92 replies to this topic

[KnockoutMouse]

So registrations open next month.

Regarding qualifying times, it's likely to be tougher to get in for next year's race.  On the other hand, if you've run a good time there's less chance of you missing out through being swamped by other applications.

Who out there is aiming for this race?

Are you satisfied your time is good enough?

Are you going to book hotels and/or flights before you are confirmed (particularly given the variable Aussie dollar)?

After an 8 month period of virtually no illness or injury, I've managed to drop my marathon time by almost 20 minutes from last year's best, and I'm now 9:10 under the cutoff time for my age group.  I'm confident of getting in, but will still be a little nervous until I hear for sure...

[Caterpillar]

I'm taking the safer option and hoping to get a qualifying time at Melbourne Marathon 2011 for Boston 2013. That way I only have to worry about having an effective internet connection on the night that registrations for Boston 2013 open.

[BLUEBOY]

it will be interesting to see how the new process works, it should be better than last year, i am 14minutes above my qualifying time . i think i will have a good chance of getting in to Boston.on the website it says first day 20mins above, second day 10mins , then 5mins and then the qualifying time.

i will still wait before booking flights etc.

[sharpie]

At 23mins under the qualifying time I'm quietly confident that I'll get in. As I'm not counting on my ability to run another 3:12 I don't think that I'll leave it any longer so the 2012 looks to be the one to go for.

I've checked out the hotels already and booked nights in a cheaper one on the southside. When I looked last month there were not a lot available and I'm sure that many of the local runners book ahead a year or so on the chance that they'll qualify and then cancel after rego closes if they don't get in.

Not bothering to book flights until confirmed.

For some good info check out the BM forum on the Runner's World website: http://www.runnerswo...boston-marathon especially the thread on hotels/logistics.

Good luck all.

[Davealcock]

I'm also 14 mins under, and pretty confident I'll get in.  I'll stay up and hit the send button on the 14th Sept though.  By the sounds of it, it's the accomodation that's the hard part!

[rodthehornet]

Use www.hotwire.com for accommodation.  Discount website and normally have plenty on offer.

[slowaz]

If anyone wants details of a nice B&B in hobbling distance if the finish line (and walking distance of boston common where the bus departs from) post here ands I will contact. I stayed they last year and it worked well. You cant pm me as the email in my registration is invalid

[Norwegian]

Hey!

My next big goal is Boston 2012. Im running frankfurt this year, but im not in shape to run any PB so my big goal is Boston 2012.
Im pretty confident I will make the cut since im BQ - 16minutes.

Ive allready booked hotel (you dont need to pay now - just book!) . After reading the RW forums I ended up at Club Quarters at 199 dollars a night.
I usually write a blog in norwegian, but for this event i made a own blog

http://www.runningboston2012.com/

This time its in english, and I will update it every day until my sub 3 attempt 16th of April 2012 =)
Anyone else here write a blog? I find it motivating to follow other people that is aiming for same races as I am.

[KnockoutMouse]

Norwegian, on 06 September 2011 - 08:11 AM, said:

Hey!

My next big goal is Boston 2012. Im running frankfurt this year, but im not in shape to run any PB so my big goal is Boston 2012.
Im pretty confident I will make the cut since im BQ - 16minutes.

Ive allready booked hotel (you dont need to pay now - just book!) . After reading the RW forums I ended up at Club Quarters at 199 dollars a night.
I usually write a blog in norwegian, but for this event i made a own blog

http://www.runningboston2012.com/

This time its in english, and I will update it every day until my sub 3 attempt 16th of April 2012 =)
Anyone else here write a blog? I find it motivating to follow other people that is aiming for same races as I am.

I will read your blog, absolutely - already had a look, wow you run in some beautiful areas!  I don't have time to write one myself, but they are great motivation - if only to know others are out there doing the same thing.  Keep it up!

[BLUEBOY]

slowaz, i would be interested in where you stayed not sure if i'm bringing my family or not at this stage, next wednesday is the day i will enter, here's hoping i get in.

[sharpie]

[If anyone wants details of a nice B&B in hobbling distance if the finish line (and walking distance of boston common where the bus departs from) post here ands I will contact. I stayed they last year and it worked well. You cant pm me as the email in my registration is invalid
[/quote]

Slowaz I wouldn't mind the name of this place as it sounds more convenient than the hotel I've already booked. Thanks.

