Ali Feller's Guide to Boston
ALI ON THE RUN SHARES HER MUST-DO'S WHEN VISITING BOSTON
- Snap a selfie at the Finish Line. You'll get a great finisher's photo when you cross the line on Marathon Monday, but seeing the finish line before you cross it just may give you the pre-race boost you need. Stand there, ask a stranger to take your photo, and offer to do the same in return. (Runners helping runners!) Picture yourself crossing that line, arms raised in triumph. Fun fact: Unlike some marathon finish lines which are laid down temporarily, the Boston Marathon finish is painted on Boylston Street for you to visit all year long!
- Go for a shakeout run (or leisurely walk) along the Charles River. OK, don't spend too much time on your feet. But if you want to get your legs moving a little, head toward the water. As you cruise along the Charles in Boston, you'll enjoy sweeping views of Cambridge (home of Harvard and MIT, and former home of one of Boston's most famous duos, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck) across the river, with the Boston skyline at your back.
- Visit the Make Way for Ducklings statues in the Public Garden. Remember Robert McCloskey's classic children's book about Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings? They've taken up permanent residence in Boston's beautiful Public Garden, in the form of a line of bronze statues, created by Nancy Schön (located near the corner of Beacon and Charles Streets, steps from the B.A.A. 5K finish line). The ducks are often affectionately dressed for the occasion: You may spot a mallard wearing a Boston Marathon medal!
- Eat! Whether you're fueling up for the big day or you have a long day of spectating planned, you need to fuel. My favorites for on-the-go eating include the lobster roll from Luke's Lobster, the dark chocolate peanut butter chip cookie from Levain Bakery, and pretty much everything from Eataly and Quincy Market. You can't go wrong getting pasta and cannolis in the North End or dumplings in Chinatown. For Boston classics near the finish line, check out Tatte and Life Alive Cafe.
- Check a Boston must-do of your list: The Museum of Science. The New England Aquarium. The Franklin Park Zoo. The Freedom Trail. A Duck Boat tour. Fenway Park (Go Red Sox!). The Embrace, the newly unveiled 20-foot-tall bronze sculpture commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Boston is a beautiful, historic city with so much to take in. Pick what gets you pumped, and enjoy.
- While you're relaxing with your legs up, check out the "Everything You Need to Know About the Boston Marathon" episode of the Ali on the Run Show podcast! Unsure about what to expect in the Athletes’ Village? Feeling overwhelmed by logistics? Wondering what’s on the course? Tune in for tips on how to run your best Boston, with advice from champions Des Linden and Meb Kefezighi, coaches, registered dietitians, and more! (But seriously, don't worry. You've totally got this.)
Ali Feller is the host of the Ali on the Run Show podcast and can be heard on the mic throughout race week at the Boston Marathon Expo, B.A.A. 5K, B.A.A. Invitational Miles, and at the finish on race day!
