Well, if anyone needs any MORE convincing adter reading this note about the Boston get-together, know that even someone experienced can gain from attending ... at last year’s celebration, I was hours away from my 100th marathon. Yet I still learned enough from hearing tips on how best to run Boston that I set my best Boston time ever, and felt good doing it!

There wil be 10 ClifBar pace leaders at this event representing all sorts of experience levels, sizes, shapes and ages, so there is probably not a question out there that we can’t answer! Even bathroom-on-the-run tips! My advice, based upon a lesson learned at Boston one year? Never stop to pee on an uphill section of the course, pee on the downhills!

There’s much more wisdome than that available at this event - hope to see lots of folks there!

This sounds like a great event.  I won’t be able to make it but if anyone has advice about running Boston well after just coming back from an injury I would love to hearit.  I injured my achilles in the beginning of March and I have run very little since.  I have already changed my goal from a 3:20 to hopefully being fully recovered so I can finish!

have a great race everyone!

Jenny - the thing about Boston is even if you take it easy it is all about the experience and you’ll have a great time!

As for your injury - what type of running is worse for you after this injury, uphill or downhill?

The first 15 or so miles have a lot of downhill sections (with uphills at times, it isn’t totally downhill!) so if you don’t have trouble going downhill you’ll be at an advantage. The last 11 miles have a fair number of uphills, with some downhills, too, so same rules apply.

If you are safe to run either uphill or downhill, then the issue is fitness level. Boston is not easy, and the excitment of the day, plus the later start (10 a.m. gives you ample time to burn a lot of adrenaline waiting for your day to begin!) can wear you out.

The advice I offer for running it is this: When you are runnig and people ahead of you are below your eye level (i.e., you are going downhill), SLOW DOWN! You will not be going as slow as you think due to gravity being your friend, but you also won’t go faster than your fitness level. Let the people around you tear down the hills, you’ll pass them later when they are walking from sore quads! On the uphills, hold steady, not pushing too hard, not passing people, just maintain an even effort. On flat areas, run to your ability, not pushing, just your regular race pace, or if you are tiring too much, slow it down.

And remember, no matter what - HAVE FUN!

Take care - Darris Blackford, ClifBar Pace Team

Dennis thanks for the advice. Last time I ran the strain was on the uphill.  I have run Boston once before and I remember the downhill portiion in the beginning.  I do hope to keep my enthusiasm in check and run a a much slower pace than I am accustomed to.  Only time will tell!!

I just wanted to let you guys know how incredible the Cliff pre-boston get together was.  First off the food they provided was mind blowing.  They had hyge sandwiches, fruit, drinks and one pacer even made homemade cookies.  Then they had TONS of product around the room and told everyone to take as much as they wanted.  This was my first Boston and I was to say the least nervous.  After hearing the advice from George and everyone talking about their experiences, I felt more at ease.  The next day as I was running i kept repeating what they said in my mind and I PR’d at Boston.  I had a great race and it was a great day.  Thanks for hosting this get together and I hope you do it every year.  It was well worth it.

Well, I am thrilled to say I was able to complete Boston with an injury and in 3:50 to boot!!!  I had the time of my life and I will definitely be back!

Jenny and Amy - awesome jobs to both of you! Boston is not an easy place to run, but you both proved that it can be done! We truly enjoyed holding this event and are glad it proved so beneficial ... all the best!