[Norwegian]

Only 8 days left for me to register now =)

Do anyone know what time of the day it will open?
I need to calculate the time difference =)

[geoffa]

Registration has opened and I am registered! Here we go again!

[sharpie]

Just entered    
Registration process was very smooth so just waiting now for confirmation and credit card transaction.
Good luck all.

[KnockoutMouse]

Well done guys. I'll get my turn Friday, hopefully.

In the meantime, trying to sort out a knee problem I'm still dealing with after my last BQ effort. MRI and CT this week, fingers crossed.

[whitelion]

I'm in - received confirmation this morning that my entry has been accepted.

[shaunh]

whitelion, on 14 September 2011 - 11:11 AM, said:

I'm in - received confirmation this morning that my entry has been accepted.

Happy to hear you got in . Whitelion.

[BLUEBOY]

well done White Lion, my turn to register tonight.booking hotels seems to be the hard part.

[sharpie]

Booyah! Entry confirmed Boston here I come.

[whitelion]

shaunh, on 14 September 2011 - 12:04 PM, said:

Happy to hear you got in . Whitelion.

BLUEBOY, on 14 September 2011 - 12:22 PM, said:

well done White Lion, my turn to register tonight.booking hotels seems to be the hard part.

Thanks guys. Good luck tonight Blueboy.

sharpie, on 14 September 2011 - 01:15 PM, said:

Booyah! Entry confirmed Boston here I come.

Congrats!  Hope to see you there!

Edited by whitelion, 14 September 2011 - 01:21 PM.

[luckyguy]

whitelion, on 14 September 2011 - 11:11 AM, said:

I'm in - received confirmation this morning that my entry has been accepted.

Fantastic news Kim and obviously I am extremely happy for you (been a good week, hey?). Maybe 2013 or 2014 Mmmmm.....

[BostonCalling]

Interesting that registration opened for those runners that met their qualifying standard overnight, having progressed through the rolling qualification standards. I would have thought it might have sold out at the 5mins or better qualifying stage.

[KnockoutMouse]

BostonCalling, on 20 September 2011 - 08:39 AM, said:

Interesting that registration opened for those runners that met their qualifying standard overnight, having progressed through the rolling qualification standards. I would have thought it might have sold out at the 5mins or better qualifying stage.

Yeah...I've had a feeling it would be between 3-6 minutes under BQ time thereabouts - otherwise why would they cap next year at 5 under? bUT Can't see then knocking total entrants down next year.

I'm happy to see at least some of the 0-5 people getting in, would be an awful feeling to get a solidly eligible time but still miss out.

[BLUEBOY]

i'm just glad i got in, though i thought i'd have a good chance with 13mins in hand.looking forward to it,

just planning the trip now. training to start in december.bring it on!

[Davealcock]

Im in, you bloody beauty. So bloody pumped.  Thought I'd be a good show, 14 odd mins under the 3:10 qualifying time, jumped on @ midnight, but great yeah!

[KnockoutMouse]

Davealcock, on 20 September 2011 - 08:39 PM, said:

Im in, you bloody beauty. So bloody pumped.  Thought I'd be a good show, 14 odd mins under the 3:10 qualifying time, jumped on @ midnight, but great yeah!

That's hilarious - not  20 minutes ago did I notice your name at the top of the list of Australians on the entrants list. Well done mate.

Still waiting for mine...most -5 BQ registrants appear to be accepted, they say patience is a virtue...

[Davealcock]

Good luck, I have my fingers crossed for ya mouse!

[KnockoutMouse]

Davealcock, on 22 September 2011 - 06:44 PM, said:

Good luck, I have my fingers crossed for ya mouse!

I'M IN!!!!

Jeez, I reckon that was the longest wait of my life...

Now, the challenge of picking when to exchange US/AU dollars, pay for flights etc...in these turbulent times

Once it's all closed, it would be interesting to see how many Aussies are in...

[BostonCalling]

Are we aware of anyone getting in with a 0-5min under age target time?

With the Qualifying times getting faster next year, you would think pretty much everyone with a BQ should get an entry in.

[KnockoutMouse]

BostonCalling, on 23 September 2011 - 01:18 PM, said:

Are we aware of anyone getting in with a 0-5min under age target time?

With the Qualifying times getting faster next year, you would think pretty much everyone with a BQ should get an entry in.

