Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Boston Q&A

I provide the questions, you provide the answers...please. Boston is less than a week away, and my wife and I are trying to figure out some of the logistics for our trip. So, I have some questions for all you Boston Marathon veterans.

1. Would it be worth it for my wife to drive me to the start? She would like to see me start, but I know there is limited parking. So I am wondering if it is very likely to find a place to park without getting there super early, and if my wife would be able to get out of there and still be able to see me at a couple other points along the course. Would it be better for me to just take the bus and meet my wife somewhere along the course?
2. Do you know of some good places for my wife to see me and be able to get in and out quickly?
3. While I was reading in the race booklet I got in the mail, it said that it could take considerable time getting through the finish area to meet family and friends. How long is a considerable amount of time? I don't want to spend considerable time getting through, I want to see my wife (and we have a flight leaving in the early evening that I would rather not miss).
4. Is the pre-race dinner worth the $20 we'd have to pay for my wife to get in?
5. Any other tips or advice for me or my spectators is much appreciated!

We've got a pretty packed schedule for the weekend. Since my wife spent part of her childhood near Boston, we have friends to see and visit, and then we need to fly out not long after the race (hopefully I can get a shower beforehand). I would love to meet up with some of you bloggers in the athlete's village before the start if anyone is up for that. Where would be a good place to meet?

7 comments:

Fig said...

I say yes to the dinner, and that's the only thing about which I am capable of advising. Sorry. :-)

Seriously, though, you're gonna be in Boston, at the big famous marathon, and you can go carb-load with all the other marathoners - you can't put a price on that kind of experience, right? Right?

Bill Carter said...

Hi Reid

Definitely do not have your wife drive you to the start. It is a tricky difficult drive and I think you should definitely take an early bus. Last year it was amazing how much chaos there was and the bus is the one way to make sure that you get there.

From the race booklet there are a couple of good spots where your wife should try to see you, but none of them are near the start. Logistically, Hopkinton is really out in the middle of nowhere. I know it sounds kind of weak, but my family waited at the finish after having a nice leisurely breakfast... of course that was in monsoon like weather!

You will get through the finish area pretty quickly if you really want to. The one thing is that your stuff from Hopkinton will be on your assigned bus and you will have to wait a little to get it. That probably took me 15 minutes last year??

I did not go to the dinner last year, but I am going to go this year as my family could not go on this trip.

If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me.

I am really excited for you to experience this and know that it will be special for you.

Bill

Nitmos said...

This is my first Boston also. I will be dining with just the wife instead of at the 'thon sponsored dinner. I like the chance for a more relaxing quiet meal. Enjoy the race and Good Luck.

Nancy said...

Hey Reid, Just wanted to stop by and wish you good luck. Have a fantastic time, remember to soak it all up. What an accomplishment. You can be so proud. Hope you and your wife have a great time.

Nancy

Topher said...

Reid Rocks! Reid Rocks! Reid Rocks! That's what you should have the flight attendants get everyone to chant on the plane to Boston.

You're going to have a blast and we can't wait to read about it.

Frayed Laces said...

I can't give any advice about the course, but I did go to school in Boston---GOOD LUCK and have a blast--I know you will!

nwgdc said...

I'll be sure to look up this post next year, when I'll be seeing you there. I'll be following online, just ENJOY IT! I can't wait to hear about it.