This week’s Tuesdays on the Run topic is spring running. What do you love about it? What do you loathe?
This year spring has been a mess, mostly because here in Chicago spring weather has been MIA. For as long as I’ve been a runner though (20+ years), spring means The Boston Marathon.
Memories of training for and running Boston are etched on my brain: The first time I realized my training/racing paces indicated a BQ was within reach, the 20 milers, the 22 milers, the hill work, the cold, the sleet, the treadmill runs, and especially, the friends I met along the way. All of that holds a special place in my heart. Like children, every marathon is special and unique in its own way. But Boston is a runner’s race in a runner’s town, with roots that run deep.
I won’t bore you with more gushing about my experiences. Let’s talk about the runner of the hour:
I’ve waited for Desi to “have her day” in Boston for years and had no doubt it would come. She’s been close (very close) before, but to see her break the tape was beyond beautiful. I was choked up for her the entire final 5k of her race as she ran alone, laser focused on the task at hand. Nobody ahead and nobody in sight behind her either. Amazing.
Yes, I sat there bawling and taking pics of the television. #dork
I can’t think of a mentally stronger (or more modest) runner than Desi Linden. Watching her (and everyone else) power through horrendous conditions today was so inspiring. There’s just something about Boston that whispers to me “with hard work, anything is possible”.
“Amazing things happen when you keep showing up”
So that sums it up. My least favorite thing about spring running are the weather challenges we are often faced with. My very favorite thing is The Boston Freaking Marathon, and the memories it stirs up in me every damn year.
What’s Your Favorite/Least Favorite Thing About Spring Running? Did You Watch Boston Marathon Coverage? Huge congrats to everyone who ran!
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That win was pretty amazing. And I love the support she and Shalane gave each other. I will likely never run Boston, but it’s still so amazing to me.
Desi’s win was so amazing; I was watching on my phone at work and as she crossed the line I started crying. Her support system is amazing and what a showing of sportsmanship with Shalane. So many great stories that came from today’s event! I’m super excited for Sarah Sellers— what a way to rock 2nd place!
I was at work, so I didn’t see Desi’s victory live, but I saw the clip of it as soon as I got home. WOW! She had an incredible day!!
I wasn’t able to watch the race due to meetings all day but I was so excited when I went on my phone and saw all the posts about her big win! Sounds like it was an incredible race.
I couldn’t believe how strong Desi looked and when I realized she could actually win it, I got goosebumps! And yes, the tears flowed when she crossed the finish line. One of my friends ran it and she said it was horrible.What a brutal race and everyone who finished is a true champion!
I watched Desi cross the finish line with tears in my eyes! What a great accomplishment for a very deserving runner. I ran Boston the year that she came in second BY 2 SECONDS! Can’t even imagine running in that rain and with a headwind for 26.2 miles. Kudos to all the Boston runners!
We don’t have cable or premium channels, so I can’t really watch. But of course I have heard & seen & been inspired.Especially by the fact that she just seemed to be out on a long run at the finish, not winning the Boston Marathon!
I absolutely believe that we are all capable of so much more than we imagine. But I have no doubt that Desi had imagined that outcome many, many times — and our thoughts have great power, too. You have to do the work, but you have to do the mental work, too.
And Spring? When I see some, I’ll talk about it. 🙂
Her winning was the best part of the day! I watched the ending with my students and even they cheered. What I usually like about Spring is the weather but that didn’t apply this year. I am suffering just like you. 😜
I cried like a baby when Desi won. She’s the epitome of grit and teamwork. I’m so happy for her!
Those conditions looked horrible. It made 2007 look like a cakewalk!
I had all-day training at work yesterday, but I DVR’d the race, and kept track when I could during breaks. I couldn’t wait to get home and watch it. I do miss Boston on Marathon Monday, but I don’t miss that kind of weather!
The weather conditions are definitely the thing I hate the worse with races. More power to everyone that ran that conquered Boston yesterday under those conditions. I am kind of glad I didn’t get to run in this year…haha.
From one #dork to another, I was in tears as well! I literally watched the entire thing! It’s no wonder I got very little work done yesterday! Those conditions were horrendous! Kudos to all the finishers!
How incredible, I intend to run in Boston. Thanks to you for inspiring me in every post.
I didn’t get to watch the coverage of the Boston Marathon but wow, huge congrats to Desi! It must be an amazing experience to run that race.
My least favorite thing about spring is how unpredictable the weather can be! My favorite part is running and seeing all the flowers and trees in bloom!
Oh I had chill bumps watching this year’s Boston Marathon …and shed a few happy tears for Desi when she crossed that finish line. Truly an epic year in Boston!
I know I will never run Boston myself, but I would love to be there to cheer on the runners one of these years. That was a pretty amazing and emotional win!
Watching Desi was amazing – there were definitely a few tears. So truly happy for her!
My fave thing about spring running? Easily the unpredictability of the weather – unfortunately, it looks like it going to be one of those years when we wake up one day and it will be in the 80s.
I had so much fun watching all the replays of the finish when I got home! It would have been a little more exciting if I didn’t already know the end of the story- but still, all the emotions. Wow!!
I don’t really follow “famous” athletes or races, but I have to admit it was pretty cool having someone from Michigan win!
I love this so much! Monday’s Marathon was definitely one for the books and I’m so proud of Desi too!
This year’s Boston was absolutely incredible and horrific at the same time. I can’t believe I actually experienced and I made it the finish line! When my husband told me at mile 17 that Desi had run, it gave me such a huge mental. YAY American women!
I didn’t get to see Desi win in real time but I did watch it later. What and amazing race for everyone!
I love spring!
It was an amazing race. I enjoyed watching it and still it is in my eyes! Desi is one of my favorites. I can’t stop crying when she won. Lover her!