Registration for the 2017 Boston Marathon opened this past Monday. As per the new process started a few years ago, the fastest marathoners (ones who beat their qualifying time by 20 minutes or more) got to register first.
The first time I registered for the Boston Marathon in 2011, the first year they implemented the changes, I had to wait to the very end to register, and then missed the cut by 59 seconds. I was crushed. The second time I registered, this time in 2014, I again had to wait until the final registration window, then was on edge for a week and a half, then made the cut by 53 seconds. I was ecstatic.
This year, I managed to drop my time by two minutes while simultaneously moving up an age group, which means I'm sitting on a BQ-8:54. This means I got to register today during the first week of registration, and will most likely get an e-mail confirming my acceptance on Monday. For the first time, I can be pretty confident that I will get into the race. This is a nice change of pace from the nail biters of the past.
This will most likely be my last Boston for a very long time. I'll probably do a longer post on this at some point, but the gist is this: the process to qualify is simply too taxing on my body and mind. I've met the challenge of qualifying three times now, and I'm happy to leave it at that. In addition, the weekend in Boston is insanely expensive, and I'd rather spend the money on taking trips to places I've never been before.
Because it's my last Boston, I'm looking forward to making it even better than my first and going out on a high note. Care to join me for the ride?
As per email confirmation just now, I will join you. I sincerely hope the logistics play out in such a way that we actually get to meet, but I know how crazy everyone's marathon prep and race-weekend is, so no pressure :)
ReplyDeleteLet's do this!
Henrik
Congrats! Your first Boston, right? Yeah, the logistics will be tough especially with Stevie and Neale in tow (and we're staying with Stevie's dad an hour outside of the city, except possibly the night before the race), but we'll make something happen. If not, I'll be back in Munich this summer with my students.
DeleteLet's do this!
Nice work!!! And hooray for getting in! This year I am right on the edge of getting in and now must wait. My fingers are triple crossed!
ReplyDeleteThanks, and good luck to you! I know your pain! I'll be sure to check in later this week and see the outcome.
Delete