26.2 miles of running history

For runners, this is our big week. Every runner starts with just a few strides. They work their way up through a few 5ks. Then, they transition to a few 10ks or maybe even a 10 miler. That’s not enough for them. The ½ marathon distance becomes their goal race. When this has been accomplished, they set their sights on a marathon.  Maybe during their first one or over the next few marathons they strive for what is known as a “BQ” or “Boston Qualifier”. They work hard, race well, and earn their “BQ”. This gives them the right to travel to the holy land of running and make the trek from Hopkinton to downtown Boston. These are the dreams of runners as they allow their tired bodies to drift off to sleep after an exhausting day of work and training.

I remember my own pilgrimage so very well from just a few short years ago. The experience is something that I continue to treasure to this day. This is also an experience that I hope to repeat again in the next few years.

For now, I will live vicariously through my friends as they experience their special running moment.

Best of luck to all Boston bound runners this week,

The Cool Down Runner