Boston Strong
Running the Boston Marathon is on nearly every long-distance runner’s bucket list. Almost every runner I know who hasn’t yet qualified to run the Boston Marathon is working hard to get there. To make it to Boylston Street to be able to wear the blue and yellow jacket and experience this historic running event.
That’s why people are always surprised when they hear qualifying for the Boston Marathon is not one of my running goals. At least it hasn’t been until this week.
Running the Boston Marathon has never been on my bucket list. I’ve never trained to try to meet my Boston Qualifying (BQ) time (which is 3:35) – partly because I never used to believe it was achievable (key word: believe), and partly because I don’t think qualifying for Boston defines success in running.
I’ve witnessed so many friends and runners who are so caught up in qualifying for Boston that they have forgotten to celebrate their victories along the way. I’ve seen lots of tears after a race where a friend has fallen short of her BQ time despite that same race being a personal best. I haven’t been able to comprehend forgetting to see our personal success because we are focused on a goal that isn’t nearly as important as just being the best runner we can be.
But this week, this year, has changed my perspective. After the tragic 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and how the running community has surged together during the past 365+ days, I am beyond inspired. By the stories. The people we’ve lost. The city that will never forget. The months and years of hard work. The people. I can’t think of a place I would have rather wanted to be today than in Boston. And not just as a spectator, but as a runner.
As I watched Meb Keflezighi – the first American to win the race since 1983 – cross the finish line today, I cried tears of inspiration and joy with him. I wanted to run the race. I decided that 3:35 is attainable. Not this year, and maybe not next year, but eventually.
I will never define my success as a runner as qualifying for Boston alone, but I am adding reaching that BQ to my bucket list. I want to be able to experience that special rite of passage of running alongside 36,000 other runners in a city that will forever be honored for running united. Today, we are all Boston.
Congrats to everyone who ran the Boston Marathon today and to everyone who will one day get to the start line.
Have you ever run the Boston Marathon? Did you run it this year? If not, is qualifying for the Boston Marathon on your running bucket list? Why or why not?
Comments
Wow. That is exactly how I feel. Only this week have I decided I want to run Boston. I used to feel it was something that is expected if you’re a runner and I didn’t like that. I am so inspired now, just within this past week, that I want to run this race someday. It’s a huge accomplishment for all runners who do it and I want to be one.
Boston is also on my bucket list too – but first I have to run a marathon and second, I have to be able to train properly. I really don’t think I am going to be able to run a 3:35 – so I will probably be waiting til I hit that 35 bracket. There is a reason why the average age of a Boston Marathon is 40+.
Qualifying an running Boston is on my bucket list because I believe I can get there in a few years. It’s not the epitome of running success for me, but I like to have big goals
Well said! I believe you can get there!
I am one of those runners as you know who has allowed the BQ goal to get in my way of run happiness – I’m working to not let it define me as a runner. Today I wasn’t jealous of the runners – I was so happy for them and I know one day ill be out there being Boston Strong too!
I put it on my bucket list but I’m soooo far way from it! I really want one of those jackets!
Running a BG time an Boston is on my bucket list. At 61, I need 3:55 and this Sunday I plan to break 4 hrs for the first time. The next marathon, I will train for the 3:55.
Good luck this weekend Mike! Can’t wait to hear how it goes! Enjoy the miles and have a great race!
I would have to push to run a half in that time. WOW. Amazing to watch and feel like a part of it though.
That’s the coolest part about running, Abby. Times are all relative and the only thing that is important is being the best we can each be … working to the best of our individual potentials 🙂 xo
I have faith that you’ll get there! It’s on my bucket list, but I have a LOT of work to do to get there.. a LOT! 🙂
You will do it too, Kristin! Thanks for your encouragement and confidence. xo
Since I started running I have dreamed about Boston. I always felt like it was a goal that I would never reach. But, I am changing that mindset and I am going to work hard to make my dream a reality. Maybe not in the next couple of years but, I hope in my future. If I believe and work hard, I know I can toe the line at Boston one day. Thanks for your post, it shoes there are others that felt the same way.
I’ve wanted to qualify for Boston for as long as I can remember. I tried to qualify twice last year but didn’t even come close. After a hard winter of training (and a lot more dedication than I have previously had), I finally qualified last week. The feeling was amazing not only because I reached my goal, but because now I get to run the prestigious Boston Marathon. I have faith in you that you can do it! And you are going to be one of those runners that celebrate the entire journey to qualifying. I think you have your head in the right place for qualifying and not letting anything disappoint you on the path to your goal.
I have never really wanted to go to Boston because I am not a fast runner. I think that it would be awesome to go if all the stars aligned!! Maybe one day!
I think that people get really worked up on qualifying and then mentally lose it in the race. I do the same thing with races. I have big goals and then shit goes sour. I would rather go into the race without “big” goals and just see what happens. (it always goes much better) 🙂
I totally agree with that mindset Leslie. That is exactly what I did for my marathon in March and it made for a perfect strategy. I knew what I was capable of doing but I went in with the goal to simply enjoy the race and feel good. Those were my goals. No pressure. And it paid off. That is how I hope to be when I eventually tackle marathon #7. Can’t wait to hear all about Big Sur!!!
Boston is such a huge deal. I am soooo far from BQing but maybe one day I will get some motivation to train and qualify…or maybe the motivation to run for a charity 😉
You will get there, I have no doubt, if that’s what YOU want to do. It took me four marathons to make it and I had tons of fun along the way. Yes, there were disappointments along the way too, but that doesn’t define us. I realized that as I prepared to toe the like on Monday, April 21st, IN Hopkinton. The dream had come true and all the steps along the way made it so much more meaningful. It was everything I had hoped it would be, even though I had the slowest finish of 7 marathons. (I’m still trying to reconcile that – it was salt depletion that got me and I’ve never dealt with anything like it). But I finished the Boston Marathon, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks for your awesome words of inspiration Kelli! Congrats on qualifying and finishing Boston! You are so right that it is the journey that is most important, not the time 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it. xo
When I first started running distance a few years ago (I ran track in HS and college but not distance) I swore Id never run a marathon let alone Boston. As time went on I started running halves but still no desire. but that’s the funny thing, running changes you. After I completed my first marathon and wasn’t that far off qualifying it became my goal. I defined myself by it more than I should have. It took me 4 tries to qualify but it will always remain one of the best days when I did. I ran Boston this year and it was an incredible experience. But I also know that it isn’t for everyone. Some have no desire to run it (been there done that!) and some will struggle ever qualifying but we all want different things and that can change over time. You are a great runner and athlete and Boston doesn’t define you. BUT what I can say it, because you are such a great athlete.. if you set your mind to it you absolutely could get there. Hard work and dedication, 2 things I have never seen you struggle with in the time that I have been following your blog.
Laura,
Thank you so much for sharing your journey and for your encouraging words. Congrats on finishing Boston this year! I can’t imagine how meaningful that must have been. I’m glad your efforts to qualify came to fruition and you got to experience such an amazing day within the running community. Thank you also for your incredibly kind words. They mean a lot to me. xoxo