Rory Linkletter
Improving his performance:
“I was 6th at last year's Boston Marathon, and I feel like Boston is the Mecca of marathon racing. I'm stoked to be here this weekend and hopefully improve upon last years race.”
Making it to race day:
“I think it's a miracle to make it to the start line of any marathon. There are many things that can go wrong. You think of how many steps you take if you're training for a marathon. All it takes is one misstep. One thing happening to you that can derail everything. So, it's nothing short of a miracle to show up to the start line."
The energy of Boston:
"I think it's nice the way Boston is laid out, it's quieter in the beginning when you need to set your rhythm, and it gets louder as you get closer, where if you can accidentally go too fast after halfway, you're probably in a great spot anyways. So I would just lean into the energy."
Time goals for Boston:
"Unfortunately, running 2:05:35 won't count as a Canadian record, but would be the fastest time ever run by a Canadian. It's ridiculous because Boston, if you run a fast time in Boston, you most likely earned it the hard way. So, it should count, but it doesn't. I wouldn't put a cap at that time either. Whatever happens out there, we're ready to throw punches, and it's good. Anything is possible."
Dakotah Popehn
Marathon build and preparation:
“I think this has been my healthiest build ever. We brought the mileage down by 10 miles a week and that has been a game changer for me. We did an altitude stint this time round and my life has just been a little bit busier, working on some secret projects. I've had several races to lean on for reassurance that this race is going to go well and have the confidence that I can compete with the best in the world. I can beat anybody on any given day. So when I line up on Monday, I'm going to tow the line with that confidence."
The energy of Boston Marathon:
"It can be really hard - especially through Wellesley - to stay calm. But for me, I like to lean into it and embrace it because you're going to be wanting those screams in like six more miles."
Things she has taken more seriously since being an elite athlete:
"As a younger runner, I feel like I could get away with not doing any body work like massage or seeing a chiropractor, and now if I don't see my massage therapist or my chiropractor for a week, I am out of place. But the other thing for me that's really changed is that people think some of the choices that you make as a professional athlete are sacrifices. And I think I've just had to shift my mindset and say I'm not making any sacrifices. This is my job and I'm really grateful for every single day. So, saying no to my friends who are going out late at night; that might look like a sacrifice to some people, but to me, it doesn’t. It feels like I'm just grateful I get to do this every single day or wake up early on Sunday for a long run. I feel like I get to do these things, so I think that mindset shift has also helped.”
Annie Frisbie
Training milage:
“I max out at 100 miles, but 90 to 100 is my sweet spot. I feel like this build, and most of my spring marathon builds always start off a little rocky, and then they come together right when they need to. That was the case for this build-up and I feel like I'm in a really good headspace physically and mentally.”
Boston Marathon preparation:
“The 8th place finish last year was a big breakout for me. I made my debut in 2021 and then I ran really well in my debut, but then I had a few years that were kind of drought years as far as the marathon goes. I had some successful shorter races, but the marathon was one of those distances that kind of eluded me for a few years. So to have that breakout at Boston - one of the biggest races in the world - was so special. I'm definitely carrying that momentum going into this weekend."
Things she has taken more seriously since being an elite athlete:
"Figuring out the fueling aspect of marathon training, it’s very different from [how you fuel] for a 5K or 10K and figuring out what is going to sustain me throughout, week after week, and then throughout the race too. Just investing in my body too; when I first started marathoning, I thought getting a massage was too expensive, but now I'm like, no, I'm investing in myself to feel good. And so I am pretty routine with body work, whether that's massage, acupuncture or visiting a chiropractor, those type of things, and not looking at looking at it as like a waste, but more of like an investment in my career and in my body."
Alex Maier
Preparation for Boston Marathon:
"I'm excited. I came to Boston in January and ran the course to get it into my head. It's an experience. You get to see what the hills are like firsthand. I was actually doing a workout on the course, you get to about 15 miles and you make your right turn by the hospital and I actually missed that turn when I was doing the workout, so I went another mile down. I was like, where is this right turn? Like, man, this course is longer than I thought it was. I can almost guarantee that on Monday I will not miss that turn.”
Being a professional athlete and dealing with pressure:
“Being able to get to do this [running] in general is a big privilege. You're never defined by just one performance and when you really think about it. I don't really do anything that's super necessary to society. I’m not teaching; fighting fires; in a control tower. I get to run for a living. That's kind of insane. Stepping back and understanding that sometimes reflecting on how lucky I am to be in a world where I get to do what I love for a living is important. That’s what's really special. And the results of one race don't really define me.”
