FitMethod

While the memories of the Boston Marathon are still fresh in my head, I decided to write down some of the lessons that I learned. These should be helpful to future runners to better prepare for the difficult race.

1. Start slow. The first ten miles are fast. You will definiately be able to run them at a quick pace. However, that is the trap that the course sets up for first timers. Though you can’t tell at the time, the terrain during these first ten miles take its toll on your legs, which then becomes evident as you tackle the hills.

2. Stick to water. The gatorade that I drank on the course did not sit well in my stomach. Drink your gatorade before the race and stick to water during the race.

3. Prepare for downhill running. I thought I was well-prepared to handle hills going into Boston. After all, I had made it a point to incorpoprate hills into my training and to always make sure to end my runs with a good hill. In retrospect, what I did was to prepare to run up hills, not down. The downhill running at Boston kills your quadriceps. Therefore, praciticing downhill running is just as pivotal to your training as is getting ready for the hills. I think the key workout would be to just run rolling hills. Again and again.

4. Enjoy the experience. The Boston Marathon is truly an amazing experience and you need to make the most out of it. Just remember, that every year thousands of people try to qualify for it, but only a portion of them line up at the starting line in Hopkinton.