What makes me think we need another blog? Well, for starters, I like to think of myself as less than mediocre runner... wait a minute, how is this going to sell my blog? Well, the real humour is that I plan to qualify and run the Boston Marathon. So you are undoubtedly asking yourself, "self... how can a mediocre runner run Boston?" That's what this blog is all about, my singular focus: qualify for the Boston Marathon. I'm hoping, this will be slightly inspirational, a bit entertaining, and a great way to document my trials and tribulations. So sit back and kick off your shoes....
It sure feels like a very very long road. I feel like I have been running forever, but really it started in 2004 for the Sun Run. At the time, my girls were turning 3 and I felt that, while the couch and TV were a comfortable place, it wasn't what I wanted them to remember about me. I decided to ease myself into running by joining the Sun Run clinic, run for 30 seconds, walk for 1 minute, repeat 7 times.... even I can do that.
Well that turned into my first 10k finish of 1:03. I was so happy. I came back 2 years later and broke into the sub-hour group with a 59:41. I still remember finishing that and thinking, I've done all there is. Fil said, I could always try for a sub-55 or sub-50, but I brushed that off as crazy talk.
I was intrigued with distance, and after doing the first Sun Run, I thought, time for a Half Marathon. I completed the Royal Victoria Half in 2004 (2:12).
And then in 2006, I began training in earnest for the full Marathon. I remember it well. At the time, I told the instructor I was just planning to do one. But a little thing happened.... I fell into the mystique of the "Boston Qualifier" or BQ for short. I completed the RVM in a rather unremarkable 4:09, but what was remarkable, was, I have kept up with my running.
However, it's been 3 years since I did the RVM, and I find myself at a precipice. During that time, I've gotten only marginally faster, and find myself no closer to qualifying for Boston. Do I spend my time and energy targeting something that is so far out of reach?
Well, of course the answer is obvious, that's why I've created this blog.
I'll end with a quote to live by, "A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?" Browning.
