More Data

After Boston, I'm currently taking it easy. While taking it easy, I've spent some time actually reading my own blog. As noted over a year ago, I don't find myself that interesting. Reading my blog proves that to be true. I do, however, appreciate each of you taking time to read what I write.

While reading Watch Greg Run I began to wonder how many other marathons I might be able to find with information on my progress through each 5 kilometers. In other words, I started thinking about other marathons that might include a timing system similar to Boston. My "Aha" moment came when I thought about New York City, which proved to be right.

Based on my results in New York, I have compiled a new listing of marathon times broken out in 5 kilometer segments. You may not find this very interesting, but it is helping me consider how to alter my preparation plan for the next marathon I run.

Distance 5K (3.1 Miles)

NYC 2007 41min, 35sec (clearly, the big crowd results in a very slow start)
BOS 2008 28min, 16sec
BOS 2009 28min, 41sec
NYC 2009 26min, 01sec (I started up front)
BOS 2010 28min, 26 sec

Distance 10K (6.2 Miles)

NYC 2007 1hr, 09min, 53sec
BOS 2008 57min, 25sec
BOS 2009 57min, 58sec
NYC 2009 53min, 28sec
BOS 2010 57min, 05 sec

Distance 15K (9.3 Miles)

NYC 2007 1hr, 38min, 20sec
BOS 2008 1hr, 26min, 28sec
BOS 2009 1hr, 28min, 32sec
NYC 2009 1hr, 21min, 38sec
BOS 2010 1hr, 26min, 14sec

Distance 20K (12.4 Miles)

NYC 2007 2hrs, 08min, 33sec
BOS 2008 1hr, 58min, 01sec
BOS 2009 1hr, 58min, 20sec
NYC 2009 1hr, 50min, 31sec
BOS 2010 1hr, 56min, 10sec

Distance (13.1 Miles)

NYC 2007 2hrs, 14min, 37sec
BOS 2008 2 hrs, 4min, 15sec
BOS 2009 2hrs, 4min, 57sec
NYC 2009 1hr, 56min, 49sec
BOS 2010 2hrs, 3min, 04sec

NOTE: The 2010 Boston winner, Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot from Kenya, completed the ENTIRE course in 2hrs, 5min, 52 sec.

Distance 25K (15.5 Miles)

NYC 2007 2hrs, 38min, 39sec
BOS 2008 2hrs, 27min, 54sec
BOS 2009 2hrs, 28min, 02sec
NYC 2009 2hrs, 20min, 26sec
BOS 2010 2hrs, 28min, 53sec

Distance 30K (18.6 Miles)

NYC 2007 3hrs, 08min, 57sec
BOS 2008 3hrs, 0min, 29sec
BOS 2009 3hrs, 0min, 22sec
NYC 2009 2hrs, 51min, 53sec
BOS 2010 3hrs, 1min, 32sec

Distance 35K (21.7 Miles)

NYC 2007 3hrs, 39min, 19sec
BOS 2008 3hrs, 32min, 5sec
BOS 2009 3hrs, 34min, 7sec
NYC 2009 3hrs, 22min, 22sec
BOS 2010 3 hrs, 37min, 08sec

Distance 40K (24.8 Miles)

NYC 2007 4hrs, 10min, 27sec
BOS 2008 4hrs, 7min, 10sec
BOS 2009 4hrs, 9min, 29sec
NYC 2009 4hrs, 0min, 48sec
BOS 2010 4hrs, 20min, 25sec

Finish (26.2 Miles)

NYC 2007 4hrs, 11min, 47sec
BOS 2008 4hrs, 21min, 34sec
BOS 2009 4hrs, 25min, 27sec
NYC 2009 4hrs, 17min, 27sec
BOS 2010 4hrs, 35min, 52sec

It's interesting for me to evaluate the times in these five marathons.

My first thought is the wave starting system in Boston really helps the runners move along. Yes, the course is packed with people, but the comparison of times shows how slow the starting time was during my 2007 run in New York. In contrast, starting up front in New York shaved 15 minutes off my first 5 kilometers and, when you look at Boston, there is a consistency in time during the first 5 kilometers that actually looks much more like the race when I started at the very front of the New York City Marathon.

The second thought is my times bear out the challenge of the Boston course and its hills. In contrast, the New York course is generally flat and easier on a runner's legs.

Third, as slow as I started the 2007 New York City Marathon, the fast times at the end of the day show that starting slow pays dividends at the end of a marathon. I don't quite understand the quick time between the 40k mark and the finish line. My guess is the 40k time is actually a bit slower than the actual time due to a timing problem. Since I had timed my run that day with a watch, I know the finishing time is correct.

Like I said, it's not that interesting...but it is interesting to me.