I will never be fast enough to quality for Boston. I’m just a normal dad that likes to run. But running Boston is a dream. It keeps me motivated to get better. We will share a few reasons why it’s not crazy to dream about running Boston.
Running Boston is a dream and only a dream
The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious and sought after races. The qualifying times make it very difficult to get into the race. Here are a couple of interesting facts:
- The Boston marathon is the oldest annual marathon. The first run was in 1897.
- The elevation is net downhill, but it’s most known for a steep hill called Heartbreak hill. It’s at mile 20, right at the point when your body is going to fight you to keep going.
- The race is a point-to-point race, so you won’t finish where you start.
- The race is on Patriot’s day, which is the third Monday in April.
- The Red Sox baseball team will play a home game after the race, usually around 11 am EST. Which means you can watch baseball at 8am PST. Wild.
- The qualification times are set by age range and extremely competitive
- That blue and yellow unicorn logo on a jacket is the most recognizable logo in running.
Why is it good to dream?
Qualifying for Boston may never be a reality, but there is something about a dream that can be motivating. Every year around this time, I check to see the weather for the race and what the winning time was. It takes me back to previous races I’ve run. I can visualize myself running this race.
This visualization makes me want to focus on running more. Not as much to qualify for Boston, but more to get better day by day. The visualization of success gives me the satisfaction of being a part of something that I will never get the chance to. As a runner, to be associated with the sport makes me feel like I am a part of something bigger. This gives me new energy and gets me to lace up my running shoes for another lap around the track. I hope this puts things in perspective and keeps you motivated!