Not that I know of. There is some analysis out there that estimates likely cutoff being around 30s under BQ time. But it's anyone's guess...

[BostonCalling]

KnockoutMouse, on 23 September 2011 - 01:27 PM, said:

Not that I know of. There is some analysis out there that estimates likely cutoff being around 30s under BQ time. But it's anyone's guess...

By the way Mouse, congratulation on getting a start. Fantastic reward for your improvement. Enjoy the experience!

[geoffa]

KnockoutMouse, on 23 September 2011 - 10:25 AM, said:

I'M IN!!!!

Jeez, I reckon that was the longest wait of my life...

Now, the challenge of picking when to exchange US/AU dollars, pay for flights etc...in these turbulent times

Once it's all closed, it would be interesting to see how many Aussies are in...

Congrats, sounds like its going to be a hoot!

[jeffreyburk]

For those of you who are running, or have run the Boston Marathon, what day are you planning on arriving in Boston? I'm trying to get my head around days required for jet-lag and recuperation ... what are your thoughts? Thanks!

[KnockoutMouse]

jeffreyburk, on 24 September 2011 - 08:19 PM, said:

For those of you who are running, or have run the Boston Marathon, what day are you planning on arriving in Boston? I'm trying to get my head around days required for jet-lag and recuperation ... what are your thoughts? Thanks!

At this stage, I'm looking to get there on the Thursday. At least three full days to deal with the lag, work out any travel stiffness etc.

Remember the race starts at 10am, unlike the usual crack 'o dawn thing we are used to. Just another thing for the body clock to think about.

[Bandanna]

jeffreyburk, on 24 September 2011 - 08:19 PM, said:

For those of you who are running, or have run the Boston Marathon, what day are you planning on arriving in Boston? I'm trying to get my head around days required for jet-lag and recuperation ... what are your thoughts? Thanks!

I stayed a few days sightseeing in Washington DC first (Wednesday/Thursday), then took the 6 hour Amtrak to Boston on the Friday. I found I had no issues with jet lag flying to the USA, coming back was another matter.

Although the race starts at 10am, if you are staying in Boston the shuttle buses leave very early. And it is cold at the start. Very cold.

[Vurt]

i am registered and waiting on confirmation

[geoffa]

Bandanna, on 25 September 2011 - 11:06 AM, said:

I stayed a few days sightseeing in Washington DC first (Wednesday/Thursday), then took the 6 hour Amtrak to Boston on the Friday. I found I had no issues with jet lag flying to the USA, coming back was another matter.

Although the race starts at 10am, if you are staying in Boston the shuttle buses leave very early. And it is cold at the start. Very cold.

Is it worth staying out near the start and getting a bus back afterwards?

[Bandanna]

geoffa, on 26 September 2011 - 01:51 PM, said:

Is it worth staying out near the start and getting a bus back afterwards?

I stayed near the finish (Sheraton Hotel, able to get 50% off through Hotwire.com).

There is nothing really of interest in rural village Hopkinton (unless someone tells me otherwise), so I wouldn't make that my base.

Boston has so much to offer, The expo is unbelievable. I loved doing all the touristy things including re-tracing the historic Freedom trail, eating out at the fabulous Legal Sea Foods restaurant chain, the shops in Newbury Street, and you have to have a Sam Adams or two at Cheers etc etc. Oh, I watched the Boston Red Socks play at Fenway Park. I think Superflake scored a basketball ticket to the Celtics. The Bruins were just starting their successful playoff series as well.  

The yellow school buses that take you to Hopkinton are well organised, and they also used to pick up your clothing bag at the finish.

But be prepared to hang around for a couple of hours in a large holding area, before you get called to the start. It was very, very cold this year. Stupidly not having warmed up, I pulled a calf muscle only a few 100m into the race, which led to internal bleeding and serious swelling and which made Boston for me a very painful but memorable experience.

Edited by Bandanna, 27 September 2011 - 07:15 AM.

[KnockoutMouse]

The BAA keep pushing the envelope on transparency and service. They've now published the stats on accepted entries, qualification time cutoffs etc. Makes for interesting reading.

http://www.baa.org/n...rformances.aspx

[BostonCalling]

KnockoutMouse, on 05 October 2011 - 02:53 PM, said:

The BAA keep pushing the envelope on transparency and service. They've now published the stats on accepted entries, qualification time cutoffs etc. Makes for interesting reading.

http://www.baa.org/n...rformances.aspx

Interesting that in my age group (35-39), a time of 3:13:46 would have got runners a start. However, next year, the qualifier drops to 3:10:00. Based on that, you would think the Boston field is going to be significantly less next year.

