#1: I don't have any friends running with me
#2: I don't have any training partners because none of my friends are doing races this spring
#3: It is so hard to train in the cold, dark, winter months by myself
#4: I don't have anyone to watch my kids when we are in Boston (my top 2 options just fell through)
#5: My airline just changed my flight times so that I am scheduled to fly back to CO at 8 AM instead of 8 PM on the day of the marathon - WHAT???
#6: In order to get a new flight I had to pay DOUBLE of what my original flight cost
#2: I don't have any training partners because none of my friends are doing races this spring
#3: It is so hard to train in the cold, dark, winter months by myself
#4: I don't have anyone to watch my kids when we are in Boston (my top 2 options just fell through)
#5: My airline just changed my flight times so that I am scheduled to fly back to CO at 8 AM instead of 8 PM on the day of the marathon - WHAT???
#6: In order to get a new flight I had to pay DOUBLE of what my original flight cost
I was beginning to think, "Should I even be going? This doesn't seem worth it!" But then I got on the Boston Athletic Association website to read about the race and get inspired again and found this article.
Big changes are occurring with the Boston Marathon qualifications! The article states that next year the registration process will proceed in waves. It allows those with the fastest qualifying times to register first. The first day of registration will be open to people whose qualifying times are 10 minutes or more under their age groups qualifications and so on down the line. So basically, those of us who squeak by with a qualifying time of 3:39 when the cut off is 3:40 (ME) will be last to register and the chance of there being any spots open is pretty much zero. In 2013 the qualifying times become more strict, cutting 5 minutes off the qualifying times for each age group. PLUS, the registration process will occur in waves as stated for 2012.
Why am I writing all this? Because it made me realize how lucky and fortunate I am to be running Boston this year. I don't know if I will get another chance with the reformations. All the money, headache, hassle, early morning runs, pain, fatigue, loneliness is worth it.
BOSTON, HERE I COME!!!
8 comments:
I've made it my goal to qualify for Boston this year. I'm not pregnant or nursing and who knows when the next time that will be is. I had heard that there were going to be changing the qualification times soon, and I'm glad you explained how. If only we lived closer to each other, and if only I had already qualified huh?
You better do it!!! I knew this was going to happen but I'm pretty bummed it was so quick. You are going to do awesome!
Good for you for doing this! Say hello to Wellesley for me, half-way point. The girls will cheer for you! You are SO amazing. I wish I were in Boston - I would take care of your cute kiddos for you and cheer you on!
Megan - If I wasn't bummed enough before that I didn't sign up in those first 8 hrs, I am now! I'm so sorry I can't run it with you! And I'm really bummed about the changes. That means I'm going to have to train really hard next time. I'm glad you're doing it. Sorry for all that's gone wrong! BTW, looks like the girls trip was so much fun. I'm sad I missed out. Hopefully next time!
It will be amazing to run Boston!!! If you want, I wouldn't mind watching your kids for the weekend while you go. I am totally serious. I know we are a little drive away but if you need it, I am here.
I will never run it, so I'm glad to know someone that will. I can't wait to hear how it goes!
Hey, wait for me! I'll totally run it with you!
oh wait... I'm 8 months pregnant-- and furthermore, at my best, I can only run three miles. Hm, might not be the ideal partner for you, but good luck!
Seriously, I am without words or ability to understand how fabulous running for hours can really be... must be something special or you wouldn't keep coming back for more. I hope you can pull everything together to go-I'm sure you'll never regret the sacrifices you make to accomplish that lifelong goal. can't wait to see the pictures and brag to my friends (who will probably not understand marathoning either-we lazies stick together) about my beautiful sis-in-law who ran the boston marathon. you're amazing.
Hello! I can watch your kids!! I'll be right there-- don't know EXACTLY where, but it will be Boston, so that makes us quite the team-- you the all-star runner, me the really-zany auntie that they haven't met yet, but will LOVE!\
-- Jenny
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