The Final Weeks - BOSTON MARATHON Course Preview

[@jonathonthezombie]

Floberg never misses the chance to tell us when he needs to take a crap

[@ScuffleYT]

Keeps laying those.. bricks...

[@flobergruns]

bahahahahahaha

[@Ben.StevenswithaV]

Turdberg

[@StephanieLuff]

“Why are you doing this” feels slightly more judgey than a simple “what are you doing” 😂😂😂

[@flobergruns]

Right?? Hahhaha

[@B-ex3ib]

seriously dude needs to get a real job and stop thinking he is kipchoge.😂😂😂😂

[@B-ex3ib]

its called a lefty who is obssessed with himself instead of caring about his family.

[@briantrinque5513]

Look - all the hills in Newton are significant. Think of them this way (commit this to memory): 1) bridge over the highway; 2) as you take a right at the firehouse; 3) Newton town hall 4) Heartbreak Hill Running Co. (this is the easiest marker to miss; be on the lookout for it on the right; will have a big crowd). These markers are important because it gets you oriented as to where you are on the course. There are some mini rolling hills (small) during the four mile stretch. It’s best for your psyche to not get fooled into thinking you’re going over one of the four major hills when you’re really not. So your approach is to hit the first hill over the highway. You’re driving through and pumping your arms, as your legs are doing what your arms are doing. Then you finish, and you think “OK, one of four done.” Then you take a right at the firehouse, drive up, finish, and say “OK, two of four done.“ Do the same thing after the hill that starts at Town hall and the hill that starts a little after Heartbreak. At the end of the fourth hill you’re home free. That's it: 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and then you are CRUISING.

[@dflys800]

I appreciate Floberg's transparency. He is vulnerable and lets us into what he is thinking and feeling. It validates the doubt that I am going thru in marathon training. I think its natural to question your goals when going after it.

[@ericafalk6234]

Or setting a goal you have a fair (not huge but there) chance of not hitting. A razors edge. That takes true chutzpah

[@grahamhainesruns]

I honestly think if you’re not a little scared of the goal, it’s not ambitious enough. It’s nice to feel confident and sure of yourself, but I think there’s something special about having doubts and still going out and giving it everything you have. Really appreciate the transparency about that too, we’ve all been there.

[@davidrogers7787]

100% agree. I’m currently at 3:09 and in 16wks’ time I am going for a sub-3:00. While my volume, speed and running craft has improved immeasurably since setting my PB, and I’m hitting all my training targets…the thought of doing 42 x 4:15 k’s rather than 4:30s scares the shit out of me.

[@Orwellsghost]

Love the honesty. I’ve never understood the failure is not an option crowd. To me an outlook like yours shows the goal is adequately difficult and you’re properly in touch with the fact that your fitness is damn close to that number. The intersection of those two points is where the fun happens. Outcome is whatever

[@flobergruns]

100%

[@dreseat123321]

Thanks for the honesty man - its easy to film these videos when everything is going well and you feel super confident heading into the race. I am in the same boat trying to run sub three in April... let's close the block strong and leave it all out there on race day.

[@seanbush9122]

I will echo the sentiment of the DM you got from Matt. I ran the race last year and I was conservative leading up to the Newton Hills because I wanted to make sure I had energy for them. Once I got through the first couple I realized they weren’t that bad since I’d saved my legs for them. Once I crested Heartbreak, I ran the last 10K 15-20 seconds per mile faster than my average pace had been up to that point. It was so gratifying to reel in and pass a lot of people and close the race out feeling strong. I was able to negative split the race in large part thanks to the last 10K. Good luck! I think you’re going to crush it 💪🏻

[@SantaCruzRunner]

There’s definitely a place for these types of videos where it’s less about the running and more about living as a husband, father, artist, runner, etc. Loved the chat and edit. Keep doing what you need to do and then taper HARD!

[@jameschaves5723]

Hey Eric that was a perfect text. You will have many fools passing you in mile 1. I think you have to execute a perfect race to go sub 2:35. Your build has you running a great time on a flat course but Boston is very different. Absolutely save those quads for the hills. It is possible if you negative split. See you there

[@brauliorivera2564]

In loving memories for Boston strong. Martin Richard (killed by the second bomb) Krystle Campbell (killed by the first bomb) Lingzi lu (killed by the second bomb) Sean Collier (shot and killed by tamerlan tsarnaev) Dennis Simmonds (died from injuries he suffered from a pipe bomb thrown by dzhokhar tsarnaev during the Watertown shootout) But They will always be in our hearts.