[KnockoutMouse]

BostonCalling, on 06 October 2011 - 08:30 AM, said:

Interesting that in my age group (35-39), a time of 3:13:46 would have got runners a start. However, next year, the qualifier drops to 3:10:00. Based on that, you would think the Boston field is going to be significantly less next year.

Yep! Wonder if the BAA will change their minds...?

[superflake]

Bandanna, on 26 September 2011 - 08:34 PM, said:

have to have a Sam Adams or two at Cheers etc etc. Oh, I watched the Boston Red Socks play at Fenway Park. I think Superflake scored a basketball ticket to the Celtics. The Bruins were just starting their successful playoff series as well.  

Celtics at the Garden was a lifetime wait for me. Years of watching Bird, Ainge, Archibald, Mchale and co take on the Lakers and 76ers.  
Also Harvard and MIT are across the river from Boston.

[BostonCalling]

KnockoutMouse, on 06 October 2011 - 08:34 AM, said:

Yep! Wonder if the BAA will change their minds...?

Unlikely for them to backflip. At least you know if you make the time, you are 99.9999999% certain of getting a start.

superflake, on 06 October 2011 - 10:27 AM, said:

Celtics at the Garden was a lifetime wait for me. Years of watching Bird, Ainge, Archibald, Mchale and co take on the Lakers and 76ers.  
Also Harvard and MIT are across the river from Boston.

I believe the Red Sox play a game every year on the morning of the Marathon and then the crowd comes out and cheer the runners finish. Must be awesome.

[Bandanna]

BostonCalling, on 06 October 2011 - 01:03 PM, said:

I believe the Red Sox play a game every year on the morning of the Marathon and then the crowd comes out and cheer the runners finish. Must be awesome.

Correct. I saw the Red Sox play the Toronto Blue Jays on the Sunday (packed - Fenway Park is the oldest and smallest ballpark in the MBL), and they played Monday again on marathon day. It's a very raucous and tanked crowd outside Fenway Park on Beacon Street, chanting USA USA as the runners come past the Citgo Sign with a mile to go to the finish. It's an unbelievable atmosphere.

I reckon a trip to Boston is not complete unless you've experienced Fenway Park and TD Garden

Edited by Bandanna, 06 October 2011 - 01:50 PM.

[KnockoutMouse]

So....the training miles should be ramping up for everyone, Boston 2012 is closing in.

How is everyone's training going? Anyone seeking out hills to practice on?

Been an interesting time for me - an arthroscopy on my left knee after my BQ run in August, and a verrry slow recovery which has limited the training miles possible. Starting to come good and should have enough miles in the bank for a strong run on April 16.

[sharpie]

Bandanna, on 06 October 2011 - 01:48 PM, said:

Correct. I saw the Red Sox play the Toronto Blue Jays on the Sunday (packed - Fenway Park is the oldest and smallest ballpark in the MBL), and they played Monday again on marathon day. I

Bandanna,

I'll be there this year and would love to catch this game. Was it difficult to get tickets to the game and where did you get them? Thanks.

[Digger]

You better add my name to the 2012 Boston Roll Call.

Hills?, What Hills?

The Boston Hills are over rated.

[superflake]

sharpie, on 21 January 2012 - 09:22 PM, said:

Bandanna,

I'll be there this year and would love to catch this game. Was it difficult to get tickets to the game and where did you get them? Thanks.

Sharpie
Linked to the redsox calendar for you. Redsox calendar
They play Tampa Bay on Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the Marathon. And 11:05am on Marathon monday.

Tickets are still available for the Sat 4:00pm but not friday, sunday or monday so book now. Just click tickets on the date.

[andrewintown]

I'll be representing the WA contingent, see you all there.
Currently attempting to train for it using water running... foot stress fracture. Boring as sh*t but hopefully it works.
Live and learn - no need to push hard in the first couple of months of a training program!

[BLUEBOY]

i'm starting to string some decent training together, after groin and hip problems late last year,looking foward to the holiday with the family

in the States beforehand and then rolling into Boston on the 13th.lots of steady running before then though, not much speedwork this time around either.Go the Vics!