People have been asking me why I'm so driven to get to the Boston Marathon. The reason is quite simple I set out to run a marathon just to get one more thing off my bucket list and I did it. As I got into training for my 1st marathon I learned some things about running and really started to like it. I learned about the Boston Marathon being the only other mass participation marathon, besides the Olympics, that you need to qualify for. So as I worked to get "run a marathon" off my list that learned I'm actually a pretty decent runner. On a few training runs It became apparent that maybe qualifying for Boston wasn't such a reach. So while many people, like myself, had "run a marathon" on his/her bucket list and have done it I wanted be among the much smaller group of people who can strike "run Boston Marathon" off his/her bucket list. Basically anyone can say I ran a marathon I want to be able to say I ran Boston....obnoxious? Maybe a little, but it's true.
Facts like only 10.4 percent of marathoners get their BQ time scares me and drives me all at once. In March I will be bumped to the 35-39 age group needing a time of 3:40:00. If I want to be in the 2015 Boston Marathon I need to qualify by September, 2014 as that is when the 2015 registration takes place. If neither of my marathons this spring get me my BQ time I will shoot for doing the Marine Corps or Philly in the fall of 2014 to get me there. Running either of those in the fall of 2014 means I will be qualifying for the 2016 Boston Marathon. Furthermore, just getting my BQ time doesn't guarantee me entry into the race. It will be based on qualifying time, with the fastest qualifiers (in relation to their age and gender) being accepted first until the race is full. This is not going to be easy! Truth be told, once I get into the marathon I am NOT looking to shatter any records....just run it! Getting in is REALLY the goal. ha ha
Other fun facts about the Boston Marathon...
-The Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon
-The Boston Marathon takes place on the 3rd Monday of April (Patriots Day)
-The Boston Marathon is the 2nd highest single-day sporting even in the US (in relation to media coverage of the event)
Thinking you might be interested in running to qualify for the Boston Marathon? Take a look at this link for qualifying information and take a look at this link for 7 tips to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
“Every serious marathoner should do Boston, to experience the close to a million spectators, the three generations of families out cheering, the little kids handing you water or orange slices. The whole city really appreciates the runners.”
-Neil Weygandt
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