Boston Marathon Memories: “The people screaming out for Toronto was amazing!”

Marathon runners in Canada are getting excited for Boston. The marathon is a big highlight of our year and we’re helping runners get pumped up and motivated with stories on Canadian runners’ experiences on the big day. Now you’ll know what to expect. Long-time Boston runner? Relive some of these memories shared by other runners.

Runner: Joan Chung

Year raced: 2014

Age: 31

Time: 3:17:35

City: Toronto

What inspired you? 

I found out what the qualifying times were. I qualified at Scotiabank [Toronto Waterfront Marathon]. I wanted to run because it’s kinda of the epitome– the goals that runners all want to reach.

What was impression of the Boston Marathon before you went?

I had been to Boston to spectate the year before and I ran the 5K. There’s a buzz in the environment. The whole city shuts down. It’s pretty incredible on the spectator side. When I got there, I went to the expo. It was all pretty intense.

Describe the scene before the race.

Obviously there are runners with different goals but everyone feels the same. Everyone is just talking to each other. It’s super friendly. That was a nice way to get over the jitters. During the race, the crowds were pretty overwhelming.

Tell us a memory that stands out.

I wore my U of T singlet and the amount of people screaming out for Toronto and for Canada was pretty amazing. It was a huge boost. I was also running into a lot of people from Toronto. People that I know from races or other clubs. It was neat!

What’s your pre-race meal?

Usually I go for peanut butter on a bagel and coffee. I never really change anything up.

What did you do post race?

Usually a cold beer is nice. It was pretty hot last year. I think it got up to 20C and I was really craving a beer.

Why are you going back?

I hadn’t trained for the downhill part of the course as much as I could have. Part of the reason I wanted to go back is to train specifically for it. Your training is a humbling thing and it makes you feel grateful. I wanted to go back as a personal goal. I think it’s one of the harder courses that I’ve done.

What advice would you give to someone running this year?

Prepare for the downhill and prepare for the crowds because they are pretty overwhelming– in a great way.