Tailored Performance
From Boston, with Love
WORDS BY MATT TAYLOR, TRACKSMITH FOUNDER & CEO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MILLIMAN
My relationship with Boston goes back quite far. I’ve lived on or near the course for many years, logging thousands of miles between Framingham and the Back Bay. I’ve climbed and descended the Newton Hills in blizzards and heat waves. I’ve cheered for friends and former rivals on many a Patriot’s Day. And I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and support athletes who have finished on the podium. But personally, I’ve only raced it once.
Fifteen years ago, my race ended on Heartbreak Hill. My wife, Emily, was at the top of the famous ascent, our car parked only 100 meters away. I was younger and quite driven, focused on running a specific time (2:36). But it wasn’t my day. So, I stepped off the course, walked to the car, and we went out to lunch. I figured I’d take another crack at it soon.
But after that Boston Marathon, life came fast. First kids, then Tracksmith. My relationship with running changed. I wasn’t racing much, but I was still pushing myself to that place we all know, embracing the suffering and pain, out of curiosity and familiarity more than anything else. Biding my time. In my mid-40’s, it came: My competitive drive returned. I suddenly craved the objective measurement that defines running. So I set a time goal: to run 4 minutes plus my age in the mile and 2 hours plus my age in the marathon. At 46, this was clearly my midlife crisis.
The mile hurts, but it’s over quick. I focused more on strength and speed than I had since college, and it paid off. My first attempt was at the Boston University Terrier Classic, a race I competed in over 20 years ago as a college athlete. I was the last seed in the last heat, running against guys half my age. But I held my own and ran 4:41. Check!
I planned to shift my focus to the marathon at this point, but I was invited to run the Master’s Mile at the New Balance Grand Prix two weeks later. I surprised myself with a 4:37. Must be the spikes, right?
Ten weeks later, early in the morning on the day of the Boston Marathon, I drove the back roads to a teammate's house in Hopkinton, just a mile from one of the most famous starting lines in the world. What a privilege to sit around in the comfort of a home with teammates and friends before chasing those 26.2 miles again. Like every runner, doubt crept in as I entered my corral. But I was also very excited and confident of the work I put in. I was also confident in my footwear. I was wearing the latest prototype of the Eliot Racer, versions of which I had been testing for more than a year. But this was the one I had used for my entire training block and I was eager to put it to the test.
It was hot, which meant slower times but great crowds. I’m lucky because my wife is ambitious and was able to get my family to four spots along the course. Approaching mile 7, I saw a big sign along the road - Go Matt. My son had made it, and my dad was holding it. I gave everyone a high five. I saw the sign again in Framingham and veered over for more high fives. In Wellesley, just past the halfway point (and the first Tracksmith office), I only managed a nod. I was hurting. And the Newton Hills loomed.
I turned 47 just before Boston, and I was struggling to do the mental math. Would I make my goal? I wasn’t sure and I couldn’t concentrate. I was in survival mode, constantly fighting the voice in my head. Why keep going? You’re the only one who cares about this? I saw the family again, just past the Johnny Kelley statue in Newton. Just slow down. It’s ok to walk. I was in a bad place.
Thankfully, I caught one of my teammates on the hill coming into Cleveland Circle; that snapped me out of it. We ran together through Brookline, the Citgo sign finally coming into view. I found another gear the last two miles and was able to finish strong - 2:43:18. Check!
I hobbled down Newbury Street to the Tracksmith store, where friends and colleagues were waiting. For the past eight years, I’ve been in their shoes, celebrating the First to the Trackhouse winner, welcoming runners with a cold beer, and helping them up (and down) the stairs. The Trackhouse is special on Monday. But this year, being on the other side of it, made it even more memorable.
Next April, I turn 48.
Geared Up for Boston
Training for Boston while living in Boston is tough. The winters are cold, dark and wet. This year we didn’t get much snow, so at least we weren’t fighting piles of slush and patches of ice. But it didn’t make it any easier, especially on the days when you needed to get in mile repeats or a 20-mile long run. Having the proper gear can make a big difference. So, I just wanted to share the pieces that got me through this winter.
On top, I had a system that worked and I stuck with it: Fells Turtleneck under a Downeaster Crew with the Franklin Quarter Snap. I run cold, so I layer up. On the bottom, I alternated between a Tracksmith OG and an early prototype. I still wear the same pair of Bislett Pants that we made in 2014. Ten winters later, and they still perform as well as ever. I’m biased, of course, but there’s not a better winter running pant out there in terms of performance and value. I alternated that with a new seamless Merino tight that launches this fall. It’s the most unique tight I’ve ever worn and performed so well - warm and comfortable, dries out overnight, ready for the next morning’s run, with no odor after weeks without washing. And for shoes, I did all of my easy runs in the Eliot Runner, and all of my hard workouts and long runs in the Eliot Racer.
