Boston, Schmoston?

Although I know it is the thing that everyone is talking about...I feel like I do need to discuss my take on the whole Boston Marathon thing.  I have never been one to enjoy participating in things because 'everyone else is doing it,' but for some reason, Boston is one of those races that runners (especially marathon runners) seem to feel like they have to do.  It might be the fact that non-runners know of this famous race, and assume that it is something that "any runner that is a real runner" has run.

The changes to the registration process mean that the qualifying time for each age/gender will be lowered inadvertently, as the lower your time, the sooner you can register.  Perhaps they should just silk screen each runner's qualifying time on their bib, so we know just which runner is most deserving of a spot at the starting line on race day?

And so it is.  A million years ago, when I worked at the Running Room, we had a little sign in the store that posted Boston Marathon Qualifying times.  I remember looking at it, thinking the race would be one that I would qualify for someday if I tried.  I also remember feeling really lucky that I was female, as the male qualifying times seemed waaay harder to attain.  When I ran my second marathon while working there, one of the other runners in my training group qualified.  She had run at least 5 marathons, and was so very proud of herself, and it was then that I thought more about making it a goal for myself in future races.  Then, for one reason or another, (perhaps getting a 'real job' and not spending my days living the student life) I got out of marathon running.  I had no real interest in that kind of training.  I was content to run 5-10kms.

I keep thinking perhaps I missed that Boston boat.  Now everyone wants to run it.  Do I care enough?  I think in my next marathon, I would like to push myself under that qualifying time, to know I can do it, (to be able to say I can do it) but I don't know if I want to join in on the crazy race to get a spot at the starting line.

There are so many other races out there that I would like to run.  I haven't done many destination races, but I do know I want to do more.  Boston is lovely, I hear.  But so are many other places!

Happy Running...and qualifying.

Is it too early to wish for spring?

For Valentine's day my husband bought me a couple of running magazines.  He is so romantic, and he really does know what kinds of things make me happy.  Waay better than chocolate!  As I read the magazines, (it takes a bit of time even to read magazines in this crazy busy household) I am getting more and more eager to get out there and run this spring :)  I feel lucky that my closest running friend (who's baby is due in less than a week!!) will also be eager to get out on the road, so it will be nice to have a companion that is feeling the burn out there.

But enough about the spring...perhaps I am just excited, as we have had some temperatures above the freezing mark these days, and seeing all of the ice on the roads turning to puddles glistening in the sun makes me feel like it is time to get out there!

In other news...Our two-year-old is embarking on a milestone very soon...moving to a "big boy" bed.  I have heard all sorts of miracle stories about children that are placed into that big bed the first night, and never even think about venturing out.  Not my kids.  Oh, how I wish they would stay in bed.  Because little Milo takes it upon himself to escaping the crib from time to time, we expect him to follow his big brother's footsteps, which will have him (and us) up more than a few times throughout the evening/night.  He has been asking for his big bed, so tomorrow night might just be the first night of my little squirt looking so teeny in that big bed.  We'll see how it goes!

Happy Running :)

Where have I been?!

I know, I can't believe it either.  A new post!  It has been a while, I know.  Thank goodness I didn't make updating my blog regularly a New Year's resolution.

As Valentine's day approaches, I am longing for one of my great loves...so I thought I had better write about it.  I have ended things with running for a little while, but it is just a "break," not a "break-up".  It was time to give up trying to look like a normal runner in the neighbourhood with my big belly, ill-fitting clothing, and plain fear of slipping on this icy, snowy terrain we enjoy in these parts.  I will enjoy building a new relationship with running in the spring,  but until then, I will have to be satisfied with the dreams I have at night, in which I am plugging away in good form down the street, in a race or on trails.  If only those dreams of running burned as many calories as the real deal ;)

Belly-wise, baby is growing and using my insides as a treadmill, which I see as a good sign that this little one will someday soon understand my need to get out and get some activity with them in tow.  I have finished work now, so, although my plan was to sit around and eat bon-bons and catch up on my soaps, I am too preoccupied by all of the things on my to-do list.  I don't remember having such a need to clean and nest through my other pregnancies, but my husband assures me that I was just as (irrational) obsessed.  I think my boys enjoy having me around a bit more too, which is such a relief.  My two year old has decided that he is going to be a big man and use that potty all the time now, which makes me one proud mama.  Not having to wash loads of diapers is a nice break before the new baby comes and I have to begin the entire process of diapers on a little one again :)

We (and by 'we' I really mean my husband) are also up to our eyeballs in basement renovations these days.  I desperately would love to have it all done before the new little one joins us, but I am cool with "mostly done" too.  Stay tuned for updates...I promise not to show any signs of insanity :)

Happy Running...it is a great time of year to get early bird sign up prices for races later in the year ;)