[@andrewopenside3224]

A "random runner's thoughts" are a random runner's motivation! Great stuff!

[@KTRC1221]

Let's go Flo! So proud to hear you discuss what you think is possible taking all things into consideration. Can't wait to cheer you on regardless of what April 15th looks like!

[@keirenoutdoors]

Thanks for a real and raw perspective of how you’re feeling about Boston!

[@flobergruns]

Thanks for watching!!

[@martijnvandenheede945]

I was waiting for this video. I am currently training myself; chasing a sub 3 marathon in Milan. I really like to watch what you are doing and the content is of top quality. 👏

[@LermaBern]

Hes putting in the work folks 😤 2:35 aint easy for a reason

[@karatechop]

All good info on the course. I live a few miles from the start and that first 5K with the downhill start and excitement can toast your quads for later if taken too fast. More than once my legs were jell-o descending into Boston College after the Newton Hills. And like another commenter said, the course is constantly chipping away at you, so definitely save a little something for the end. Best of luck!

[@flobergruns]

Great insight. Thank you!!

[@FinnyFinnFinn96]

Totally resonate with the one month out doubts. I've been training at 8000 feet since December for Boston, have been peaking at 60mpw, and the only week I had at sea level was crazy hot and humid and I bonked on my long run workout. People say altitude is a secret weapon but so far I've only seen the hard parts and very few of the benefits. I did a half marathon time trial on saturday and ran 1:26 at 8000 feet, which would be a disappointment at sea level. I'm hoping to run sub 2:50 and I don't know if it will happen. But like you said, it's all about showing up, and I just have to trust that the lack of oxygen, the slower paces, and the harder recoveries, will all pay off once I get to sea level at Boston.

[@manog2105]

Eric, you’re an inspiration my friend, thank you for the transparency and motivation. See you next week!

[@jean-francoishiller8948]

Great video. The wind, which you mentioned a couple of times, is not something you should worry about. I am a Boston area runner. If the wind is a factor at all, it is much more likely to be a tailwind than to be a headwind. Here the wind is almost always coming from the West.

[@kyleschaffer6261]

Loved this, and appreciated you divulging the advice you received! So pumped to see you crush this goal!

[@samives2976]

you are gonna be great. It's a normal time in the cycle to feel doubt. It's good to embrace it, it is a very normal feeling. And then let it go. I'll be there w/you in Boston, aiming for about the same time. I'll look forward to seeing you out there enjoying yourself (goal #1).

[@lizzyverish6121]

idk if you said it wrong but the hill after turning right on comm ave is NOT heartbreak, it's the fire house hill, that one is (I think) harder than heartbreak (which is 3ish miles after that right turn)

[@FinancialySpeaking]

I’m encouraged because I’m struggling through my training block right now too… glad to see other people do too!

[@mfin0446]

Marathons are hard. Goals are great. Training is a must. But nothing on race day is given no matter the training. You put in the work, taper well, and follow your race plan and hope for the best.

[@freeman727727]

I think it’s cumulative fatigue. I’m going through similar feelings but hang my hat on the one runs during the training block. Boston is a tough course and you’ll go sub 2:35 in the fall if you don’t do so in Boston. I’m going for a PR in Boston (3:04:17) but saving a sub-3 effort for Chicago.

[@Stefikp1122]

Well see you there on the road i will be trying to break my PB 3:03:45 and yes I guess we all experience this my last long run didn’t go well either.

[@flobergruns]

100% cumulative fatigue. I'm FEELING it. But, I'm ready to come out stronger and ready to taper.

[@CuseRnr]

The Newton's get all the credit, but honestly the accumulation of all the rollers in the first 15 miles is death by paper cut. At least that's how I felt the first time I ran Boston.

