s the point? Not to an obnoxious level, but one of happy merriment. If you’re a runner, you’ll be thanking them once you hit heartbreak hill.
My fav spots to view are mile 8 at the Natick commuter rail stop and mile 22 at Cleveland Circle. Despite crowds, you can get to both pretty easily. We were tracking a few runners and were able to see everyone at both spots. I’d love to spend some time at the finish line, but as you can imagine, it’s a bit of a zoo.
To summarize: the city is filled with people from all over the world, the Expo is amazing and open to the public, and everyone is in a good mood. How can you not LOVE this fabulous event???

The ultimate marathon for all marathoners who enjoy competing against themselves. Boston is always a challenge, but continues to bring out the best in my running. The experience is always a truly inspiring one, with large crowds, passionate fellow runners, and unbelievably loud cheering all along the 26.2-mile run into Boston (I swear you can here the Wellesley girls from a mile away!). The start gives me the chills every time and reminds me why I have put in all the hard work over the past few years.
Love Athletes Village! Great place to meet other runners who share your passion for running. Provides a perfect combination of pre-​race adrenaline and calm to settle your nerves.
Extremely honored to have been a part of this race for the last two years and hoping to continue to be a part of it for many years to come.
They’ve got me hooked, and as they say «See you next year!»

How do I review the Boston Marathon? Along with the Red Sox, the Freedom Trail, and damn Atlantic Ocean, the Marathon is probably amongst the most recognizable events tied to Boston. And like all things tied to Boston, it’s SUPER old, SUPER awesome, and HARD. I love that it’s the BOSTON Marathon that has the most prestige of the majors in the world, because that makes Boston cooler than every other city ever. I’m looking at you, Berlin.
For people who aren’t crazy like a fox, Marathon Monday is a good time to get drunk, cheer on runners, and generally get nutty like a Mr. Goodbar. I enjoy the dudes who set up stereos on the sidewalk, or grab an actual guitar and jam out. Ten points for you, fellas. If you enjoy schadenfreude, and just want to watch a bunch of suckers in hideous pain trying to haul their asses through 26 miles, try hanging out on upper Beacon Street, by Cleveland Circle. By that point in the run, most of the pack has separated out, and there’s usually plenty of space on the street to actually watch.
The thing about the Marathon is this: if you like running, runners, stuff that moves, or alcohol, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy spectating the event for a couple of hours. No need to be out there for the whole day, but it’s a cool Boston-​y thing to do that doesn’t feel touristy. For runners, Boston is the holy grail, fountain of youth, and an unlimited credit card rolled up into one mystical, outrageously painful event, and this review can’t really examine that angle of it. I ran the marathon this year (2009), but I’m not really a runner, so I didn’t have the same sense of catharsis that a lot of more hardcore distance athletes talk about. It did hurt like a bitch, though.

The Greatest Story Ever Run …
I saw that quote on a poster while there …
I got into the Boston Marathon under the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s LIVESTONG TEAM as a fundraiser for Cancer Research.
I was contacted 9 weeks prior to the race and I had never run a full Marathon before and I was more than intimated by the prospect.
Never the less, I went and all I can see it was next to graduating from Georgia Tech, the most physically, mentally taxing thing thing I have ever done all with being the most satisfying and listed among my proudest achievements.
And like most things I have done that were great, I did not do it alone — THE CROWDS IN BOSTON ARE AWESOME !!!
Without the people lined up from Hopkinton to Boston I would have never finished — the energy is so palpable that I never used my ipod!
The cheering, the sign, the little kids wanting to slap hands with me (and I am a nobody) — the music «Rocky Theme and Chariots of Fire «played on little boom boxes on people’s lawns.
I totally cramped up and pulled a hamstring muscle at mile 17 miles and starting crying not from the pain but because I thought I was going to have to quit after running further than I ever had in my life — 3 random strangers came from their porches and help me stretch out while i called my doctor on my phone — wiped my face, gave juice, oranges, candy and wanted to take a picture with me and then sent me on my way — Only in the Boston Marathon —
5 hours later I was a Marathoner and a Boston Finisher — this review is for the volunteers and the Boston Crowds — I love you and I will return !!!

Running is a unique sport. I don’t know of any other sport where the average person can compete along with elite world-​class athletes. And Boston is unique in that it’s the oldest marathon in the United States and the only one that requires a qualifying time to enter. For me, it’s like the Olympics of the marathon, and I’m rewarded for my hard work by getting to run in this world renowned event.
When I started running, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would qualify for Boston. But once I did, after several attempts, I vowed that as long as I qualify, I’m always going to come to Boston and run on the 3^rd Monday of April. This year it was my fourth year in a row, and I’ve already made plans to come back next year.
It’s not about «winning» or having a fast time for me, it’s about experiencing all that is the Boston Marathon, from riding the yellow school bus out to Hopkinton, to slapping hands with the children lining the course, to sharing my experience with the 20,000+ other runners out there.
If you qualify, you have to go. That’s all there is to it. Consider it your reward.