Krista DuChene on Boston, her marathon build and goals for 2019

Krista DuChene is heading back to Boston for the April 15th race. Her huge run in 2018 snagged her a podium finish despite terrible conditions, and last week she announced that she will be going back again. 

RELATED: Krista DuChene is running Boston

DuChene said she’s looking to go back to Boston for a fun race and the draw of big prize money. “It made sense to choose another fun race, which would also generate an income, particularly when I don’t know how much longer I will compete at this level. Our firstborn will be starting university in 5 years. Like last year, I wanted to return as an elite with the appealing masters prize purse.” She took home $40,000 USD for her third place finish in 2018.

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The women’s field is very competitive and DuChene has a first-class group of women to run with. There will be five sub-2:20 women in the race, and five sub-2:05 men. In the women’s race, in addition to 2018 champ Des Linden, Sally Kipyego is one to watch. Boston 2019 will be her first race as an American citizen. The runner has a personal best of 2:28:01 and a Olympic silver medal in the 10,000m to her name. She formerly represented Kenya. 

DuChene’s most vivid memory from Boston 2018 is the final kilmoetres. “I remember Yuki [Kawauchi] approaching with the media and lead vehicles, and crossing the line myself having no idea of my placing. Then I remember being told by a race volunteer that he thought I was third overall, not just masters, but not believing it until I saw it in writing on Dan Lilot’s [an agent] phone, which was almost 30 minutes after finishing. Having my husband there was also really special.”

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The marathoner’s 2019 goals are similar to last year’s. “While my mileage will be slightly higher in this Boston build, workouts will be similar and I’ll do the same local races, with the same goal of top 3 masters and top 15 overall in Boston. I’d welcome the same conditions as last year, especially for a race where place is more important than pace.”

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In the event of bad weather on race day, DuChene recommends letting go of your pace goals. “Let go of your time goals and prepare for the worst. Heed the advice from the wise and more experienced runners around you, and from the experts who are able to provide objective advice. If you don’t, learn from your mistakes.” Boston wasn’t the first time that DuChene had seen bad weather. “At the 2013 world championships I was in roughly 2:27 shape but not prepared for the heat, and failed to adjust my pace. Consequently I suffered heat exhaustion and my first and only DNF.” DuChene is coached by Dave Scott-Thomas and is a University of Guelph alumna.