Concentrating on work this morning has been hard, as the marathon plays out up in Boston I have one eye on that and the other on what I really should be doing. The elite race for the women was riveting, Tune and Biktimirova were locked together all the way to the finish line until Tune pulled ahead to cross just 2 seconds ahead. It is a beautiful day outside and although Monday is usually my rest day I want to go out and run! The men’s race was a bit more open but still impressive, Cheruiyot’s win was his fourth at Boston. You have to impressed by any athlete who is able to repeat raise their game time after time by returning to an event and reproduce a top class performance. There are so many variables in a marathon that can conspire against the runner on the day regardless of their training.

Now I’m locked into monitoring friends who are also running, thanks to the athlete tracking service. It seems that cell coverage in Boston, so from my office we have text updates going to friends watching from the road side. it is fascinating how the spirit of an event like this spreads so far beyond the pavement it is taking place on. That is very similar to many ultra events despite the remote location it might be held in. Whether it is via a text message ‘relay’ or web updates, word on a runner’s progress can spread amazingly fast and it is great that so many can get involved even though for some, it a little vicarious.

Mass marathons are amazing events to participate in, they generate some much interest and anticipation prior to the race, excitment during and then eternal memories after. If you ever have the opportunity to enter one, seize the moment and go for it!

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations

Charles R. Swindoll

During the past months many runners will have been training for their ‘big day’ in Boston which is rapidly approaching on Monday. Amongst them will be many who have dedicated many hours of preparation in order to be ready for their day and supporting them have been friends, family members and fellow runners. I know of six people who fit this description admirably.

The first, is Eraser. She started running shortly after her husband took up the sport; he got into it because his daughter started. The daughter stopped, he developed plantar and Eraser never looked back. That was barely 6 years ago. Now she regularly places in her age group over distances including the marathon and her dedication to training has been almost legendary within her running circle. If her training schedule calls for a specific number of minutes, that is what she will do; not a minute more, not a minute less. Whatever the weather, in daylight or in the dark, when following a plan Eraser has the self discipline and dedication to see it through. Although now back running himself, her husband Mort, has been known to drive ahead on hot training days to ensure water is available, or wait ready with a recovery drink at the end.

Then there is Scoobie, so named after an impressive face plant into a large puddle a few years ago. At the next group run she was presented with a mask and snorkel, and this inspired the nickname. Her husband is known as Shaggy, simply because he is Scoobie’s companion, it has nothing to do with appearance. Scoobie is phenomenal; she swims, runs and cycles, she never seems to stop. She is a modest character who always seems to wear a smile and an unrivaled memory for birthdays! Shaggy is her number one fan, he is always there. It might be just to ensure she is safe or has sufficient water or snacks, but he also arranges their travel to distant races, diligently collects press cuttings of her races, race numbers and photographs. Meanwhile, Scoobie grinds away at her training rarely missing a day and like Eraser is fastidious about keeping to timed schedules.

Finally, we have Mrs.AJC. so named because guess what, she is married to a man with the initials AJC. In order to juggle the tasks of raising a family of three, walking 2 dogs and a part time job, her regular run time is early in the morning. When I say early, I’m talking about the hour well before the sparrows stir. If you ever run with her, it is easy to appreciate her competitive instinct and viewing photographs of her racing often reveals facial expressions that have determination written all over them. But as with the other ladies, without the support of her family, the degree of running she enjoys would probably be a fantasy; in the background is Bounce, a gentleman who coincidentally goes by the initials AJC. He also runs, so now and again they must juggle who will go running in order that children and dogs still get attention. Before big races though, he meticulously plans every detail of the trip. Hotel, directions times to be here and there. All his wife seems to be required to do, is turn up, relax (if possible) and hopefully enjoy!

These runners are by no means superheroes (except perhaps to their immediate families!) or particularly unique, but the commitment and dedication to their sport is both admirable and motivating. I’ve mentioned them simply because of their participation in the marathon next Monday and to acknowledge that their enthusiasm for running  also contributes to kindle my own desire to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Have a great race ladies!

We live by our imagination, our admirations, and our sentiments.

Ralph Waldo Emerson