Nothing gets runners talking then about qualifying for the Boston Marathon. There is a great debate...qualify or enter as a charity runner.
I know I will never qualify for Boston...at least not until I am 80. I have opportunities to run the race if I raise money for charity. My fellow workers would be horrified that I would contemplate such a thing, especially since some are working their asses off to qualify. No before anyone flies off the deep end...I am not seriously thinking about this. It is just on my mind.
My feeling though is that as a charity runner I would certainly train as hard, if not harder than the "other" runners. I know there are some marathoners out there who should probably train a lot harder than they do. I saw plenty of that in the Chicago Marathon.
Still I would love to run Boston. I just don't know if it would happen on my own qualifying power.
Thoughts?
Charlie
1 comment:
Charlie,
Ah, I'm of two (or more) minds here.
On the one hand, let me just say that I think sometimes runners take themselves waaaaay too seriously. (not you!)
It's the Boston Marathon, yes, but it's not going to Save the Universe. It often comes off as sour grapes that the exclusive club just isn't exclusive enough any more.
As though the "unworthy" are being let in. It ends up sounding condescending.
On the other hand, when you are serious about your sport, it's tough to have to compete for time, space, and access with, well, posers who want to be able to say they ran "the Boston", perhaps with mentioning they did it without actually qualifying.
It does mean something to qualify for the Boston marathon (and, hey, you will eventually be 80!). It's not just another fun run. It's serious running.
For me, it comes down to how people are reacting -- out of respect for the sport or out of a sense of superiority.
Getting outraged seems too strong a reaction. Being frustrated seems like a reasonable response.
For what's it's worth from someone who isn't currently even running (except occasionally to catch the bus).
Kelly
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