The last time I ran the Marine Corps Marathon, I qualified for the Boston Marathon.
Or I would have, if I’d been 70 year old. Yep, I just need to hold my current marathon pace for 25 more years and I’m in. Boston has not really ever been a goal for me, but our Tuesdays on the Run topic is the Boston Marathon, so here are my thoughts on it.
I first heard of the Boston Marathon from a friend who has qualified and ran many times (17, I think). While I’m in awe of those who qualify, it’s definitely not one of my goals. I doubt I could ever be fast enough, but more importantly, I don’t have any interest in working that hard (and I’m not interested in running as a charity runner.)
In fact, I’m going to be honest and admit that I don’t have any marathon goals. I don’t have any desire to run the world majors. I don’t really care if I never PR again. I don’t even plan to train any differently for MCM this year than I did last year (which is to say that I rely heavily on my base and my mental strength, rather than multiple 20 mile runs in the Virginia summer.) I run Marine Corps Marathon because it gives me all the feels, not because I plan to PR or even run that hard. (OK, I might also do it for the hot marines…)
But those of you who qualify? YOU are amazing. And I love to watch the race (and maybe someday I’ll go up and spectate.) I can’t wait to read all the race reports next week and follow along with all my MRTT friends who are running.
Do you have Boston dreams? If so, when is your goal race for qualifying? If you’ve already qualified, will you try to do it again?
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Ive had to put my Boston goal on hold until I can get back to running without injury again. My last marathon was in November 2015 and I ran was 6 mins away from a BQ. However, I’ll be in the next next age group soon so that will make it a little easier!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…The Benefits of Collagen and Gelatin for Runners
I think we all know I’m never gonna qualify for Boston. I mean, I’d actually have to run a marathon! I’ve also seen that goal take over some runners’ lives & suck all the joy from running, or worse.
My hat is definitely off to those who do. Because I did Heartbreak Half & I know those Newton hills!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Which miracle would you like?
I would love to run boston!! I went to school at BC and loved Marathon Monday and watching all the runners run by campus! I’d also love to run NY. I was born there and have a lot of family there so it’d be aan emotional experience for sure!
Meliss recently posted…Training Tuesday: Fewer Miles
I had Boston Realities… and now they are just dreams. I don’t think I will ever run that fast again, and who knows when I would be able to run it anyway. You know what? if I really want to, it will be there.
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Encouragement: The Power of the Shout Out
I feel the same way! My sister has ran the Boston Marathon and has qualified to run it again in 2018. I’m so proud of her but know it’s nothing that I aspire to do. I wouldn’t mind running the 5K if I ever went to spectate though.
It is only a vague sort of dream for me, I have the notion I could qualify if I worked at it hard enough, but I don’t know that I could afford to go any time soon and I don’t know that I love marathons enough to train for it that hard. so It’s really not on my radar, but I do love reading about other people’s journey to and at Boston.
Christy recently posted…Weekly Wrap: The one where I have a cold
I have qualified for Boston and I am super excited to run in next year. Hopefully my time will be enough under to make it in. MCM is a great marathon too. I have only ran that once.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Hershey 10K Race Recap
A group of my Boston friends who no longer run it (like me) go every year and spectate at “Cannoli Corner” and yes give out cannolis. It is my goal to go back and man that corner with them one of these years. Maybe run the 5k the day before.
Marcia recently posted…Why The Boston Marathon is Special to Me
I’d love the honor of running Boston someday…but, like you, I have NO desire to do the major work to get me there. At this point in my life, I simply have too many other valuables vying for my time and attention….and I’m quite happy and thankful for that. 😉
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Fight for Air Climb 2017
I don’t have dreams to run Boston either, even though I think it would be cool to fundraise for the race. A BQ is never gonna happen for me, LOL! I do want to do a marathon again but still not sure where or when!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Tunes Tuesday: Random One Hit Wonders
Don’t have to worry since I’ve never run a full marathon. If I did, of course, I’d love to run Boston.
Darlene recently posted…TOTR: Remembering 2013
Marathons are strangely addicting! I had said if I qualified I’d be done, but after qualifying I decided I thought I could run it faster…and now I’m wondering again if I could pr… but in the near future, I do think I’ll put the full marathon behind me and focus on shorter races!
The funny thing is I started finding out a lot more about the Boston marathon after I moved away from Boston. I wasn’t into running, so I didn’t know anything about qualifying, bandits, or anything like that. A couple friends in college ran it, but I don’t even know if they did qualify or if they bandited.
If I can still walk when I’m 70 let’s go for it!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…The Best Ginger Snap Cookies – Sugar Free & Gluten Free
Never a goal here- just a cool event to follow. 🙂
Patty Holliday recently posted…Boston Marathon Thoughts | Tuesdays on the Run
I know I will never REALLLY GET IT but after doing my oneoneone marathon I now get it more than I have before.
Carla recently posted…S.L.O.W. Change
I had a goal to qualify before I turned 50 but now that I’m almost 48 and still injured … yeah, that dream has been permanently shelved. At this point, I’ll be happy to be able to run any race again! 🙂
Ha… I would have qualified on my first marathon if I was 80! I’d love to run Boston, but seriously, I’m happy where I’m at now with my running… I’m having fun and it’s making me happy.
vicki recently posted…Brazos Bend 25k Recap