2023 Boston Marathon

I sit down to write this post as I wait for my flight home after two days in Boston, Massachusetts. I arrived in Boston early Sunday to run the Boston Marathon on Monday April 17, 2023. The 127th edition of the marathon. After settling into my hotel, and shake out run, I was ready to brave the crowds at packet pickup and expo at the Hynes Convention Center. This was my third time in Boston (2nd time running the marathon). I also ran here in 2015 in 2 hours 55 minutes and 04 seconds. My previous times here I had a car and didn’t use public transport. Instead of trying to figure it out (mainly due to laziness) I decided to Uber from point to point. I recognize this is a luxury and would suggest if you do visit to take public transportation as it seems to be affordable and efficient. 

Packet pickup 

Packet pickup on Sunday was from 10am to 6pm. You could also get your bib and number on Friday and Saturday. If you’re in town, the earlier the better. That is if you don’t mind crowds. I made my way over from my hotel at 10:30am. I wanted to get there early, so I could use the afternoon to rest, relax, and stay off my feet. The crowds at the expo were very manageable. I was in and out in about 30 minutes. This included getting my number, walking around a bit, and getting some photos. We’re off to a good start. 

After the expo I headed out to Brookline to get food for lunch and dinner (which I would eat in my hotel room). I went to Veggie Crust for my food as I did back in 2015. As usual the food was on point, and they accommodated my requests without hesitation. 

I made it back to my hotel by 1pm. Enjoyed my lunch, chilled out, and watched way too much TV. 

Dinner, evening walk, and in bed by 9:00pm. 

Race morning 

Race day started like most other days with my 4:30 alarm. Staying in routine for me is one of the many tools that I use to assist myself in controlling the controllables. With the weather forecasted to be in the mid-40’s to low-50’s and chance of rain, I made sure I had an extra sweatshirt, sweatpants, and poncho. If I stay dry and warm, prior to the start, I’m in a good mood, no matter what happens out on course. 

In Boston, the most common way to get to the start line in Hopkinton is to take a bus from Boston Commons. My hotel provided a shuttle with a nominal fee to the commons. So far so good. I then proceeded to bag-drop which included a change of clothing, poncho, and in the 11th hour… my phone. 

It felt like the bag-drop area for me was out of the way (more on this later) to where the buses were. After dropping my bag, I got myself in line to board the 6:45 buses. 

Waiting in line I bumped into a few friends from home, and we decided to stick together for the ride to the start. Having done this solo in ’15, I must say doing it with friends this time around made everything much more enjoyable. There’s lots of downtime so keeping myself in check and relaxed is a must, and having friends around makes it easier. 

We enjoyed the 50-minute bus ride to Hopkinton with good conversation and laughs. 

We arrived in Hopkinton at about 8:25 and were greeted by enthusiastic volunteers showing us to our waiting area. It was gray, cool, and misty. Poncho on and I headed to find a place to lay down and relax with friends until we would be called to the start at about 9:15. 

There were good spirits all around. I met up with more friends and reunited with others whom I haven’t seen in a few years. I managed to get a few minutes of shut eye, focus on my breathing, and eat a banana and sip water. Soon enough, it was time to head off to the start. 

From the athlete’s village in Hopkinton to the start line is about 3/4 of a mile. I took this time to lightly jog to the final set of toilets and then finally into the corral. 

Getting into my corral was a bit chaotic. Most everyone was trying to push themselves to get a glimpse of the pro racers including Des Linden, Eliud Kipchoge and many others. Once the professionals started the chaos calmed down. 

10 minutes to go. I’m still wearing my sweatshirt and poncho and with good reason. It started raining. National anthem sung. 2 minutes to go. I shed my poncho. 30 seconds to go I shed my sweatshirt. 

Set, go, and we’re off running 10 o’clock on the dot. 

Race

I came into this race with a few plans in mind. My ideal goal was a new personal best. My B goal was sub 2 hours and 40 minutes. My fun goal was, run steadily through Heartbreak Hill (through mile 20) and cruise it in for the final 10km. Finally, just finishing would be a great accomplishment too. 

From Hopkinton to Boston the course cuts through 6 notable municipalities. All of which appear to love hosting and cheering on all the runners. Even with the on and off rain, the crowds and support were out in full force. Thank goodness for hearty New Englanders. 

Out of the start gate I made the conscious decision to stay well within my running range as the first 17 miles of the course are predominantly downhill or flat. Going with this plan allowed me to stay controlled and ready to push the pace if I needed to or wanted to. 

Rolling with the pace I settled in with a group aiming to run 2:40ish. The pace felt good, heart rate under control and we were chit chatting too. All telltale signs that I was exactly where I wanted to be. After going through the ‘scream tunnel’ in Wellesley we turned up the pace slightly. At this point I made the conscious decision that I would hold the effort through the hills and cruise home in the final 10km. 

Doing this allowed me the ability to soak it all in. If I want, I could push the pace or sit back just a bit and smile all the way to the finish. 

I Crested Heartbreak Hill, gave it one more push to 20 miles in just about 2 hours and 2 minutes. At this point I knew that I was going to make it home in about 2 hours 45 minutes. Coming down the backside of Heartbreak and into Brookline and eventually into Boston and the finish line the crowds were phenomenal. The crowds, the cheers, the support were amazing. It was 10 rows deep of people at Coolidge Corner, Boston College, Kenmore Square. From the under pass just before the right onto Hereford and all the way to the finish, it was next level crazy! It was deafening loud with screams, fog horns, and music. All good while sporting a great grin from ear to ear. Seeing and hearing everyone propelled me to this out of body experience like no other. 

As I made the left turn from Hereford onto Boylston and seeing the finish line ahead made me emotional. The goosebumps, the hair on the back of my neck and the acknowledgement of the journey along the way broadened my smile even more. Fist pumping the air, waving to the crowds, and seeing the happiness in the eyes of the spectators made me push one final time to cross the line in 2 hours and 45 minutes and 55 seconds. 

Post Race

Just as I finished the race the rain increased in intensity, and I got very cold very quickly. I got my finishers medal and a big hug from the volunteer who draped it over my neck. I got a space blanket and got my stuff from bag drop. Earlier, I said that I thought bag drop was out of the way. In fact, it was perfectly located near the south exit in the direction of my hotel. I changed my shirt and put on the poncho that I checked. Next it was time to get an Uber to my hotel. However, the Uber app wasn’t working, and I was cold, wet, and in the rain. Then, out of nowhere I heard a good friend of mine call my name and say that he was parked just ahead, and I could stay in his van till either the Uber app worked, or I was able to warm-up enough to make it back to my hotel 2 miles away. It was like he was an angel out of nowhere saving me from becoming hypothermic. I couldn’t be more appreciative. After about ten tries and rebooting the app I was finally able to secure a ride back to my hotel where I was greeted with applause from the hotel staff as the first one back. That was nice. I got warm, showered, got some food and was thankful to be finished with the experience that I had. Uninjured, no blisters, and feeling good. Win, win, win!!

Thoughts

First off, congratulations to all runners and wheelers of the 127th edition of the Boston Marathon. Having the ability to run is a privilege and I feel extremely fortunate to have an amazing community and more importantly family and to top it off, a special spouse who encourages me to reach for the stars. 

All things considered, I am extremely satisfied and happy with the marathon and wouldn’t change a thing. Next time though, I might try to figure out the public transportation 😉

Will I be back? Yes. 

Next year? Probably not. 

Looking ahead I am starting a family and will need to continue staying flexible with whatever comes my way. 

Until next time, cheers!