Why The Boston Marathon is Ideal

Like many people, I am upset that such a festive day was interrupted by a heinous crime. Also like many people, I thought two celebratory cannons went off commemorating Patriot's Day. We, at least, thought it was a pyrotechnic show. However, like many people, I was wrong about the show and the cannons.

In the modern sense...things got real!

Despite the unfortunate incident and the ensuing manhunt, while watching the race in-person I thought about why the Boston Marathon is ideal? Why do so many people want to run this race? Yes, Boston is a very historic city with zealous crowds and scenery. But, let us look at when it is run: mid-April. I have only lived in New England for almost seven full years. April, as I now understand, is a tad past winter and just shy of more rain and cool temperatures. However, the slight case exist that temperatures will fall in the sweltering 80's as it did for the 2012 Boston Marathon.

What does April give? Let's dissect it. If I were to train someone for a Marathon, I would prefer that they begin running at least 9 months ahead of time; twelve months if the person is completely new to training. Where does 9 months take us back to in terms of the Boston Marathon?:

July/August of the previous year: Heat. You are training in absolute heat. Your runs are shorter, but the humidity and the heat make you feel as though you ran 12 miles. Instead, you might have put in 5 miles.

September: More heat. However, the heat is starting to lower in temperature. Traffic picks up in the morning and evening as school begins. More runners congest your favorite trails and courses. As pre-school begins, there are so many strollers in your way.

October: OK. You know that by the end of this month people begin to break out the gloves, scarfs, and wool socks. Mornings see mildew on the grass. You can see your breath. Evening light diminishes, so your post-work run is partially dark. Morning runs? You might have to wake up at 5 o'clock to beat traffic, prepare for your mid-term exam and office presentation.

November: It's cold. You want to eat. Thanksgiving is around the corner, but you have to tame yourself. Sure, your metabolism is in full swing; and you could probably eat an entire farm animal. You still have to take in choice foods, which give you the most amount of energy and ability to metabolize fats at different rates. Mileage is definitely increasing.

December: It's colder. You are in the holiday party season. You eat a cookie, and it's metabolized immediately. You might be so busy that you have time to make a short run in the morning, and a longer run in the evening. Happy New Year!

January: OMG! The race is in 3.5 months. You're clocking in 10-milers and half-marathon distances like 10ks. How do you do it while running on frost, snow, and ice patches? Five months ago, you sweated by simply stepping outdoors. Now, it takes you a good 2 miles to sweat. Perhaps, your layers of clothing make you sweat a ton.

February: See January. Add some more miles. Add some layers. Snow day off? Yea right. Run in the street.

March: The weather is warming up. Layers begin to come off again. You cannot say, "I can't do this." You have never ran 18 miles in your life. You are so familiar with the foam roller and massage techniques that you could be a therapist.

April: Go time! Let's minute runs. Keep up the adrenaline. Get your game plan down packed. Enjoy the crowds. Now, it's Boston. So, is it going to rain, have high winds, have cool temperatures, see sweltering heat, or be a nice clear day?

Many season. Many changes. many feelings. Many thoughts. Many emotions. Focus and persevere.  After Monday's incident, running a marathon actually seems do-able. Fear will not stop the strong spirit.

Purpose and Development,
Derek

Derek Arledge, CSCS           TEEM Performance Training            www.teempt.com