I have just returned from The Boston Marathon where our son Zach ran through the rain and the spirit of Boston finishing at a time a little higher than he wished (was heading for 3 hours but finished 3:11) when I asked him after the race how he felt? He said you know Mom my hip started to hurt at mile 14, the wheels started coming off at mile 19 but I m proud of myself for powering through , for finishing and not giving up and I really tried to smile and enjoy the race, the course the crowds!
So what I learned from watching the Boston marathon was that it s not always about the completion time, the qualifying, the requalifying .. sometimes it s about the spirit of a special city that embraces all the runners on Patriots Day and the spirit of an individual who enjoyed journeying through!
I said the wrong year we ran in 2011.. 40 and a tailwind .. perfect weather .. we both te qualified.. I went on to run the following year in 2012 in 89 degree heat and of course the next year was the bombing 😢
I’m just so glad I don’t have that pressure! I don’t have a billion people watching to see if I reach my goals. Makes me happy to be a regular runner 😂
And I got PR on Monday and re-qualified for Boston - 3:42:20 with a goal before the race to be close to 3:45 if I feel good. I ran without stopping/walking even once! Rain, cold(ish), fog... yes, but I was flying. It was my day and I am thankful for that. I knew with my training I got faster, but the way I ran was truly amazing - and the crowds!!! The true Boston Strong gives you so much beyond aiming for time though. Running Boston Changes You - that is so true. Spectators and volunteers are simply amazing people. Every one of them.
I did not try to smile. I couldn't keep my smile hidden!!! When pouring rain started for me on mile 13, I for a second thought "why am I doing it?" - and then I said back to my brain - hell with that, let's have fun. Completely drenched, rain in my eyes, but kept going - it was about 26+k of us like that. Just keep going.
It was my third Boston. I can't believe it actually. So far I guess the best race ever. I am hooked with it:)
Thank you! It is sort of interesting that from the time I signed up for this newsletter, I have gone from 11 min/mile runner to a Boston qualifier and 3 times Boston runner! I always say if I can run Boston, everything is possible:)
Hi Terrell, hope all’s well in your world! I ran Boston on Monday in a time of 3:46:41. I’m beyond happy with how it went. The crowds were truly unbelievable throughout the entire 42.2km. I’ve never experienced anything like it.
Your post today strikes a cord because as unbelievable as it feels and for all the training to have paid off, my mind’s already thinking about 2024 & the next one. So I’ll enjoy the rest of this week in the US, currently in beautiful New York, New York, but part of my mind is thinking about Chicago next year & chasing the next one.
I look at the times these runners are doing and can’t help but wonder how amazing it is. To run 26.2 miles averaging 5 minute miles is unfathomable as I struggle to push for a 9 minute mile. For whatever reason when I started running again in my later years in life, I had in mind to run 6 halfs. I’ve done two, but now struggle to get past the higher miles during training without an injury. But, I’m going to keep looking for the right combination of training that will work for my body and get those last 4 done.
I hear you, Ken. I've never come close to the pace these runners are running! It's truly incredible, and a wonder to watch. What kind(s) of training have you experimented with so far?
Terrell -- Thank You -- Considering I would have to run a marathon 3.25 minutes faster per mile -- don't think I would ever qualify for Boston -- one thing I heard on Monday is that a gentleman indicated you have to use your arms more on the uphill portions of the run -- so I am trying to see if that gets me a few seconds faster when I do my hill repeats -). Time will tell -- no puns intended -- again Thank You.
Watched the marathon with utter amazement. My mind cannot wrap around the speed these athletes can sustain for so long. Never mind 26 plus miles. Never mind the elite of the elite, but even those who are "regular" athletes that can run it in under 4 hours, or those who run shorter distances, but at speeds I cannot dream of. But, I think what truly amazed me is that I watched a televised marathon for the third time in my life. That I care that much about running that I actually make an effort to watch these people I don't know and that I REALLY care about them. I felt sad when Kipchoge fell back. I was frightened when Yeshaneh fell, and thrilled to see her get up, keep running, and come in 4th! And I loved that Bates finished strong and in the top 5. In short, I love that I love running this much and it surprises me that it does for someone who has only been seriously running for less than 5 years.
