Smile, Have Fun, Run 2:28: Madey Dickson's Boston Marathon Breakdown
Madey Dickson
Boston Marathon 2026 Ā· Behind the Scenes / Athlete Stories
āI wanted to be the best and win. Reaching that goal meant all my hard work- 4am runs before hospital shifts, long workouts on tired legs- had paid off.ā
Race Execution Ā· Performance Ā· Product Ā· Quick Fire
The 2026 Boston Marathon was always going to be a test. 26.2 miles through one of the world's most storied courses: Heartbreak Hill, the Newton climbs, 30,000 runners and a finish line on Boylston Street that has broken more race plans than it has confirmed them.
Madey Dickson didn't just survive it. She ran 2:28:12 (a personal best) to finish as the fastest PROJECT3 female across the entire field.
Run Elite Program
What makes that number more significant is the context behind it. Madey is a full-time registered nurse (RN). Her training blocks are built around early alarms, pre-shift miles, and workouts completed on legs that most people wouldn't race on. She's the athlete that PROJECT3 was built for: working-life real, performance-level ambitious.
The 2026 PROJECT3 incentive structure awards $3,000 to the fastest male and female finishers, not as sponsorship, but as recognition of delivered performance. Madey earned hers on merit.
Here's how she did it:
Mick Stana Creation
Race Execution
What was your race plan going in, and how closely did you stick to it?
"My race plan going in was to find the chase pack and stick with that group until the half point. I found myself with two other women, one who was also a PROJECT3 athlete. It was nice to have Breanna for that first stretch. I stuck with Breanna and another woman until about 10 miles, then decided to break off by myself. The rest of the race I tried to focus on the crowds cheering me on and catch anyone who had fallen off the lead pack."
What pace strategy did you follow, and where did the race change for you?
"I had a goal to go out anywhere between 72:30ā74 minutes through the half marathon, but everything was really dependent on finding a group to run in. I really wanted to run sub-5:40s for the first half. Once I broke off from my small group, I tried to just run and not pay attention to my pace."
That's a discipline that separates experienced sub-elite athletes from those still learning the distance but knowing when to stop watching the watch and trust the body.
What was the hardest point in the race, and how did you manage it?
"In the last 4 miles I was exhausted. I'd been running by myself for so long and then I saw two runners in the distance to catch. Seeing those two women ahead gave me a new goal to focus on so I could finish the race strong."
The ability to manufacture motivation at mile 22 is not something that comes from a training plan. It's race intelligence and Madey has it.
Mick Stana Creation
Performance
What do you think made the biggest difference to your result?
"Being confident in myself and not letting expectations weigh me down helped me to enjoy the race, have fun, and come away with a nice PR."
This is worth sitting with. Madey ran 2:28 not by executing a rigid performance script, but by giving herself permission to compete freely. For sub-elite athletes who often carry significant self-imposed pressure alongside training, work and life commitments, this is one of the most transferable insights in any race report.
Was there anything you adjusted in training or preparation that paid off?
"I increased my mileage a little bit and ran more hills. I ran a hilly route in Utah: a 1.4-mile loop for a 23-mile long run, and I think it mentally prepared me for the hills. Additionally, the Deviate Elite 4 became my primary workout shoe, and they were awesome."
Twenty-three miles on a 1.4-mile loop. That's not just physical preparation, that's mental conditioning. Running the same climb repeatedly until your legs stop filing a complaint is exactly the kind of training specificity that shows up at mile 20 on the Newton Hills.
Product
How did the PUMA Fast-R3 perform across the course?
"The Fast-R3s are so responsive. They lasted the entirety of the race from start to finish. I always felt like I was getting spring back into my step from the shoes."
Did you notice any difference in efficiency or speed compared to previous races?
"I've used Fast-R3s in my last two marathons, both of which brought big PRs. They are my 'magic' shoes. The Fast-R3 definitely propels me forward and seems to increase my efficiency much better than super shoes I've used in the past. They're lighter and respond to quicker paces better than previous super shoes."
Two marathons in the Fast-R3. Two PRs. Madey isn't working off brand loyalty, but rather working off results data.
Recognition
What does it mean to you to be the fastest PROJECT3 finisher?
"Being in PROJECT3 helped establish a clear goal for me. I was surrounded by other people who were just like me, working full time and chasing big goals. I wanted to be the best and win. Reaching that goal was great because it meant all my hard work (4am runs before hospital shifts, long workouts on tired legs) had paid off."
When did it register that you'd delivered that performance?
"I finished and wasn't 100% sure if I was the winner. I officially found out later from the Instagram page and celebrated with my husband and friends."
That's the PROJECT3 story in one moment: an athlete who runs 2:28, isn't certain she's won, and finds out through the community feed.
QUICK FIRE
Race day mindset in 3 words: Smile & have fun
Split you're most proud of: 5:42/mi over the Newton Hills
One word to describe the finish: Euphoric
Mick Stana Creation
Reflection
What would you refine going into your next race?
"I want to take a bigger risk at the beginning of the race."
She ran a 2:28 and wants to go out harder. That's the PUMA PROJECT3 sub-elite mindset in one line.
What's next?
"I haven't decided 100% on what fall marathons I'll be doing. Iām trying to convince coach to let me do two. Some track PRs might need to be rewritten. I'm back doing smaller workouts already and feeling great."
Watch this space.
About PROJECT3
PROJECT3 is PUMA's performance-based running community for sub-elite athletes. These are the runners pushing the limits of what's possible while holding down careers, families, and real lives. Built on achievement and not traditional sponsorship. The 2026 PROJECT3 incentive structure rewards PBs, fastest finishers, and the largest improvements across Boston, London, and beyond.
Follow PROJECT3 for race reports, athlete stories, and always-on performance content across the full marathon season.
