I’ve recently cranked out a couple 5ks under 11:00 per mile, so naturally I set a goal of qualifying for and running Boston in 2031 (or maybe 2032). I’m also finally back to the top of my regular size, so obviously I am going to need a lot of Tracksmith gear to get the job done. Boston is something of a ridiculous goal for me. I’ve never managed to train the required 10 hours or 50-60 miles per week that the Internet states is required, and my first (and only) marathon so far was just barely under five hours. But I also believe in setting enormous goals, knowing that if you fall short you’re still going to get further than if you had never set the goal at all, and I also believe that making a decision to do something is the first step to actually doing it. So here we are, Boston 2031? Or 2032?
The truth is that I miss running with my husband. Back in college we used to go on a Saturday long run, then go to the grocery store, then do homework, then meet back up again for dinner. I miss that camaraderie. I miss conversationally running 11 miles at 9:23/mile. Since we moved to this sweltering city it’s been hard to stay consistent. But I know that if I can get to being able to run with him again, then I’ll blow all my previous PRs out of the water.
The thing is, running itself is not very interesting. Social media tries to make it interesting by selling products. Strava tried to make it interesting by getting you to compete with your friends. Garmin tries to make it interesting by giving you all the stats. But at the end (beginning?) of the day, it’s still just one foot in front of the other, passing the things you are passing, Being the person you are, literally moving through the world, and Being is just so quiet and convenient. That is why I think I’ve stuck with running despite not having a ton of extra talent. There just aren’t a lot of absolutely necessary extras. In a world full of ads, that honestly just feels really nice.
So here is to new (old) goals, a life that is consistent enough to pursue them, and the neon green Arbor Day cotton T-shirt that I’ve been running in since 2015. Here’s to trying. All those earlier miles still count. After all, I guess seeing what can happen is pretty interesting anyways.
Reading with Ally 