[@christinaclementson]

I agree with this. The whole course is rolling hills. You’re going uphill in the first mile so don’t think the first 10k is all downhill. Be prepared. The first Newton over the freeway kills me. There is a lot of downhill in Newton too and play it right, you can fly for the last 5 miles. The crowds are insane from start to finish 👌 Cannot wait to do this again in 4 weeks 🎉

[@crayontom9687]

Great comment. I did it last year for the first time, I was toasted by the time I even got to Newton. Totally different to all the usual flat marathons I’ve done in the past. A real learning experience

[@flobergruns]

Feels so similar to CIM. Those rollers destroyed me, but I'll be in peak shape this time.

[@jctagxc]

Great progress, I'll be running Boston for the first time....I'll be about 20-25 mins behind ya tho lol. Where's the link to the Boston documentary you referenced?

[@brettabbott772]

Floberg I will be spectating Boston, I'll try and see if I can capture a video of you running if you don't mind!

[@martinmcnally3035]

When my coach gives me paces, its assuming good conditions, no elevation, little or no fatigue, etc. Better to think of it as a "5:30/mi effort". For Boston, half my long runs/long workouts are on rolling hills so my splits are all over the place. It makes it difficult to know exactly where my fitness is, plus I feel like the downhill thrashing fatigue lingers longer. But it should pay off after the taper.

[@LR6092]

Please do a talk into your plans/method for taper. I feel like my training goes well but I'm allways unsure on the tapers

[@d3mian]

Hey Floberg, just remember: don't go all in in the first miles, when the downhills are pushing you to go fast. I ran at 2018, with a awfull storm. Be brave but don't go with all your legs. Peace. PS. You've got this, man

[@justoutlaw6423]

Yeah :). It's that same feeling Floberg has (can I really do it?). Putting all the work in and still do i think it will be enough?That's life. Then comes race day, and you give it all you got, and that's the beauty of it no matter the goal. Let's go!

[@JacobSynek]

I'm the reverse of you- I always tend to feel great during my long run workouts and then feel terrible during my mid-week speed work haha Don't stress it though, it all balances out in the end.

[@andreaswurzer8020]

Never question yourself Floberg. Tell yourself you're the best. The more you tell yourself the more you believe it. The more you believe it the more you run like it. And if you crash and burn, so what?

[@brettabbott772]

YOU GOT THIS FLOBERG

[@Demiduivenvoorden]

I believe in you Eric!

[@jonathansandberg5267]

I’ve run it twice now. The first time I got caught up in the crowd around me in my corral, went out way too fast and payed for it dearly crashing and burning after mile 16. The second time I was much smarter and waited for my entire wave to leave without me. Then I set out all by myself and ran nice and easy for the first 16 and then let it rip for the final 10. I passed literally thousands of runners and massively negative split and over-performed. The only drawback to this strategy is that the roads are narrow and were too clogged with slower runners for me to pass.

[@Peter_Scott]

Did you look at your HRV during this training? I've noticed how quickly this changes when I'm feeling 'gubbed' and usually its due to something happening. In my case it was illness. Some great advice too. Thanks Matthew! :) See you in Boston!

[@Stefikp1122]

Hey Erik you right to the point and realistic, you are going after your goal but if things you can’t control doesn’t favor you that day it’s ok you will still do your best! Btw did you order the saucony elite shoes? i just tried them on my quality session yesterday and they are my best shoes so far super light, very responsive for aggressive runners. I think you will love it. 👍

[@flobergruns]

I did get the elites! Need to try them out in the coming weeks!

[@flobergruns]

I did get the elites! Need to try them out in the coming weeks!

[@andrewgruel]

Takes a lot to share these thoughts. All good stuff.

[@Don-da-ke]

Glad I'm not the only one failing a workout this past weekend with how windy it was 😅

[@Coffee.driven]

Ill be there on the sideline cheering you on. And in Boston its called Comm Ave. haha

[@mevert87]

Great video dude! I'm a regular on the Montrose track so if I'll see you I'll a shout.

[@PeakStride]

Great Stuff Dude - Keep Grinding

[@IvanKoch]

Running Boston as well! thanks for all the data

[@flobergruns]

Thanks for watching! Good luck!!

[@BlakeDavis42]

Enjoyed this episode!!

[@gvfcollector]

Not sure your situation for transportation but the buses leave super early- so I recommend getting dropped off in Hopkinton and take the 5min shuttle ride to the school. Lets you sleep and stay warm longer. I will have a rental car, so lmk if you need a ride.

