Race: New Boston Half Marathon
Runner: Nathan McBride
Race Date: 5/16/2021
Location: New Boston, NH
Results: 1:40 (137 OV/10 Division)
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/5306983424
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1) The corral system they used for race starting – extremely safe and very very well organized
2) The course was a very nice lollipop loop with some good rollers right when you needed them
3) Good finish line treats
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
1) The last 4 miles were on a high camber on road…no escaping it
2) It was 80 minutes from my house and a 7:18am start…not their fault, but this race was rescheduled and moved so many times due to pandemic
3) Nothing else to really moan about…very well run..they must have spent a fortune to do it so well
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
A ton of pros showed up from around the US…odd considering where the race was and how hard it was to get to.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
In the back of my head all morning, I had two thoughts: 1) I wish I was not so hungover and 2) I have 5 more races this week so don’t kill myself. That being said, I decided to take out the 10k hard and then just sit back and cruise it in which I did quite well.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
1) Mexican food and margaritas are not good pre-race food…especially when the race is on an exposed course in 75 degree heat.
2) Don’t take out a half marathon that hard unless you have a back half that is even better. Build into the half or at least even split it.
3) Carry food or fuel with you – I didn’t carry anything and that was a BAD mistake.
4) Look at the course map before you go – I am used to just winging it at races but I ran right past a turn and had to go back about 30 yards.
5) See #1.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
1) Don’t register for a half marathon that has a 4:30am wake up call.
2) Bring at least a handheld with Tailwind if I am going to actually race a half marathon. I can always dump the balance of it if not needed.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Be prepared for lots of unavoidable camber.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty – follows several rivers in central New Hampshire.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not at all. 292 feet of elevation overall.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Super duper organized – they had my start time down to the second and literally hit it on the nose. It was so well put together from the communications to the parking, etc.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There was a ridiculous amount of top talent here and I don’t know if thats because people are so starved for races that they are willing to fly to central New Hampshire or what but the top 50 people had very fast times.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Nah super simple – just a basic race form. It is part of an overall points series which you can also participate in.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Every 2 miles through mile 10 and then the last 5k you are on your own.
Weather and typical race conditions
It was low 70’s and sunny at the start. Got hotter as the race went on but perfect day otherwise.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nothing special but I would recommend at least a handheld for next time.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Very spectator-friendly but none of my friends are getting up that early to watch me run.
How’s the Swag?
Nice technical shirt and medal.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I would give it 5 out of 5 stars but it’s just too far of a race for me when I can suffer so much closer to home.