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boston marathon jacket

Boston Marathon Tips

February 5, 2013 by Kristy 12 Comments

So I only ran one Boston Marathon and I’m by no means an expert on all things Boston.  Although…some do find my BM jacket (sizing) post to be very helpful.

This post won’t be about the obvious stuff (down go out too fast, train for up hills and down hills) because, unless you live under a rock, you should know that.

the tank top – an essential layer
The expo is crowded and there are hardly any dressing rooms.  You will get a chance to try on your race shirt so it helps if you wear something light and form fitting underneath.  I also tried on a ton of other gear.  You are literally stripping down, trying something on, putting your clothes back on, moving to another vendor, repeat.  See where the tank top helps out?

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if you want to celebrate, make reservations
Marathon Monday is huge in Boston.  If you have a lot of people with you and want to meet up for dinner after the race, you need reservations.  I had to call a number of places and practically begged them to take my reservation.

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there seems to be a lot of Miller Lites near me

make time for R&R
We drove up to Boston on Saturday morning and spent an inordinate amount of time at the expo on Saturday afternoon.  On Sunday morning we “visited” the finish line for pictures and then I spent the rest of the day off my feet…even though I was missing out on sightseeing (err, bar hopping) with my family and friends.  It was so worth it.  It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and spend way too much time on your feet.  Make sure you schedule in some downtime.

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the athletes’ village is huge
When you enter you see 1 large field.  There is actually another field on the other side.  The porta potty lines were pretty ridiculous where I was (the first field) and I think a lot of people stay in the first field because they don’t know another field exists?  So if you really gotta go, check out the next field.

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run boston for fun
Here’s where you may disagree.  Hear me out.  Initially I was not running Boston for “fun”.  I was going to race my heart out.  Then it was 90 degrees and I was forced to slow down and enjoy myself.  Not that I wouldn’t enjoy myself if I raced it (it is Boston!) but you know what I mean.  When you run a marathon for fun you take in more and experience more.

I’m not sure if I will ever race Boston.  It might always be a fun run for me.  I can’t imagine finishing on Boylston Street with an ounce of disappointment because I didn’t reach my A goal.  It would just take away from the experience too much.

show off that jacket
I wear mine all the time Smile

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Any Boston veterans have other tips to share?

The Boston Marathon Jacket and Week 5 Recap

February 6, 2012 by Kristy 21 Comments

This post will probably come across as trite and insignificant.  If you have been reading my blog for any amount of time you know how much the Boston Marathon means to me.  Well, the marathon and the jacket.  I have wanted that damn jacket for the past 10 years.  Sounds silly but it means a lot to me.

After stalking the Adidas website for what seemed like an eternity, the 2012 Boston Marathon jacket was finally unveiled.  Honestly, it’s a bit of a letdown.  Specifically, the fit and color are disappointing.

Color
Why can’t they just stick with the old blue and yellow jackets? Ya know, the Boston Marathon jacket that everyone recognizes? This year’s color is an awful red-orange and black.

Fit
I read on the Runner’s World discussion boards that the jacket runs small.  Crap, they weren’t kidding.  I normally wear a small but ordered a small and medium to be on the safe side.  I took pictures so you can see how ridiculous this is.

Womens Small – It’s way too short and too tight in the neck.  I look like I’m wearing doll clothes.   And why is it too tight in the neck?  My neck is definitely a normal size.

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Womens Medium – too wide

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So I ordered a mens small to try out.  What the hell, right?

Mens Small – perfect length, not too wide, fits in the neck area.  But…wait…it’s different than the womens jacket.

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I actually like the mens jacket better.   Will I look like a jackass wearing the mens version?  What would you do?

Side note:  I have NO intention of wearing this jacket until after I cross the finish line. That would just be bad luck.

Boston Week 5 Recap
MON:  3 miles easy
TUE:  6 miles speed with 3 x 1-mile repeats
WED:  barre class
THU:  7 miles with 5 long hill repeats
FRI:  rest
SAT:  17.5 miles progression run
SUN:  6.5 miles easy

40 miles total for the week.  This was a drop back week.  I hope to hit 48 this week and then head into the 50s next week!

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