Dreams of Boston

About a week ago, I was blindsided with the news that the Boston Athletic Association has revamped the qualifying times for both men and women in all age groups. I have let the new settle and now Ill tell you what this news means to me

As runner in middle school and high school, when the Boston Marathon would be televised each spring I was glued to the boobtube. I would watch as thousands of people would achieve something that many would never do. I watched history being made as records were broken as well as the spirits of those who could not finish. One day, I kept telling myself I would run Boston. It was just one of those things that people say but never really try to accomplish until this past year when I pushed beyond my comfort zone and ran my first marathon.

After completing the race and recovering, I came the conclusion that I WOULD run Boston, at least once before I aged out of the 18-34 age group. I know, I know "Jenn, you have more than 10 years." And yes I do realize that, however do I really want to be killing myself year after year to break the new qualifying time of 3:35 for 26.2 miles. Me, being the nut I am, averaged out the pace per mile I would have to maintain and HOLY MOLY. I've got to be flying at about an 8:15 min/mi pace just make the 3:35.

Read more about BAA's new Boston Marathon Qualifying Times and Registration Rules

I have only run 1 marathon so far and my time was 4:45, this means I have 10 years to knock of over an 1 hour and 10 minutes. AHHHHH. That is pretty intense, I would need to log 50 plus miles a week. I tell my non runner friends about the change and they commented "Oh, thats just five minutes" Just five minutes! yes for the people who can run the 3:40 is just five minutes but for people who run 4:45 this it has gone from an 1 hour and 05 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Whatever this means to me, working harder, logging more miles, eating more healthfully, working on my core, strength training, I understand the BAA's position on keep thing the race's prestige and elite status allowing for faster runners and a more competetive race. The BAA has also changed how registration for the Boston Marathon will be handled. Runners who have bettered the standard qualifiying time will be allowed to register first, and other runners will register on their respective days according to thier qualifiying time.

Well, Boston is still and always will be on the brain. The first step for me in making this goal reality is to shave time off in baby steps. My goal for this fall will be to run a 4:00 hr marathon or go sub 4:00. If I can do that then I can continue to become a better, faster, stronger and more experienced runner.

What are your thoughts on the new changes for the Boston Marathon?