Boston Marathon Countdown

Embrace The Moment

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:45:53 GMT

Race day is your reward. Don't forget that.

"You have dedicated a lot of time to maximizing your experience in the marathon," says sports psychologist Dave Czesniuk. "Remind yourself that whatever happens on this day, what a great day it is. Be prepared to have fun and enjoy random little moments over the course of the race. Enjoy the weather, whatever it may be, and the pure joy of simply inhaling and exhaling. This marathon is a celebration of your life. So celebrate!"

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: It's too bad the finish line is just that-- a line. Because crossing it is one of the most rewarding, celebratory experiences of my life. You'll find plenty to enjoy along the course... but when the going gets tough, try to remember the best is yet to come.

Get Off Your Feet...

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:08:42 GMT

... that is, until you have get on your feet.

On five Marathon Mondays, the enormity of the physical challenge I was about to embrace always struck me on the bus ride to Hopkinton.

"This is a really long bus ride," I would think. "And I'm returning to Boston on my own two feet."

Once in Hopkinton, you have a lot of time to kill. Try to kill it in one place, off your feet.

1976 Boston Marathon Champion Jack Fultz, who coaches the Dana Farber Marathon team, says the only physical activity you need is a little jogging to loosen up in the half hour before the gun. So, you might jog from the Athletes' Village to your starting corral.

Until that point, find a nice spot, lounge around with your running pals, listen to inspirational music. But don't expend too much energy exploring Hopkinton (and nothing against Hopkinton-- the folks there do a marvelous job.). You'll need most of what you've got if you want to celebrate in Boston.

Plan For Pain

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:53:10 GMT

Two certainties about the marathon:

1) The finish is exactly 26.2 miles from the start.
2) You'll experience some degree of pain along the way.

"Be prepared for the inevitable pain that will ensue and acknowledge that you wouldn’t be doing it if you didn’t expect some pain!" says sports psychologist Dave Czesniuk, who is director of operations at Sport in Society. "To try and “avoid” pain will not work, for one thing, but for another it will cause you to expend more energy that could be dedicated to speed, strength and relaxation."

On marathon day, you'll likely run farther than you ran while training, and, yes, experience a different level of pain or fatigue. Czesniuk suggests you focus on the rhythm of your breathing, and imagine your muscles being relaxed, or surrounded by something that would soothe a sore muscle, like ice chips or a whirlpool.

FYI: Czesniuk is advising marathoners running to raise money for community services. To check out their effort, visit their web site.