The Blog Less Traveled

So much for my first marathon being a bucket list item. When I ran my first marathon a few weeks ago, it was with the idea that it would be a one-time deal. I wanted to push myself to accomplish something that would be tough both physically and mentally. It was a pretty good test. Those last 5-6 miles definitely test your resolve to push yourself to the limit. I guess I must have enjoyed the satisfaction of crossing that finish line too much or I’m just a glutton for punishment. I’ve decided to run at least one more marathon. Last Wednesday I applied for entry into the Boston Marathon. I received my official acceptance postcard in the mail today from the Boston Athletic Association – the graphic above is a portion of that postcard.

For those who don’t know, the Boston Marathon is the oldest running marathon in the world. It began in 1897 and the next one this coming April 19th, 2010, will be the 114th. You can’t run in the Boston Marathon unless you run another marathon within the last 18 months with a fast enough qualifying time for your age. I was fortunate enough to have run my 1st marathon fast enough to qualify. This marathon will be a tougher test for me. There are a series of hills 16-21 miles into the race and the last hill at mile 20-21 is the highest and is called Heartbreak Hill. Hills at any time are no fun, but hitting a big one this late in the race will definitely push you to the limit. That hill will turn your legs into rubber in a hurry. Hopefully, my legs will be in good enough shape to make it past that obstacle.

I’m really looking forward to the challenge. The race course runs through a total of eight towns, starting in the town of Hopkinton and ending at Copley Square in Boston. I hope that I’m able to enjoy and appreciate the history of this event as I run it. Maybe it will help me to take my mind off the toll it will be taking on my body.

Interesting Boston Marathon facts:

• In terms of on-site media coverage, the Boston Marathon ranks behind only the Super Bowl as the largest single day sporting event in the world. More than 1,100 media members, representing more than 250 outlets, receive credentials annually.
• The legendary John A. Kelley started a record 61 Boston Marathons and finished 58. Kelley, who won the race in 1935 and 1945, first competed in the race in 1928, but it was not until 1933, in his third attempt, that he completed the course, placing 37th in 3:03:56. He last completed the course in 1992 at the age of 84. Kelley lived to be 97 (1907-2004).
• Approximately 500,000 spectators line the 26.2-mile course annually.
• Since its inception, the Boston Marathon has been held on the holiday commemorating Patriots’ Day.