Chasing a dream, chasing a BQ!
I have been running for just over thirty years. When I began, with some ordinary running shoes and no watch to keep track of my time or distance, the idea of running a marathon seemed like a superhuman concept.
Running is not that complicated. A good pair of running shoes, a watch (if you want) and you’re off for your first run. To me, it’s a simple and effective way to get moving, clear your head and take time for yourself.
Cross-country skiing to keep in shape
Over time, I joined a running club and met people who suggested that I participate in a 5K, then a 10K and finally a half marathon race. I could not imagine running anything more than the half marathon. Running a marathon (42.2 km) seemed a Herculean challenge and way beyond my reach. But as you know, in life, you should never say never!
After several half marathons, the idea of running a distance of 42.2 km began to take root. Encouraged by friends who were already running the distance, I decided to take on the challenge and ran my first marathon in 2017 in Toronto. I have since run four more marathons in Syracuse, Chicago, Napa Valley and Montreal (virtual).
Today, my ultimate running goal is to successfully qualify for an edition of the legendary Boston Marathon, the oldest and most prestigious of marathons.
The only way to participate in the Boston Marathon is to qualify and, for this qualification, two steps are essential. The first is to complete a marathon known as a Boston Qualifier or, in runners’ terms, a BQ. The second step is to cross the finish line of this BQ marathon in less than 4 h 20 m, which is the official time for qualification for the 2021 edition in my age category (60 to 64 years old). It should be noted that this official time varies from year to year, depending on the number of applications received. Before the pandemic, Boston hosted just over 30,000 runners at its famous marathon. With the pandemic, the limit will be 20,000 runners for the 125th edition to be held on October 11, 2021. But in reality, with the growing interest of runners to participate in the Boston Marathon and the limited number of places, the cut-off time in my age category for this fall’s edition is 4 h 12 min 13 s rather than the official time of 4 h 20 min.
My last marathon took place virtually in Montreal in October 2020 and I did an unofficial time (self-timed) of 4 h 9 min 14 s – my best time to date, which in theory would allow me to get a spot for Boston. You will understand that virtual marathons are not accepted as a BQ. It would be too easy to cheat!
So, in order to qualify for possible participation in Boston, I plan to run the Berlin Marathon (a BQ) this coming September 26th, hoping that this type of event will be allowed. If this is not the case, I will go for plan B, which is to participate in the P’tit Train du Nord Marathon (in the Laurentians), also recognized as a BQ, on October 4th, with the hope that, once again, the event will take place.
Ready to run!
I have always been active and the prospect of running in Boston in 2022, or later, keeps me motivated to take on this challenge. With a running load of 50-60 kilometres per week between now and September and varied training sessions, the goal of qualifying for Boston is realistic. I’m still confident in my abilities but, despite a rigorous training plan, nothing is certain yet. The risk of injury due to overtraining is a danger for all runners, beginners or advanced, and I am well aware of that.
In short, what started a few decades ago as a simple “run around the block” has evolved over the past few years into a more ambitious, but equally enjoyable activity. Moreover, I hope that the many friendships developed through my running club, the feeling of freedom to run many kilometres and the resulting vitality of body and mind will stay with me for many years to come while, in the short term, my training plan for a possible participation in the Boston Marathon should bring me close to my dream.
Anne
Anne is a participant in our 60 million step Challenge.