I'm running a great course in Boston.
And I will cross the Boston Marathon finish line....
But I'm just doing the 5k. No qualifying time required.
This will be the closest I EVER get to the Boston Marathon!
But its so exciting for me. And not just because of the 5k. That was really just an afterthought. I'm most excited to be volunteering on the marathon course the next day and to cheer on my friend, Deb, who is running the Boston Marathon this year.
I told her that I would be there to cheer for her. I'm not certain she believed me since I live 1100 miles from Boston. But I meant it. Deb has been a big inspiration to me and a huge help in running my first half last October. She is always there for me and other new wannabe runners, freely giving advice and information without making me feel like a great big dork. I appreciate that.
So in January I filled out an application to volunteer on the course. I wouldn't find out for several weeks that I was accepted, so I didn't tell Deb right away. Then one day she sends me an email to volunteer with the charity group she is running for. I transferred my application to them and was in. Another friend of Deb's also signed up for that volunteer opportunity and is coming from California to do so.
A few weeks after that, Lynda (from California) emails me to ask if I'd be interested in running the BAA 5k the day before the Boston Marathon. I mean, we'll be there anyway, right? Registration opened up on March 2nd and I was sure to be online early to secure my spot. A day later I got confirmation that I was in for the 5k. It all just kind of fell into place.
I've been to Boston twice before and I love it there! And I'm really excited for the course. Lord knows I will be bringing up the back of the pack when I cross that finish line, but I'll be proud to do it. Although, not nearly as proud as I will be handing out water at mile 13.2 the next day to all those elite runners who worked so hard just to enter the iconic race.
I imagine it will be a very humbling experience.
HOW FLIPPIN' COOL!!! Can I tell you that I am so darn jealous! Can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeleteKelly,
ReplyDeleteWe'll be there crossing the finish line together! We're going to have a great time!
And then we'll go and have breakfast!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lucy. I think it'll be awesome to be right in the thick of things in Boston that weekend. I'm realy looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteLynda - I'm so glad you suggested the 5k. It's gonna be great to actually participate in something that weekend. And, yes, I think that brunch after the race will be perfect! Can't wait!
I found your blog on dailymile.com. LOVE it!! Good luck with your lofty goals - I am certain you will exceed them. Looking forward to watching your journey.
ReplyDeleteNora V.
Hi Nora - Thanks so much for stopping by :) I see you are preparing to run Grandma's. I can't wait to read all about it!
ReplyDeleteThat is so freaking rad!!! I bet you will have a total blast with all of it!
ReplyDeleteLet me tel you, if/when I ever visit Boston, I'm totally going to run. Sure, it might not be an organized race at all, but at least then I can say, "Yeah, I totally ran in Boston!" Technically I wouldn't be saying "I ran Boston" -- BIG difference there!
I can't wait to hear all about it!
I would like to respond, but I can't seem to see the screen with all the tears in my eyes...
ReplyDeleteI am so overwhelmed that you and Lynda are not only coming, but volunteering. I can't wait to get to mile 13.2!
And I will be right there at the finish line on Sunday for your race. That is so exciting and I can't wait to share that with you!
FF - I can totally see you running Boston someday. And not just the wimpy 5k either :)
ReplyDeleteDeb - I'm so looking forward to that weekend! You have worked so hard and logged so many miles! I totally feel a PR coming on for you!