So, I guess my goal, as far is running is concerned is to keep on doing it and loving it for as long as I can.
I'm right there with you, Maria! I'm not sure what the reason is (obviously social media likely playing a big role) but I sense that people are connecting with the professional runners in a way they didn't when I first started running, back in the 90s. We had no idea who they were back then! Now, it's fascinating to watch personalities we feel like we know. I'm finding I care a lot more than I expected too!
Brian, I'm SO HAPPY FOR YOU! That's so, so wonderful -- the best news ever! I'm sure you're the proudest papa there is. Very, very happy for you, my man 🙌
I saw Kipchoge go by at around mile 23 and when we all cheered him, he smiled. He didn't turn his head, but he smiled this easy, comfortable, little smile that has really stuck with me. It was very gracious, and expresses, I think, what you've written about here, Terrell. Like you, I ponder the nature of the goals and aspirations I have. They vary from sport to sport, too. More than the externally-measured goal, I think what matters to me is whether I really pushed myself and extended myself to some sort of limit.
I absolutely love that, Henriette -- what a beautiful, special moment to have experienced. How was it out on the streets there? Also, I completely agree -- what matters is the experience we have, the pursuit of the goal and how/whether we pushed ourselves to achieve something we weren't sure we could. I think we need that little bit of not knowing if we really can do it.
I finally found a quotation I’d seen earlier this week but couldn’t remember where. It’s Kristine Tompkins, quoted at the very end of the NYT article. She says this: “what I still look for is this icy clarity and confrontation of extreme circumstances and harshness and difficulty. I think it makes me feel like I’m breathing.” And that’s--with relevant humility for my own small level of this--what I like to think of as the goal.
As for the atmosphere at mile 24 of Boston? It was wonderful. As always. I imagine closer to the finish it would have been just so tremendously moving.
I have found that running three times a week is my max. I will usually make Sunday my long run day, increasing the mileage by 1 mile each week. The other two days are short run day, 3 or 4 miles. Twice a week I will usually hit the gym for strength training. I will usually get an injury when I hit that 9 mile mark. I’ve tried varying the mileage during the week, a bit longer during the week to prepare for the long run. The two half’s that I have run, my goal has been to do it under 2 1/2 hours. I did the Eugene OR half last year in 2:24, that was an amazing experience finishing in Hayward stadium. I am open to any suggestions anyone might have.
I record all the major marathons... I wouldn't think of missing a one. After going through a seven-month lung scare, I lived through it by watching the elite runners do what I'll never probably ever do again... run another marathon. And it's not just the elite runners. Anyone who has stepped up to the starting line for a marathon has put in months of training, especially to run the hills in Boston. Did I feel bad that Kipchoge didn't win? Yes, but it wasn't to be Monday. He gave it his best shot, and through it all, he wore the signature smile that has made him a household name even by non-runners. He's done what most, even elite runners, can only dream about. He'll run again, and like everyone else, I'll watch the best marathon runner out there and root for him to win. He's far from hanging up his running shoes.
For sure! Steve, don't feel like you have to say too much, but I'm sad to hear about the seven-month lung scare you mention. I hope you're on the mend, my friend.
I have just returned from The Boston Marathon where our son Zach ran through the rain and the spirit of Boston finishing at a time a little higher than he wished (was heading for 3 hours but finished 3:11) when I asked him after the race how he felt? He said you know Mom my hip started to hurt at mile 14, the wheels started coming off at mile 19 but I m proud of myself for powering through , for finishing and not giving up and I really tried to smile and enjoy the race, the course the crowds!
So what I learned from watching the Boston marathon was that it s not always about the completion time, the qualifying, the requalifying .. sometimes it s about the spirit of a special city that embraces all the runners on Patriots Day and the spirit of an individual who enjoyed journeying through!
