It's mid-April. Spring is in the air and no longer is it necessary to wear multiple layers of clothing on runs. This also means we are growing ever-nearer to the highly anticipated "short" shorts season - an often overlooked time of the year that women all over these United States eagerly (and certainly secretly) await. It won't be long before a skinny runner will don the short shorts in a neighborhood near you!
Now, back to the topic at hand. What mid-April really means is that we are just days away from 2 major marathons - the Boston marathon and the London marathon. London will take center stage first, as what has become the most competitive marathon in the world, will be contested on Sunday. The following day, thousands will make the 26.2 mile trek east from Hopkinton to Boston in the most historic foot-race of them all. In running terms, it's like have the Super Bowl on back-to-back days!
Having reverted my focus back to the track this Spring, I'm finding myself missing the roads, especially when I watch events like the ones taking place this weekend. There is something special about a big-city race. You can feel the excitement in the city the moment you put a foot on the ground.
Three years ago I went to Boston to cheer on a few friends and see what it was all about. There are only a few experiences during my running career that I can point to as "moment-changing" events. The weekend I spent in Boston in 2008 is definitely one of them. Coming home from Boston that weekend, I realized that I wanted more out of my running. I felt this incredible drive to train harder than ever before. It took me a while to get back in shape - at the time, I wasn't in the best shape - but since then, I can happily look back on that weekend and say that it played a huge role in where I am today. Luckily for me, my process of getting back in shape went more smoothly than our trip back to Ohio, as my friend and I spent the night sleeping on the cold, hard (and wet) LaGuardia airport floor!
I told myself back in '08, that when I went back to Boston, I would go back in the best shape of my life and be one of the people running that race, not watching. I can't wait for that April to come!
Godspeed.
I love the picture of Wards Loop. It just makes me think of the word "serene". I can picture myself running the loop, completely quiet. Except for the sound of my shoes hitting the ground (which can be quite loud and "clomping" at times).
ReplyDeleteSo am I understanding that you're going to do Boston? Sounds like fun.
It's a great loop, Jim. You described it perfectly! It's one of my favorite runs we have here in Athens - aside for the giant hill you have to get up haha. No Boston for me this year, but in time!
ReplyDelete