Boston to Big Sur: Runner takes on 2 marathons in 6 days
By Erin Clark
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MONTEREY, California (KSBW) — Dan Shapiro is training for the Boston 2 Big Sur challenge, which involves running the Boston Marathon on Patriots Day and the Big Sur Marathon six days later.
“I run for four minutes and then I walk for 30 seconds and then run for four minutes and walk for 30 seconds and do the whole marathon like that,” Shapiro said. “Before I started using this method, I ran a marathon. I could barely walk for like a month after my first run.”
Shapiro said active recovery during the race makes all the difference and allows him to complete two iconic marathons back-to-back.
“On Boston, you have the spectators encouraging you away. And then in Big Sur, you just have that beautiful view. I mean, to be able to run up Highway One that’s closed off to traffic, there’s just nothing like it,” Shapiro said.
A week and a half before the Big Sur Marathon, Shapiro began his journey across the country, taking a red-eye flight from San Francisco to Boston. He landed in the early hours of the morning and had a few days to rest and acclimate before race day.
“With a marathon, you never know how you are going to feel, so we’ll see how it goes. It’s fun being here. The excitement, all the runners here. You’ve never seen so many fit people in one place, it’s incredible,” Shapiro said.
On race day, Shapiro joined 30,000 runners at the starting line. He admitted to feeling some anxiety but settled into the race once it began.
During miles 23 and 24, Shapiro faced a challenging stretch.
“During those miles 23 and 24 where I was really struggling, I was thinking, or trying not to think, I have to do this again in six days! But once it’s done, I’m kind of excited. Excited about it, looking forward to it,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro finished the Boston Marathon in under four hours, earning another medal. Back home, he now has his sights set on Big Sur. Confident and eager, Shapiro said he plans to enjoy the scenery and is already planning his next Boston to Big Sur challenge.
On Sunday, April 26th, wake up with KSBW 8’s exclusive live coverage of the Big Sur International Marathon.
The race begins at 6:45 a.m., with KSBW coverage starting at 7 a.m. in a special edition of Action News 8 Weekend Sunrise and streaming live on Very Local.
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