A Boston Marathoner’s Thoughts Going Into Race Day

Monday’s Boston Marathon will be editor Nicki Miller’s biggest race since her half Ironman!

Editor Caitlyn Pilkington sat down with Nicki in between closing out the upcoming June issue and chatted about Marathon Monday, when Nicki will cover her first 26.2-mile race at the Boston Marathon!

CP: Marathon Monday is almost here—and this is your first marathon! What’s been the biggest surprise so far in your training?
NM: The biggest surprise is that I’ve been blister-free. I’ve always been plagued by blisters, but I started using RunGoo around when I started my training, and it’s been amazing!

CP: You got a last-minute media opportunity to run with Clif Bar and had to make a quick decision—can you share what the pros/cons looked like for you when deciding to run or not?
NM: The cons were the easiest to see—not enough time to train, and the increased potential for injury. The pros were pretty much consumed by the idea that it’s the Boston Marathon and everything that means—the history, the crowds, Boston Strong. I grew up outside of Boston, so it feels like my hometown marathon. I hadn’t actually been planning on doing a marathon, but when the invite came, I just couldn’t say no.

RELATED: Nicki’s Tips For Abbreviated Training

CP: Wednesday was One Boston Day (4/15)—this means a million things to the people of Boston and runners across the country. What does this day mean to you, and has it adopted a new meaning since getting into the Boston Marathon?
NM: I was in Boston, at the finish line, the day before the race two years ago. (That was actually when I interviewed for the job I have now.) I left Boston to go see my sick father-in-law, who ended up passing away that week, so I watched everything on TV. The whole experience of that mayhem and the manhunt and all of the injuries and deaths was very emotional. Just thinking about what Boston Strong means can bring tears to my eyes at any time, so I pretty much guarantee I’ll be crying at some point on Monday.

CP: Which parts of the Marathon Monday are you most looking forward to, and which parts are you most dreading (if any)?
NM: Of course, I’m excited for the finish, but I’m also excited for the start and trying not to dread waiting around beforehand! Since this is my first marathon, I’m taking the advice of not worrying about my time and I’m just going to try and enjoy the race as much as I can. The unknown factor of the weather is a big worry: currently 80 percent chance of rain and a high of 52 (every day we get closer, it gets worse). I’ve been very spoiled by San Diego!

CP: Since you had an abbreviated training plan—six weeks—do you have plans yet to do another marathon with longer lead time?
NM: I’m really looking forward to answering that question after the race. If I do another, I would definitely want more lead time!

RELATED: Couch To Half Marathon Training Plan

CP: What are you most looking forward to in Boston besides the marathon?
NM: The weather on Saturday looks unseasonably warm and I’m going to a Red Sox game. (Thank you, Clif Bar!)

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