A weird thing happened on the way to Boston ...Some people qualify for Boston by sneaking in with a close time ... but my qualifying time was a little more than that. I qualified at the Top of Utah Marathon in Logan, Utah last year - a 17 hour drive from my house in Kansas City, Missouri. At the starting line of the race, I discovered my Garmin was completely dead. I freaked out! I had my pace-plan figured out down to the second and I couldn't afford to run any of the miles at something other than my predetermined pace.
As I began the race, I was sure I wouldn't qualify, so along the way I stopped to pee twice and walked for about 20-30 seconds at mile 25 ... having no idea what my time was. But when I rounded the final corner for the last tenth of a mile, I could see the clock and realized that I was still within reach of my BQ. So I started to sprint.
When I crossed the finish line, I thought I thought I had just missed it by about 10 seconds. I was devastated! I actually went back to my car, called Michael, and freaking CRIED like a baby for a minute or two. Yeah, I cried over a race ... pretty pathetic I know, but hey, I'm a sensitive little fella. I also cry at the end of "Rudy" and "Field of Dreams" ... whatup! She convinced me to go back and look at the posted final times just to make sure.
When I got to the posted times, I couldn't believe my eyes. I needed 3:20:59 to qualify. My official Top of Utah Marathon time was 3:20:59.3!!! I had topped my previous PR by over 23 minutes and ...
I qualified for Boston by two-tenths of a second!
Fast forward a couple of months ... |
| Top Of Utah Marathon Finish |
You all know the "problems" that the BAA had this past year with the race selling out within a few hours. The quick sellout actually factored in the change to the qualifying standard. I got online early the morning registration opened, and after some trouble actually getting into the website, I completed the registration application ... and that was that! Or so I thought!
That afternoon, Michael called me and asked me if I was sure that I was registered (because I have a way of screwing those things up.) I assured her that everything was fine. But I went back online to double-check. As it turned out - in my attempt to register, I had logged off of the site before hitting the "COMPLETE FORM" button at the bottom of the page. I was not actually registered at all. So I quickly completed the form again and this time his the "SUBMIT APPLICATION" button - and officially got registered. The race sold out less than an hour later! I had just slipped in again!
A couple of close calls to be sure, but maybe at the end of the day - it was just meant to be. Who knows. I'm one of those people who believe everything happens for a reason. So what's the reason? I dunno! But I can tell you I've enjoyed every step of the way and I can't friggin' wait 'til April 18th! Just a little more than a week now!
... be great today!
holy cow, had no idea you got in by the skin of your teeth...but youre in and thats all that matters!!! great story! BTW, my hubs is a total girl too, maybe you two should get together and watch "remember the titans"....i will send kleenex!
ReplyDeleteI think this was a race that was meant to be! I know you will, but just in case--make the most of April 18th!!
ReplyDeleteUmmmm, Can I take you with me to purchase lottery tickets?? I seriously was holding my breath reading that. Don't worry over crying. I cried when I ran my last marathon in 4:28. HAHAHAHA!
ReplyDeleteI can not wait to read all the recaps next week!! So freaking excited for you!!! By two-tenths of a second? Oh my goodness. You are meant to be there.
ReplyDeleteSorry your KC Royals lost last night. Just sayin'. :oD
I know I've heard part of that story before, but it's still a good one nonetheless. I actually came across a few coworkers who haven't seen 'Rudy' yet. I hounded them a bit to add it to their movie queue.
ReplyDeleteI know Austin turned out better than you thought too. Maybe you should go into Boston thinking you're going to crash and burn. Then set a new PR.☺
Dang, you got in by the skin of your teeth (with your race time and registration)! Can't wait to read about the actual race itself!
ReplyDeleteYour Top of the Utah Marathon race recap is still my favorite I've ever read from anyone. It shows that you need to leave everything out on the course!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about your Boston Marathon registration snafu though, Michael saved the day for you! That would have been horrible to be shut out of the Boston Marathon this year, especially since they increased the qualifying times! Enjoy Boston!
And Rudy is indeed an awesome movie, the music at the end during the last 5 minutes is epic. No words, just music. Other favorite sports movies I like are Friday Night Lights, Miracle, Field of Dreams, Remember the Titans.
This song from Remember the Titans is my all time favorite inspirtional song - if this doesn't stir the emotions, nothing will:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU0mu-qmy-U
It's fate. You were meant to run this race. Just like our Royals will win the W.S. 2011 is the year of Jim. I'm sure I'll check back to give you my pep talk.
ReplyDeleteYou just like the drama of cutting it close :p
ReplyDeleteYou're going to rock Boston!
Wow that is a great sotry!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat stories! Both of them. Enjoy the race.
ReplyDeleteI love your story--I'd heard about the race but not about the registration not-a-near-miss. Good for your wife!
ReplyDeleteMy dad always cries watching Field of Dreams too. :^)
Tired of hearing my Boston stories? NO not at all..what a great story!!! like all the others said it was meant to be.... I believe in fate and destiny..I know a bit corny but there is no explation other then fate as to why I married Bill so that was Boston 2011 is for you. It can only be GREAT that day!
ReplyDeleteYou were meant to run Boston!
ReplyDeleteAre you sure you got your plane tickets and hotel booked. You better check.
ReplyDeleteJust about a week to go!
This just cracked me UP! haha...I love it. And maybe you wouldn't have stopped to pee if you had known....OR maybe your stop gave your muscles a break just long enough to find new strength- like the Galloway method.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for wives who ask you to double check!
There is a funny thread in the runnersworld Boston forum for those who got in by less than a minute. You, my friend, are a prime cadidate!
It would be fun to meet you and Michael while in B. And there are a few other folks I'd like to meet too. Post race should have some great stories.! ..
Great story! And what guy doesn't cry at the end of Rudy. I can't watch that movie without crying!
ReplyDeleteI believe God works in mysterious ways. From your story you are totally suppose to be there for a reason. We dont know at this moment why, but in God's timing. You will look back and say I know now why I was suppose to be there. I have said that a hundred times. He still amazes me. I cant wait to hear all about it when you get done. You are going to Rock at BOSTON.
ReplyDeleteI think you give me too much credit....this is all you baby!! I can't wait to be there to share that day with you!
ReplyDeletePhew. Thank goodness for your wonderful wife. :) Haha. You're going to do GREAT at Boston! Can't wait to read about why you were *supposed* to be there!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat story and whether by 0.2 seconds or 1 hour you are in, you are there and you will do great.
ReplyDeleteYou're meant to run this thing!
ReplyDeleteI will laugh if you arrive at the start line with .002 seconds to spare though. :p.
Everything happens for a reason!
ReplyDeleteBOSTON!!!! :)
WOW!!!!! BY .2 SECONDS!!!! Incredible
ReplyDeleteYour not alone, I cried during Rudy, the last play of the game when he gets the sack, I know thats the spot you did too, I have cried during and after races, races are so freaking emotional.
You were meant to race Boston!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's obviously meant to be. You're going to do great! (PS, I've cried because of a race too. LOL)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! Everything happens for a reason.
ReplyDeleteTwo great dotries. You are meant to be there this year!! I am so excited for you.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to hear all about your Boston experience - definitely FATE!
ReplyDeleteLove this post. It's so incredible that you managed to sneak under the gun like that in both the race and in registration. It also gives me insight into the background image.
ReplyDeleteAgain, huge congrats and can't wait to read your race recap.