Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Dreaming of Unicorns


Sometimes it's a goal of lofty proportions...a half marathon, a half Ironman, a Marathon, an Ironman. It challenges you, and if achieved, you feel.....good. Most of the time I enjoy the journey more than the event itself. But to me there is only one event that holds a close, frozen bond to my soul...Boston. As a kid looking up to my Dad I remember him telling me that Boston was holy ground, only the blessed go there. In his world Boston was untouchable and he admired it from afar. When your Dad looks at such a thing with such admiration you take note, it's etched into you deep.
When Molly and I moved to Natick, in our first apartment, little did we know that the course went by our driveway at mile 8. I remember the runners as they went by and I was mystified by their skill, their determination, and I knew that running in this race was far out of my reach.
As I learned how to run and increased my interest in triathlon racing I struggled with the difficulty and pain of running. It took me many years to enjoy running and today it's an essential part of my life.
I have met a few runners who have gone to Boston and in my mind they are different from the rest, they are one of the blessed. I have been lucky to train with some of the fast ones.....some that have actually conquered this course. I am and will always be humbled by the dedication to truly excel in this sport. I just hope that some of that magic has rubbed onto me....I am going to Boston this weekend. On Monday I am going to live a dream.

I have a couple of questions from the Pre-Boston Doug, for the Post-Boston Doug:

1. Did you run like it was your last race?
2. Can you walk away knowing you went deep?
3. Did you honor your dreams?
4. Did you thank your family?