Marathon Monday is quite possibly known as Boston’s second Christmas. And I’m not even exaggerating here. I was actually speaking to one of my neighbors on Monday, and she told me how she marks off the whole weekend and week before Marathon Monday, just to prep herself (and she’s not even running the marathon).
(just in case you didn’t catch my title reference)
Before 2013, the Marathon was a day to go out, have a couple (or several) drinks, and cheer on friends, family, or random runners at the finish line. That all changed on April 15th, 2013. I don’t want to go into the specifics, because quite frankly, we all know what happened at the Boston bombing. I was sitting on my friend’s couch, enjoying her birthday festivities and my Georgetown cupcake, when all of a sudden, everything changed. I scrambled to find my phone, just to tell my parents and sister that I was okay, and that I’d try to keep them as informed as possible. Soon after, all cell services were blocked and I felt like I was in a some sort of trance. I was a freshman in college! I had never experienced anything like it, and needless to say, that was one of the worst weeks of my life.
I am beyond lucky to say that I wasn’t on the finish line that day, and that my best friend had decided to leave Boylston about 15 minutes before the bombs went off.
Almost three years after that horrific day, Boston has gotten back on track. What happened during the marathon was one of the worst things Boston has ever seen, but what happened after, truly showed how one city can really come together in a time of remorse. There was a massive amount of support given to everyone and anyone who was in some way affected by the marathon bombing, and Boston didn’t let anyone take their strength and resilience away. The city was the true embodiment of Boston Strong.
Though I do think we should take Monday to love our families and friends a little more, to thank whatever force you believe in that we’re still around and we’re still alive, I also believe there are many places around Boston to do so.
Boston Marathon Pre-Race Dinner
Whether you’re running the marathon, or just watching it, there’s always an excuse to carbo-load. At City Hall, starting at 4pm the night before, there will be an abundance of trays to any and all food and marathon lovers. If you’re a superhuman running the Boston Marathon, you can eat for free! If you’re lazy like me, and the thought of running more than 5 minutes absolutely horrifies you, you’ll just have to pay $20 for all you can eat. On the menu are FOUR different pasta dishes, and a salad if you’re feeling like pasta isn’t enough for you.
Now, I’m not much (or at all) of a runner. In fact, I actually hate running. I get bored, and I just don’t have the will-power to force myself to do it. However, I do love biking. I am an avid spinner, and will literally bike anywhere because (thankfully) I’ve built up a resistance to do so. This event is basically perfect for me, but I will most likely find some excuse to stuff my face instead of attending. But don’t be like me, and bike away! Every year, thousands of people gather and bike across the city, only to be greeted by a pancake breakfast right after. Yes, it’s basically like pulling an all nighter for pancakes, but you deserve them after pedaling so much.
(pedal away pedal gods)
This isn’t so much an event, more like a restaurant that I highly recommend. Even though it’s not located anywhere near the finish line, this place has some true marathon celebrations. You’ll see your typical finger-lickin’ wings, and make-your-own burgers, but what’s most important is their marathon inspired beer. They serve Sam Adams’ signature 26.2 marathon brew. It has a lower alcohol content, so if you’re a runner looking for a post race drink, this may be the perfect solution for you – because if I were to have a regular beer on a post-workout empty stomach, I’d probably faint.
If you’re looking for a more up close and personal view of the marathon, Cityside has panoramic views that are just for you. On Marathon Monday, they open at 9am (say it with me: rise, and shine, and wine), so arrive there early for the best views on their rooftop patio or by the windows! Between the drafts, fishbowls, and greasy eats, you’ll be glad you’re watching the marathon, and not running it.
I rounded out what I think are some of the best to-dos on Patriot’s Day. There are obviously hundreds of other places you can go, and if you didn’t particularly like any of my suggestions (rude), you can look on the BAA website and find some other places (mine are the best, just sayin’).
Before I sign off, I’d also like to remind everyone of the holiday on Sunday, April 17th. If you happen to not know (shame on you), it’s INTERNATIONAL (yeah she’s internationally known) IT’S MY SISTER’S BDAY, DAY. You might be busy prepping for the race, or carbo loading, but whatever you’re doing, send some positive vibes out and have a drink for her. She likes champagne (Moet and Veuve only, duh) and chocolate lava cakes, so order those.
Happy birthday my munchkin. Even though no one likes you when you’re 23, everyone loves you when you’re 24.
(even leo)