Wow! 3:11 is an amazing time!! Was it his first Boston Marathon?
No he and I both ran in 2012
How did that year go? It’s so cool you two got to run it together.
I said the wrong year we ran in 2011.. 40 and a tailwind .. perfect weather .. we both te qualified.. I went on to run the following year in 2012 in 89 degree heat and of course the next year was the bombing 😢
Congrats to Zach!!! Keep celebrating the achievement! The time is amazing.
I’m just so glad I don’t have that pressure! I don’t have a billion people watching to see if I reach my goals. Makes me happy to be a regular runner 😂
And I got PR on Monday and re-qualified for Boston - 3:42:20 with a goal before the race to be close to 3:45 if I feel good. I ran without stopping/walking even once! Rain, cold(ish), fog... yes, but I was flying. It was my day and I am thankful for that. I knew with my training I got faster, but the way I ran was truly amazing - and the crowds!!! The true Boston Strong gives you so much beyond aiming for time though. Running Boston Changes You - that is so true. Spectators and volunteers are simply amazing people. Every one of them.
I did not try to smile. I couldn't keep my smile hidden!!! When pouring rain started for me on mile 13, I for a second thought "why am I doing it?" - and then I said back to my brain - hell with that, let's have fun. Completely drenched, rain in my eyes, but kept going - it was about 26+k of us like that. Just keep going.
It was my third Boston. I can't believe it actually. So far I guess the best race ever. I am hooked with it:)
This is AMAZING, Langelia!!! How cool!!!! I'm so impressed and overjoyed to hear how well it went -- I bet you couldn't help but smile!
Thank you! It is sort of interesting that from the time I signed up for this newsletter, I have gone from 11 min/mile runner to a Boston qualifier and 3 times Boston runner! I always say if I can run Boston, everything is possible:)
Wow!!! Okay I’d love to learn more about that!
Hi Terrell, hope all’s well in your world! I ran Boston on Monday in a time of 3:46:41. I’m beyond happy with how it went. The crowds were truly unbelievable throughout the entire 42.2km. I’ve never experienced anything like it.
Your post today strikes a cord because as unbelievable as it feels and for all the training to have paid off, my mind’s already thinking about 2024 & the next one. So I’ll enjoy the rest of this week in the US, currently in beautiful New York, New York, but part of my mind is thinking about Chicago next year & chasing the next one.
Wow, Andrew! That's just an awesome, awesome time. Are you planning on running all the marathon majors?
Yes exactly. That’s the goal. Should keep me busy for a few years at least
I look at the times these runners are doing and can’t help but wonder how amazing it is. To run 26.2 miles averaging 5 minute miles is unfathomable as I struggle to push for a 9 minute mile. For whatever reason when I started running again in my later years in life, I had in mind to run 6 halfs. I’ve done two, but now struggle to get past the higher miles during training without an injury. But, I’m going to keep looking for the right combination of training that will work for my body and get those last 4 done.
I hear you, Ken. I've never come close to the pace these runners are running! It's truly incredible, and a wonder to watch. What kind(s) of training have you experimented with so far?
Terrell -- Thank You -- Considering I would have to run a marathon 3.25 minutes faster per mile -- don't think I would ever qualify for Boston -- one thing I heard on Monday is that a gentleman indicated you have to use your arms more on the uphill portions of the run -- so I am trying to see if that gets me a few seconds faster when I do my hill repeats -). Time will tell -- no puns intended -- again Thank You.
I like that idea!
I like that idea!
LOL! I heard that too. I was thinking the same thing when I went up hill the other day.
Watched the marathon with utter amazement. My mind cannot wrap around the speed these athletes can sustain for so long. Never mind 26 plus miles. Never mind the elite of the elite, but even those who are "regular" athletes that can run it in under 4 hours, or those who run shorter distances, but at speeds I cannot dream of. But, I think what truly amazed me is that I watched a televised marathon for the third time in my life. That I care that much about running that I actually make an effort to watch these people I don't know and that I REALLY care about them. I felt sad when Kipchoge fell back. I was frightened when Yeshaneh fell, and thrilled to see her get up, keep running, and come in 4th! And I loved that Bates finished strong and in the top 5. In short, I love that I love running this much and it surprises me that it does for someone who has only been seriously running for less than 5 years.
