A few people have asked me if I got into the Boston Marathon given the registration mess that occurred. I’m happy to report that I was well prepared at 9:00 AM on registration day and did manage to get in (pending verification of my BQ time). I had suspected that it was going to fill fast, though I won’t go so far as to say that I though it would fill in 8 hours. After about 25 failed attempts to register with the initial BAA form, a friend on Twitter forwarded me a corrected URL that got me in on the first try – yet another benefit to being a part of the on-line running community!
In other Boston related news, I purchased my first ridiculously overpriced race photo since my fist marathon, and you can see it below from the finish line at the Hampton Smuttynose Rockfest Marathon. Regarding my left foot, after an extensive review of the scientific literature, I have come to the conclusion that heel striking is the most efficient way to land while fist-pumping in celebration of a hard-earned BQ :)
You might also like:
Qualifying for Boston at the Smuttynose Rockfest Marathon: My Race Report
On Qualifying for the Boston Marathon: My Quest for a BQ
Vermont City Marathon 2013 Race Report: Executing the Plan, and A Big Thank You to Mother Nature
Marathon Training: Respect the Heat
Elite Males in Slow-Motion at the 2010 Boston Marathon: Cheruiyot, Merga, Kebede, Kigen, Goumri, Keflezighi, Hall
About Peter Larson
As the Aussies’ say, “good on ya”. Take care, stay healthy, enjoy your running and family.
congrats, see you there!
Well it’s money well spent! that’s an awesome pic!
Indeed money well spent (with all funds raised reimbursing the color-coordinated recycling box-car strategically located along the photographer’s sight-line so-as to highlight the runner and their yellow bib ;-) Congrats again!
Yeah, can’t beat that dumpster backdrop!
Seeing this picture brings tears of joy to my eyes! I was so thrilled to be a part of your BQ : )
HEAL STRIKER!!!
;)
HEEL STRIKER
;)
I know, I know – caught red handed!
Glad to hear that you survived the BAA registration debacle. I don’t know how I made it through so smoothly but I too got online right at 9 and somehow made it through in just a few minutes. Great pic – Heel striking during victory celebrations doesn’t count as bad form!
When I cross the finish line at a marathon… I can hardly crack a smile… let alone pump a fist. Even first place finishers never look that happy Pete (It must be the shoes and the GU).
Did you run that race or jog it? – Joking – Congratulations for getting in.. Boston not only makes it difficult for you to qualify but also to register, funny.
Questions: What is the biggest lesson you learned from this marathon and what will you use or not use for Boston?
Biggest lesson is a tough one. Probably the fact that smart pacing and not
going out too fast seems to be the way to go – second consecutive marathon
in which I’ve used that approach and did not hit the wall. Also, don’t
obsess about the course and the unknowns – just run your race in the moment.
About Boston – honestly haven’t even begun to think about it yet! I learned
that I do not like the GU flavors I had very much, and will likely go back
to Carb Boom! in Boston.
Pete
Ok, here’s a funny ‘experiment of one’ story. I’ve been tinkering with midfoot striking and everything that goes with it. Without getting too much into personal biomechanics and all, since midfoot striking I’ve had some good bouts of PF and some interesting knee pain and heel pain. Seriously, heel pain from not heel striking. After I switched back into my neutral cushioned shoes and my old pretty decent running stride, the PF has completely subsided and no more knee pain. Heel pain is fading fast. Just totally strange. If it ain’t broke…
Congrats on getting into Boston!!
Thanks! Form is one of those things where if you have been running fine for
a long time, probably not much reason to mess with it. The heel pain with a
transition is actually not unusual and probably caused by landing on your
forefoot and having the plantar fascia tense and pull on it’s insertion on
the calcaneus (heel bone). This has happened mildly on my left foot as well
from time to time. Those connections need to be strengthened, which is one
of the reasons a gradual transition is necessary. It sounds
counter-intuitive, but this is a case where impact on one part of the foot
can be transmitted to a spot a distance away through connective tissues.
Pete
heel strike
Great you got in, Peter! See you there perhaps. Too funny with the heel strike, I was noticing the same with me at the finish line of MDI. Congrats again!!!
At mile 26.199 after leaving it all out there, I wouldn’t expect much other
than a heel strike! Not to mention the fact that you are slowing down as you
cross the line.
Pete
I love this picture so much. Congrats on Boston!
Thanks Anette!
Pete, nice job of having that ‘camera-sense’ to make sure you look your best at the finish. I decided to order my finishing pic (yes, ridiculously priced!) from the Detroit Free Press marathon last week, with me pointing over my head at my finish time! I have no idea how it came out so good, but now I finally got a decent pic to use for my facebook page. Time to start looking at Boston training chedules and all that hill training!
Congrats on the Boston entry! I managed to squeak in last week too after five attempts. First Boston.
Love to read your posts as I have been experimenting with more minimalist shoes over the last year.