Patience Young Skywalker

Even though the Boston Marathon is "downhill", it's not exactly an easy course. Why? Whether it's the normal going out too fast because you're excited to race, the little kids cheering you on, the Wesley girls "shouting" just before you hit the halfway point (more for the guys in the field), or the fact that the first ~2/3 feature a 400+ ft drop in elevation... it's really easy to unintentionally "bank" too much time. Then, just as you are beginning to get tired, the hills hit. So, how should you run Boston?

• Mile 0-10: the beginning few miles are really congested, so have fun, take it easy, high-five the little kids... whatever, just make sure that you are within range of your goal pace
• Mile 10-13.5: establish position and hold your ground... find a group that's going your pace and/or make some friends that have the same goal as you
• Mile 13.5-16: stick to your plan... although this section features a nice downhill, the next bit is all up and there's no sense rushing into it
• Mile 16-22: maintain a constant effort level... don't panic on the uphills and work the downhills
• Mile 22-25: stay focused and move into position... even though you are feeling tired and beat up, you're not going to be able to gain ground at the end because it's crowded
• Mile 25-26.2: give it everything you got and look good for the finish