Boston Bound

Before you get excited this definitely does not mean I am running the Boston Marathon! As much as I would like to be able to say I have ran an elusive BQ (Boston Qualifying) time - I definitely have not.
The fact you have to qualify in order to claim a space on the Boston Marathon start line means that the event has become an ultimate achievement for many runners. I have become one of these runners.
 
However, whilst my legs are not quite quick enough yet, I am fortune that my running buddy and good friend has secured a spot on the start of this somewhat prestigious race. I have cheered on my friend from afar before as she completed the New York Marathon, and watching a tiny dot trace around a map on a mobile phone was so nerve wracking (more here)! Whilst actually spectating a race can often be equally as anxious with an equivalent amount of time spent staring at a tracker, when the opportunity came up to travel to Boston to watch my friend complete marathon I took it.
 
So I am Boston bound. I will be in the final taper week of my own London Marathon training at the time so will be able to enjoy a few leisurely runs around the city, which always gives you a good chance to explore. 

I have also entered the Boston 5k which takes place two days prior to the marathon. The route sees you cross the finish line of the marathon, so if my legs never quite manage a BQ at least I can say I have crossed that line (minus a few miles!)

​The Boston Marathon is special and even if you do not aspire to run it, its history itself is inspiring. Recently I have watched the documentary 'Free to Run' recommended by a friend. There are some small sections in French which are not subtitled, but aside from that it’s a fascinating insight into running. The documentary includes a section on the Boston Marathon and the story of Katherine Switzer. In 1967 Katherine famously became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, challenging the all-male tradition of the event.  To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of her historic run, Katherine will be running the Boston Marathon again in 2017. So this means I will have two inspiring female runners to cheer around the streets of Boston! Hopefully one day I can also be one of the many women to have conquered the course.