Race: 2022 Boston Marathon
Runner: Coach Matthew Bigman
Race Date: 04/18/2022
Location: Boston, MA
Results: 2:40:15
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7003642888
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The fan support, never being alone on the course, and the history!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Late start, getting to the start line, and THE HILLS!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
There are less porta-potties than you would hope for
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I went in with a huge goal and ambitious plan, and I executed that perfectly until I found out I just didn’t have it in me that day to finish how I had hoped. But I’m proud of going for it and finding my limits!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
If it will be cold morning of, go to a thrift store/goodwill/salvation army and buy a layer or two of sweats before the gun goes off. You can essentially keep those until just before you race.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I need to trust the taper a lot more. Rest is important, and I mentally stressed over how I felt during the taper as well as did a bit too much physical activity that week. Next time, I’m focusing on my goal and prioritizing my rest! In hindsight, I should have tempered my expectations and not aimed for such a big leap in PR despite how great my training was going.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Like Motley Crue sang, “Hills, hills, hills.” This race is beyond hilly. Those hills will slowly sap away your strength and then before you know it – poof. You’re destroyed. Train for hills – uphill and downhill, and adjust your goal and plan accordingly!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It is! This is a historic race and you can feel the importance of it on the course.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes, Boston is the toughest marathon I’ve ever run next to Pittsburgh. Starting out slow so you have some left in the tank for the end is a wise decision!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
As organized as it gets!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes, Boston has a deep field and you will have plenty of people to start and finish with.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Aid stations were every mile with water and Gatorade with Maurten gels at around mile 9 and 18.
Weather and typical race conditions
This year, the weather was blue skies and sunny with temperatures in the low 50s. Believe it or not, it was hot out there. I got terribly sunburned on my back. There was also a headwind especially in the last half of the race and up those famous Newton hills.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Extra layer of clothes you can throw away before the finish and my own gels in the pocket. I recommend packing your gear bag with tons of clothes so you can be prepared for the weather when you finish.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
No, Boston is a long point to point, so friends and family will only see you once or twice. But they will have so much fun doing it!
How’s the Swag?
The free long sleeve tee is AWESOME! The jackets are great, but I recommend getting one at the expo instead of online.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4 out of 5! Leaving a star out because of how hard this course is.
Matthew Bigman is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coaching page.