I have thought long and hard about the offer to run the Boston Marathon. The company I work for owns John Hancock, the major sponsor of the marathon. I have been offered a place there in April to run, without qualifying.
I have decided I would be crazy not to take the spot.
This decision has not been a light one!!
I am learning more about what comes with that spot and it is turning out to be a kick-ass work opportunity. Kids, this is corporate America...its a game and to get ahead, you have to play the game. Like it or don't but them are the rules. I have a family and a mortgage. I need to feed that family and pay that mortgage! I have my dream job with lots of flexibility so I can be there for my kids when I need to. Then, imagine, being asked to join some of the movers and shakers in the company you work for, get to know them, travel to Boston with them and hang with them for a weekend (not to mention all of the very talented and fast runners that will be there!) and then experience the marathon from the inside.
Dreams really can come true.
I have the utmost respect for those who have qualified for this race. I want to be one of you some day. I got my package in the courier last week and it is an "Invitational Entry". It very clearly states, "You have NOT qualified for this race. You are participating on an invitational basis only." I promise I will not be in anyone's way!!
If anything, this whole experience has brought to life a dragon in my belly to put down the best effort I can in April. I have started my training and so far, the past two weeks, I have done more than has been asked, I have fought for every interval. I have done extra intervals. I have been pushing Coach Justin...GIVE ME MORE!!! I will not let this opportunity go to waste.
Someone asked me if this was a spot to Kona or Clearwater, would I take it. I said of course not. So what's the difference? I had to think long and hard about my answer. I have no hope of qualifying for those events. Ever. They are not even in my realm of possibilities. But I think that with some hard work and a good run, someday, I could definitely qualify for the Boston Marathon....this offer has come just about a year before I wanted to put my theory to the test!! Right now, I am about 10 pounds and 10 seconds per km away. I have already made the promise to myself that I will do this race a second time and it will be after I have ran a qualifying time. And yes, this means I have to run 3 marathons....eek!
Our little family has had a pretty rough year. The markets tanked, my income with them, my husband's business burned down, my sister has had a year from hell with being in the hospital with her MS to her spouse leaving her. And being a total prick through the whole process. My Mom's BFF has battled breast cancer and is very quickly losing her fight. We had a little cry for her last night. We have had quite the year finding our feet. It hurts to see those you love go through rough times. I have chosen to try to keep this blog on a positive, training note but it really has been a tough go. They say it is unlucky to turn a calendar...I had mine turned to January 2010 weeks ago...looking forward to a new start, a new year.
This opportunity has come at a perfect time. Just at the beginning of December after the fire, I asked The Universe, "Please give me something to look forward to. I am really struggling here." And then a little glimmer of something positive, something to look forward to and work for.
See you in Boston!!
9 comments:
Kelly I am thrilled you are going....why the hell not???....we never now what is around the corner for us so grab the good stuff when it is placed in front of you!! What do you mean you will never qualify for Kona.....never say never!
Yahoo! I am thrilled that you accepted the invitation. It's totally the right thing to do, and there is every possibility it will open some professional doors for you. Hmmm, April 19 is 15 weeks away. 10 pounds, you say. Dragon in your belly, you say.
So sad about the various family adventures. Shite happens to the best people. All you can do is get up again, and carry on as best you can. Or roll over and go under. Hope that 2010 is a great year for you!
Yeah! I'm excited you are doing Boston. Sometimes you just have to make sacrifices to do what you 'got to do' in corporate life ;-) So not only are you doing something good for work, but it's something really cool and fun!
I'm sorry you and your family had such a rough 2009, and I really hope 2010 is a great year. My thoughts are with your Mom's BFF.
That's awesome! Congrats on an amazing opportunity and something cool to look forward too! Not to mention fuel for the fire in your belly!
I am with you on changing the calendar early, I was ready to put 09 to bed.
Happy running!
AWESOME!! I'm also thrilled you took the spot, go get em girl!!!
Bye bye 2009.
HELLO 2010 and Boston baby!!!!!!!
Every race means different things to different people. And most people in the world don't know or even care what a triathlon or the Boston marathon are. What is important to you matters. To YOU and you alone.
You don't need to have altruistic reasons or any reason for that matter to participate in Boston. The fact that you are jazzed up about this race is a sign you are on your path. The right path.
Give 'er hell, Kelly! You are just as much an athlete as anyone else who is there. Don't you forget it. :)
I'm really glad you took the spot Kelly!! It's a wonderful opportunity and you would respect it for what it is!!! In my opinion, that's why the universe gave it to you. :)
Oh, and there are lottery spots for Kona...so not everyone has to qualify to get to do that either! (Just in case you needed more justification for going, haha).
I'm truly sorry to hear about all that went on last year, and about your Mom's BFF. If anything all these things are reminders to seize all the moments life has to offer. And you are doing just that! Lotsa love and hugs.
You gotta live everyday like it is your last. If this is on the bucket list, then it shall be checked off :) You will get there by other means another time, until then cherish the day and enjoy the experience - and put THAT experience to work for you when you go next time!! Good luck to KellyB!!
As for all of the other crap - it sure gets deep and stinky fast. Hang in there and I wish you and the family all the best for 2010.
Loved this entry....have chills even. Sounds like you had a really rough 2009 and I think Boston is just the think to keep your mind happy. Good luck. I'm glad you chose to do it and I can't wait to hear all about it.
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