Lifestyle of a Fashionista

4/12/24

The 128th Boston Marathon will be run on Monday, April 15. “The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events. The Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as a pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity, and method of gaining entry into the race via qualification.“

In honor of the men and women who are running on Monday, this week’s topic is marathons: running a marathon, cheering on a marathon, or becoming a volunteer. (I’ve done all three things)

Do you want to run a marathon?

I’ve been a runner since college. I never competed in running events, but I did run a marathon. Running a marathon was never my goal, even when logging a lot of miles. I was convinced to run a marathon with gentle nudging by friends and family members. Some claim that if you can run a half marathon, you can run a marathon. This is not true. You need a lot more training to switch from a half marathon to a full marathon. But it can be done!

For those who don’t know, a marathon is 26.2 miles. That point two is not easy! If you run a mile in ten minutes, it will take you around four and a half hours to finish the race. That time doesn’t include water and bathroom stops.

If you decide to run a marathon, choose the best one for you. I ran the Houston Marathon in 2017. The course is primarily flat, and the crowd is energetic.

Two iconic marathons are New York and Boston. New York has a lottery entry. You must qualify for the Boston Marathon or raise money for a charity. Both ways to gain entry are challenging to achieve.

FYI:  About 1.1 million runners complete a marathon each year, which is roughly 0.01 percent of the world’s population, according to a 2019 report from the International Institute for Race Medicine (IIRM). 

After you sign up for your race, find a good training plan. I used Hal Higdon’s Marathon Training : Novice 1 plan. I also had a supportive running friend, and instructors at my gym who helped me.

I found a running group in Houston to help me run one of my long runs. These groups will provide a route for you and water as you run.

You should know that there will be challenges and setbacks. Accept those challenges, move on, and do your best to stay on your training plan.

Helpful advice (from my running coach):

Use a pacer during the race. The pacer will hold a sign with an estimated finished time. Find one with a time close to your goal. Using a pacer will keep you from starting out too fast. 

“Run the mile you’re in.” Focusing on one mile at a time was super helpful for me.

If you don’t want to run a marathon:

Boston has many ways to celebrate Marathon Monday. If you are a runner, there are events the weekend before the Marathon.

Visit the expo:

The expo is not only for marathon runners. It’s fun to walk around and shop at a race expo.

BANK OF AMERICA BOSTON MARATHON EXPO\

Visit the fan fest at City Hall: BOSTON MARATHON FAN FEST. Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods is the place to soak in the race-week atmosphere and have fun as you gear up for race day. Fan Fest presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods features appearances by Boston Marathon champions, live music, activities, a final race clinic, and more! 

Support the runners:

My family and I cheer for the Houston runners in our unicorn onesies.

FYI: From The BAA SPECTATOR INFORMATION. SPECTATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER THE COURSE, RUN ALONGSIDE ATHLETES, OR IMPEDE ATHLETES IN ANY MANNER. ANY PERSON ON THE COURSE WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL RACE BIB OR ACCREDITATION WILL BE DIRECTED TO LEAVE THE COURSE IMMEDIATELY.

“Some of the most famous spots are the Wellesley Scream Tunnel just before halfway; Heartbreak Hill in Newton around Boston College; and the final stretch on Boylston Street before the finish.“

Respect the runners. As I mentioned, it is challenging to run 26.2 miles, and it’s even more complicated when spectators get in your way. I’m still mad at the guy in jeans who used the porta-potty in front of me during my marathon.

Cheer for the runners. The energy of the crowd can be helpful to marathon runners. I enjoyed the cheering and the funny posters. Avoid saying, “You’re almost there.” The only time that is appropriate is when the finish line is visible. One mile to the finish is not “almost there.” You should say, “Great job,” “Looking good,” “Yes, you can,” and “You’ve got this.”

Looking for poster ideas: Read, 77 Funny & Motivational Race Signs | Marathon Posters & Banners. If a poster can make a runner smile or laugh, it’s a winner. Here are some of my favorites: If I see you collapse, I’ll pause your Garmin, and Stuck between a walk and a hard pace. You can also go the motivational route: Run with your heart when your legs get tired, and May the course be with you.

From the BSide: Cheer on runners with a DIY sign. Boston Public Market is hosting sign-making all day where you can craft a message to tell all 30,000 runners how awesome they are. Need sign inspo? These ones are hilarious. 

Donate:

Some Boston Marathon runners are still trying to reach their fundraising goals. Support runners raising money for the Boston Food Bank SUPPORT OUR BOSTON MARATHON® 2024 RUNNERS! Read more about all the charities: https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/charity-program

Volunteer:

The volunteers at the Houston Marathon inspired me to volunteer at the Boston Marathon. I handed out water at mile 8.

Consider volunteering next year. Read more: https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/volunteer/volunteer-registration