I'm running the 2011 Boston Marathon. I'm running the Boston Marathon. I AM RUNNING THE BOSTON MARATHON. Do you believe me yet? Good. You may need to convince ME in a few months when my foot is more blisters than foot.
Six months ago I could barely run more than a few minutes at a time so how did I come up with this unbelievable goal to run 26.2 miles and why do I even think I'm capable of achieving it?
Well I'm not sure I can fully answer the second question because I'm not sure yet that I can. I'm more hoping that telling people I'm doing this and asking them for donations to support me will make me so guilty I'll see my mother's disapproving face every time I push off a training session. Trust me that would move your ass too.
Why did I pick this goal? And why is Boston so important? Any college student in Boston knows that Marathon Monday is the biggest drinking holiday of the year. Everyone looks forward to it every year whether you're in college or not. As a student at Boston University I was no different. I drank and cheered and was hungover by 2pm with the rest of them. The race holds a special place in my heart. But running it? Six months ago it seemed more likely that Rush Limbaugh would become a Democrat than that I would run a marathon. Then I started running...slowly...very slowly. About two weeks ago I ran my first race. It was a 4 miler in Central Park in NYC and the high was amazing. But the icing on the cake cake (or straw that broke the camels back) came on Monday, Marathon Monday 2010 to be exact, when I had to work instead of enjoying the festivities with my friends. I bitterly drove into work and saw school bus, after school bus, after school bus, carrying the runners out the the starting line in Hopkinton, MA. Coming down the straight stretch by the rest stop between exits 12 and 13, all I could see what a row of yellow down the middle lane. And then it hit me...I can do that. Drunkenly cheering didn't need to be my only contribution to the race. I should have my friends out there drunkenly cheering for me. The next day, I was at the airport and there were so many people walking around with their Adidas official Boston Marathon jacket that screamed "Yeah, that's right I'm pretty bad ass. I just ran one of the most challenging marathons in the world." I want that badge of honor. I think I'm strong enough and I should put it to the test. So this is my testament and signed contract committing to the test. Hopefully I'll make it to the finale!
