So you think you're hot stuff and want to run in the Boston Marathon? It's going to be one hell of a ride, but I'm here to help see you though. Trust me, you'll need it.It's time for you will to craft your body into perfect working order. You will enter a new level of discipline, and maybe a little pride. Anything less than your best simply will not do. It is time to find out what you're made of!
Alright, here's your history lesson for today. The Boston Marathon began in 1897. It is in fact the longest running marathon in history. Remember that when you stand at the starting line. When you get to that starting line you won't be alone. 20,000 other people will be standing toe to toe with you. Thousands before you ran where you will be running. Now you wouldn't want to embarrass yourself, so how are you going to get ready?
Your first hurtle to jump is to qualify to even run in the race. Yes, you will have to meet a standard of 3 hours and 10 minutes for ages 18-34 for males and 3 hours 40 minutes for women. Yes, as the age bracket goes up more time is give, but don't expect much. The Boston Marathon and Olympics are the only major American running events that require you to qualify. Aren't you lucky?
So you think you "want" to run in the race? Well it's time to turn "wanting" into "knowing" you will run in the Boston Marathon! The mind is the first and last trial to your success in this marathon. You will need to see yourself running in this marathon. Close your eyes, feel the wind as you run, feel the pride as you stride gracefully, and feel how great it will be when you cross that finishing line. Yes, these are the seed that will become your victory.
With victory in mind you should begin your training. It is important to remember that all the training in the world will not get you there if you can give your body what it needs. Only with proper diet and training your will your body explode will the energy it needs to take on an event like this one. The coarse is 26.22 miles long. That gives an idea of just the level you will need to push yourself to. Yet the rewards will be tremendous. Will you be among the ranks come April 20th 2009?