If I had a dollar for the times I answered the question “Are you running Boston this year?” in the last few weeks, I could buy new running shoes and have money left over. After a few year drought, I qualified for Boston in the 2012 Dallas Marathon for this year. Due to the tragic events last year, they increased the field to accomodate people who were not able to finish last year and additional entrants who wanted to come back to show their support. It seemed likely that not everyone who ran a BQ time would get a number. The question was “how many?”
I ran Boston in 1998, 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2007. I ran a qualifying time from 1997 – 2008 and then again in 2012 and 2013. Boston is awesome, but for me NYC is my “must-do” race. I do remember my excitement in qualifying and running Boston the first time and I have fond memories of each time that I ran (including the dreadfully hot one in 2004 and the Nor’easter 2007). In 2001, 2004 and 2006 I went with awesome friends from NYC. I met a ton of wonderful friends via the Fleet Feet Chicago Boston Bound program in 2007. I would be lost in Chicago without them.
After much hemming and hawing, I decided not to sign up for the race. I wanted to let a new qualifier have the opportunity to run the race and experience the first time magic. I was thinking of going to watch and cheer for my friends – I think I know more than 100 runners participating. I waited too long to decide and the tickets were really expensive.
So I will cheer from my desk here in Chicago. I will create tracking lists and cyberstalk. Come on, I won’t be the only one. Like in 2001 in NYC, I will hold my breath some and wait for the last runners to finish to be glad that all are safe. I remember how special that year was, how I cried every time I saw a fireman or police officer cheering for me and how relieved I was to finish with no problems.
A friend asked me if I had marathon envy because I wasn’t going. Yes and no. I always have marathon envy when I am not running. I will miss being there to support my friends and I think I will envy not being a part of a very special day.
I am gushing with pride and enthusiasm for my friends who are running. I hope that they can all run well and appreciate their role in this special race and its special running this year. To those who are running, I wish you the wind at your back, a lightness in your step and an appreciation for the wonder that will be the Boston Marathon 2014.
Godspeed, runners! I will be cheering for you!
PS. Happy Easter to those who celebrate. We got a chuckle out of these hilarious (and scary) vintage Easter bunny pics on Buzzfeed this week.