Fall is here and it’s time to sit down and catch up with Deborah, Coco and you over a cup of a nice brew. I’m drinking Starbucks Casi Cielo with collagen and half & half. I found both Nutpods Pumpkin Spice and Peppermint Mocha Creamer at the grocery store, so those will be used soon. Gotta grab those when you see them!
October Coffee Date
Over coffee I’d tell you I’m sad for everyone who qualified for Boston but did not get a spot in the 2024 race due to the 5:29 minute buffer. I’ve seen many opinions tossed around ranging from making charity runners qualify to dropping all qualifying standards entirely. In my opinion, it’s their race and their rules. I wouldn’t be surprised if the BAA lowered the qualifying times again. It’s happened many times over the years, and I think it’s a better option than having people qualify then not be able to participate. I’m grateful I was able to run it before these time cut-offs came into play.
Throwback to a much cooler Twin Cities Marathon morning back in 2015
Over coffee I’d ask you if you saw the Black Flag cancellation of Twin Cities Marathon weekend. While I can understand how disappointed one would be, I also think it was the right choice. In hindsight, I wish Chicago 2007 would’ve been cancelled. As a new marathoner at that time, it never occurred to be that I could make the choice to not run it and choose a different, cooler race a week or two later.
That said, it’s Chicago Marathon weekend and the forecast looks like pure marathon running perfection. Good luck to everyone running!
Over Coffee I’d tell you I had a blast these past few weeks being a Lululemon Marathon Expert. I’ve enjoyed roaming around, doing marathon chats, sharing tips and hooking up new and experienced runners alike, with fun Lulu gear.
Over coffee I’d tell you I’m testing out Lululemon’s Blissfeel Trail Shoe. It’s a winner so far. When I mentioned on Instagram that Lululemon is the only company that designs their shoes based on the FEMALE foot, rather than shrinking down the men’s version, someone insisted that everything should be designed for HUMANS, rather than specific genders. By that line of reasoning, I suppose Boston should just have a HUMAN qualifying time.
What would you tell me over coffee? Ever plan to run a race that was cancelled?
That is so col on being a marathon expert…
And yes so disappointing about the time cut-off. At least I’ll never worry about it.
I was at the Vermont marathon when it was cancelled halfway.. and of course many runner continued… even Iran the half while it was cancelled… slowly though.
I am sure it’s fun to relive all of your Chicago marathon memories. Are you spectating this weekend? My daughter lives pretty close to the course now.
The black flag situation at Twin Cities was pretty crazy – runners have not been kind on social media. I have to imagine race organizers agonized over the decision…seriously no one wants to just cancel a race!
Your Lulu gig sounds like fun!
Well, women do have some anatomical differences from men, so…. how’s the toe box on those shoes?
My plan for getting a Boston qualify is to hang in there till I’m elderly (so far so good!). Of course the qualifying times may still be out of my reach, the way it’s going.
I’m VERY excited about the Chicago marathon! i’m all set for my watch party.
A couple years ago, the Kickoff to Kinnick 5K (Iowa City) had several lightning delays, and they ultimately canceled it. Well, Barb & I decided to run the route anyways (and so did numerous others). The rain had stopped, and there was no sign of lightning (to our non-meteorological eyes)…so we went for it. It was fun seeing all the other runners out there with us. There definitely was a strong bond of camaraderie happening on the wet streets!
I, too, am happy that my Boston qualifying days were before the buffer was implemented. I remember several times qualifying with less than a minute to spare.
Your Lulu gig sounds super fun and very rewarding!
As I said to Michelle, I think too many RDs go ahead with races when they shouldn’t. I get the pressure, but there’s the health of the runners to consider!
I don’t have to worry about qualifying for anything, LOL!
Your gig with Lulu sounds like a match made in heaven. 🙂
I hadn’t heard about the Boston qualifying time issue. It must be part of the hype and “prestige” — and then other races leverage that with “fast, flat” courses to make it “easier” to qualify.
Whoever made that comment about shoes doesn’t know much about human anatomy and bone structure.
That Lulu gear looks so cozy!
Being paid to chat about marathons! Is there anything better!?!😀
Losing a BQ that way sounds rough! Were any of your athletes affected?
That’s really cool that you get to be a marathon expert at Lulu!
I didn’t hear about the Black Flag cancellation but honestly, props to them for caring about safety.
I’ve been so lucky to never have a race canceled before, but it’s definitely happened. It’s a hard call to make, and sometimes it doesn’t feel like the right one. For those running, though, it is probably devastating.
Here we have some races canceled but for a marathon it’s a tragedy because the runners spend not less than 3 months to prepare the event.
Boston was the first dream of the old runners like me. We learned about this marathon reading the boos of J.J. Fixx.
I also agree that shoes should be designed based on the female foot. Was it a guy that made the snarky comment? I was also at the 2007 Chicago Marathon (my 2nd marathon) and had no idea I had the choice to not run it. It didn’t even occur to me. I just remember waiting in line to start and already sweating and thinking that that wasn’t good. I also remember all of the water being gone at the first water stop.