[@robjv88]

You’ve got this dude… maybe just mentally set the long run as key workout for the week, it might help you to back off Thurs and Fri on the week. Seems like last couple of weeks you’re carrying through the high of Wed workout into Thurs and although it’s “easy” it’s too hard to allow you to fully recover and then maybe fatigue hits by the time you hit Sat? Probably wrong but just a thought. Stick with it. You got this.

[@Nyelands]

Don't put so much pressure on yourself because nobody really cares if you make it or not (Other than yourself). Just enjoy it.

[@frankdelgado1371]

Where did you get that blue trucker hat?

[@ericgreene3490]

You ramble sometimes, but I see that as a good thing and it's the life of a runner. A runner who wants to improve and push the body to the limit. Keep it up man. You are like my twin and it's admirable to see you share your story.

[@BraulioRivera-m1y]

I hope the victims that died in the marathon incident in 2013 are smiling down and are impressed on us for honoring their legacies. Martin Richard (killed by the second bomb) Krystle Campbell (killed by the first bomb) Lingzi Lu (killed by the second bomb) Sean collier (shot to death by Tamerlan Tsarnaev) Dennis Simmonds (died from head injuries from a pipe bomb thrown by Dzhokhar Tsarnaev during the Watertown shootout) they are not forgotten always being missed. they may have passed away and were wiped out during the Massachusetts incidents in 2013, but their legacies will continue. they will always be in our hearts.

[@christopherw.cannady8633]

way to push hard in the things you can control!!

[@gastongonzalez7835]

Which is the video you recommend to see the whole course? Thank you

[@cityscapes4165]

“Why are you doing this?” Theo is the inner voice of all marathon runners.

[@johnredcorn1619]

Should fast days always be on a track or flat course?

[@johnredcorn1619]

I feel the same way about my 3:20 goal btw. Thanks for this video. Helps to know faster runners like urself have the same thoughts when setting these goals

[@NieterHereNorThere]

Downhills. It's all about managing the downhills. People fall apart in the last 10k because they aren't prepared for the pounding that their quads take in the first half of the race, especially the steep downhill sections.

[@As2715running]

Agree - cardiovascular fitness is one thing, but You have to be extremely strong from a neuromuscular standpoint to run the Boston Marathon well. Practicing downhill running in training is so important to both condition the legs and to master downhill running technique (key for saving the quads) - also quad strengthening through eccentric loading in the weight room is so important during training. Incorporating downhill running in long runs and downhill repeats for workouts will prepare you for the course. Without all of this.. the race is going to feel very, very difficult. It takes a huge amount of mental energy to focus on running form throughout the entire race depending on how the course is changing at any given point. Having a high cadence and efficient form helps. Boston is also all about constant changes in pace and being able to pull back and surge when necessary, which many people are not prepared for.

[@relaxxin]

the process is the reward.

[@KaragiannisNick]

Enjoy the trip to the final destination 💪🫡

[@flobergruns]

Thank you!!

[@ken2.0]

How was the dump?

[@LuNa4Death]

Wakey wakey, eggs and viddy! 😂( okay that sounded better in my head) Sucks questioning but definitely take it easy while sick. Your body will be thankful and actually heal vs limping it along until you feel okay-er. I'm horrible to myself when I'm sick, just the worst patient cause I hardly ever do get sick and I'm just a grumpy mess. Don't be me hah Also, the mental game is so so important to running, I've seen friends blow themselves up WHILE having the fitness to meet their goals but their head game was not there. Maybe you should look into getting a sports therapist, I knew elites/Olympians usually have one for their team so it has merit at least?

[@flobergruns]

Honestly, a sports psychologist sounds like my favorite kind of person

[@bartgubbels913]

Name of the intro song?

[@sleepyturtwig]

On my final weeks too for marathon prep. On my 80 mile week and have a 12 miler in the morning and 4 afternoon. Great start of the day

[@flobergruns]

Get it!!

[@vanillathunder7288]

The uphills are not that bad, the downhills get the quads - Boston runner from 2023

[@ddyatlov]

I'm calling the guys at the Russian weather services. they'll deliver tailwind and we'll hit those PRs. dont stress.

[@flobergruns]

bahahahaha

[@ponderingfox]

It looks like that hat is making your head itchy.