So, I guess my goal, as far is running is concerned is to keep on doing it and loving it for as long as I can.
I'm right there with you, Maria! I'm not sure what the reason is (obviously social media likely playing a big role) but I sense that people are connecting with the professional runners in a way they didn't when I first started running, back in the 90s. We had no idea who they were back then! Now, it's fascinating to watch personalities we feel like we know. I'm finding I care a lot more than I expected too!
Never been happier or sleepier. Our daughter Samantha was born on 11/15/2022. What an amazing journey I get to experience.
Brian, I'm SO HAPPY FOR YOU! That's so, so wonderful -- the best news ever! I'm sure you're the proudest papa there is. Very, very happy for you, my man 🙌
I saw Kipchoge go by at around mile 23 and when we all cheered him, he smiled. He didn't turn his head, but he smiled this easy, comfortable, little smile that has really stuck with me. It was very gracious, and expresses, I think, what you've written about here, Terrell. Like you, I ponder the nature of the goals and aspirations I have. They vary from sport to sport, too. More than the externally-measured goal, I think what matters to me is whether I really pushed myself and extended myself to some sort of limit.
I absolutely love that, Henriette -- what a beautiful, special moment to have experienced. How was it out on the streets there? Also, I completely agree -- what matters is the experience we have, the pursuit of the goal and how/whether we pushed ourselves to achieve something we weren't sure we could. I think we need that little bit of not knowing if we really can do it.
I finally found a quotation I’d seen earlier this week but couldn’t remember where. It’s Kristine Tompkins, quoted at the very end of the NYT article. She says this: “what I still look for is this icy clarity and confrontation of extreme circumstances and harshness and difficulty. I think it makes me feel like I’m breathing.” And that’s--with relevant humility for my own small level of this--what I like to think of as the goal.
As for the atmosphere at mile 24 of Boston? It was wonderful. As always. I imagine closer to the finish it would have been just so tremendously moving.
I have found that running three times a week is my max. I will usually make Sunday my long run day, increasing the mileage by 1 mile each week. The other two days are short run day, 3 or 4 miles. Twice a week I will usually hit the gym for strength training. I will usually get an injury when I hit that 9 mile mark. I’ve tried varying the mileage during the week, a bit longer during the week to prepare for the long run. The two half’s that I have run, my goal has been to do it under 2 1/2 hours. I did the Eugene OR half last year in 2:24, that was an amazing experience finishing in Hayward stadium. I am open to any suggestions anyone might have.
I record all the major marathons... I wouldn't think of missing a one. After going through a seven-month lung scare, I lived through it by watching the elite runners do what I'll never probably ever do again... run another marathon. And it's not just the elite runners. Anyone who has stepped up to the starting line for a marathon has put in months of training, especially to run the hills in Boston. Did I feel bad that Kipchoge didn't win? Yes, but it wasn't to be Monday. He gave it his best shot, and through it all, he wore the signature smile that has made him a household name even by non-runners. He's done what most, even elite runners, can only dream about. He'll run again, and like everyone else, I'll watch the best marathon runner out there and root for him to win. He's far from hanging up his running shoes.
For sure! Steve, don't feel like you have to say too much, but I'm sad to hear about the seven-month lung scare you mention. I hope you're on the mend, my friend.
Haven't commented in a while but this is one of my favorite you have ever written. Thanks brother. Glad you are doing well.
Thank you, my friend! So good to hear from you -- how are things in your world?
It was wonderful .. 40 degrees and a tailwind .. we both re qualified I went on to run the following year when temps were 89!
I think I got my years mixed up because that was 2012 because the following year (2013) was the bombing so Zach and I must have run in 2011