100 days from now I and 24 thousand and some of my running cohorts will be toeing the line in Hopkinton for THE BOSTON MARATHON!!!
Yes the day is incredible and auspicious and yes the course is historic and challenging and yes the crowds are THE BEST, but to me what matters most is the journey.
The journey each of us takes to get to said starting line. Lord knows the weather has been tough across the country so I’m picturing lots of people freezing their petunias off to get their long runs in, lots of treadmill action, busy moms and dads waking well pre-dawn to squeeze in their training before juggling other commitments; those overcoming illness and injury, overcoming mental obstacles and doubts, all of us putting in the work, however we can, in hopes of being at our best for that very special day in Boston.
It doesn’t have to to be Boston either. It can be any goal you hold in your heart and work toward. Marathon or otherwise. Sure there’s an incredible sense of accomplishment at the end, probably a good confidence boost as well. But to me the real JOY lies in the JOURNEY.
I TOTALLY agree, everything that happens before the actual race is a part of the WHOLE experience. I have learned to enjoy the moments!
awesome awesome awesome!! I can't wait until my day in Hopkinton! Congrats on making it there 🙂
This is a great post. Those 100 days will go so quickly…especially if you're having fun.
Well Said! I could not agree with you more on that. 100 more days. I bet you are so excited huh? I wish you the best and may your long runs find you well. Happy Training. Go Get Em!
so exciting! Good luck with the training, it's going to go so fast!
How exciting!!!!
My thoughts EXACTLY! I've been saying that for years, as I get to race day, and it hasn't always turned out like I wanted, I always say the journey to get there was great, so even if that one day didn't always turn out as planned, all of the training and the journey was great and each step treasured. Great post. See in 100 days if I'm lucky!
I love the countdown! I hadn't realized we were at 100 days…that actually makes it seem like it's getting CLOSE! I agree with you, it's all about the journey! These next few months will be AMAZING.
che-yeah! that thought was getting me through my cold long run this morning 🙂
So exciting Marcia!!!
Very inspiring…and I totally agree.
I agree as well. Sometimes it is easy to forget. Racing is just icing on the cake. Happy mileage – hopefully you will get some sun and warmth on your training journey.
The joy is in the journey!
Nice post!! Whatever happens on April 19th, I'll know I had quite the journey getting there and I'm proud of that in itself! Enjoy your journey as well!!
Woo hoo! 100 days till your (26.2 mile) victory lap 😉
You are correct. Reading posts like this one is the reason I'm starting my 1/2 marathon training next week!
Hi Marcia,
I found your blog after the comment that you left on Kathy's blog. I love your post today…it is very inspiring! Congrats on qualifying for Boston and good luck. I agree that any goal that we achieve will give us a feeling of accomplishment! The memory of the hard work, training, joy of running and experience will be something to always hold close to our heart! I look forward to following your journey to Boston:)
have fun in boston!
That's awesome…also because April 19th is my birthday! I can't wait to hear how awesome you do.
gah only 100 days?!? i better get to work! 🙂
WOW, I love your determination and clear goal(s)… very inspiring for those of us who (after few kids and busy careers) are going back to running as a way to escape and regain freedom 🙂 I can't wait to follow your progress and your blog after the big (B)day!!!