Life's little adventures, accompanied by a running watch

Thursday, September 26, 2013

“You can’t always get what you want……"

…. But if you try sometimes, well you might find you get what you need”

This past Wednesday, Scott and I anxiously awaited word from BAA to tell us if our qualifying times would be fast enough for 2014’s race.  After reading lots of conversation online about the tighter than tight times and the larger than life number of registrants, we braced ourselves and hoped for the best.  What’s ironic is that Scott, who is clearly a much faster runner than I, had less of a chance of getting in because his time was under a minute of his qualifying standard.  While I, the slower one in the family, managed a 1:20 window of wiggle room.


And at the end of the day, neither was good enough.


I called Scott to tell him the news.  A few minutes later, he called me back and just about yelled into the phone, “18 seconds Lisa….you needed 18 seconds!”  Yes, I know.  I had done the math in those few minutes since we first hung up. 

Sure, I’m disappointed.  But I get it.  They have to draw the line somewhere.   And through Facebook and Runner’s World forums, I read of many runners who had a 3 second window that determined they would sit out 2014’s race.  3 seconds is a whole lot more jagged of a pill to swallow than 18 seconds.  It’s all relative.

Like the Rolling Stones verse at the beginning, I didn’t get what I wanted, but I have emerged from this experience in a good place:

  • I’m so glad they invited last year’s runners who couldn't finish due to the horrific bombings to return to run AND FINISH.  If I lost my spot to one of them, I’m more than OK with that.
  • I’m grateful and fortunate to have run 3 Boston’s thus far and body/mind willing, will be back for more!
  • There are so many great races out there; I’ll try a new Spring race on for size
  • My ultra appetite has been suppressed for long enough; this change in plans might be just what I need to conquer some BIG plans.


OK, OK, so maybe I sound a little too glass-half-full here, but I do mean it.  I’ll celebrate this sport I love by volunteering again or by supporting from the sidelines, but either way I’ll celebrate.  And for Boston 2014, I’ll celebrate the hope that this race will now symbolize for all who were injured or lost as a result of last year’s tragedy.  And maybe that’s all I need for now.


14 comments:

  1. OH bummer! 18 dang seconds. But at least you've done it before and you know you can do it again. I agree about being happy for those that get another chance to finish the race this year. I would want that for them too even if it meant I was out. Great attitude and you'll get it another year. :)

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    1. That's one good thing about getting older....those qualifying times start feeling a lot more feasible!!! Yes, I'll definitely get back :)

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  2. That really stinks, but I love your attitude. I have a friend who missed by 5 seconds. I do feel really badly for anybody who qualified but has to sit out b/c they missed the cutoff. I can't even imagine if I was a first time qualifier and didn;t get it, pretty sure I'd be devastated.

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    1. I too may've felt differently if this had happened in my first quest, etc. But it's all relative.

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  3. You have a great attitude and perspective on this!

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    1. Aw thanks Michelle! I'm human though....I did feel a little pang when my husband's 2013 race booklet arrived in the mail today. It's all good :)

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  4. 18 seconds? This year was a tough year since everyone really wanted in but at least you have had the experience in the past and I am sure you will be be back to run it in 2015!

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    1. Yep, 18 seconds!! Hey, makes a good story :)

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  5. You have a great attitude. 18 seconds..... few faster steps.
    Another marathon? Maybe in Europe?

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    1. Thanks, and thanks for stopping by! I know exactly where I lost that time; I stopped to retie my shoes at my qualifying race. Probably more than 18 seconds actually.....oh well!

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  6. You never cease to amaze me. Your attitude and perspective on this is even more impressive than your BQ time. I only hope that if I am ever fast enough to be in a similar position that I can handle it with half your grace.

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  7. Aw-you were so close. Congrats on the BQ and I love your attitude about this!

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  8. I don't doubt you'll qualify again with even more time to spare and finding a new spring race sounds like fun!

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