GPS Kids | Peg’s Posts: KC Marathon — survived and qualified!

I’m not much for bragging, but this post may be an exception, because … I’m going to Boston! Last Saturday, I ran my second marathon in 3:38:33, beating my time goal of 3:40 and comfortably meeting my qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. Weeks ago, Fred, one of my training partners, said he’d be my personal pacer and get me my Boston qualifying time. I’d run with Fred and Wilma through rainstorms, 4 a.m. “beat the heat” runs, long runs and some local 5ks. With Forerunner keeping me on pace and Fred lending just enough commentary to keep me engaged but not distracted, I ran a comfortably hard, but not excruciating race. See our run in Garmin Connect.

I’d be lying if I said the miles flowed easily. This was not an easy course. In fact, anyone who thinks this area is flat needs to run 26.2 miles through Kansas City. Fortunately, I did some speed work training by Coach Eladio, the course designer, and he made sure his Runner’s Edge group was prepped for the hills. So when I crossed the finish line Saturday, I was not only thrilled to meet my BQ time, but I felt we’d run a smart race that enabled me to shave 9 minutes on a tougher course. And though Fred and I maintained a fairly steady pace, I’m certain our fastest splits came after seeing fellow bloggers Carl and Jake at different points along the course. And the best part is, I didn’t even know they’d be there. Seeing an unexpected, yet familiar face and voice from the sidelines does wonders for a marathoner’s time.

The next thrill came a few days later when I actually went online and registered for Boston 2010. I’ve never been so excited to part with a $130 registration fee. It’s all so official. I’m not really “in” until my qualifying time is verified, and then I’ll be notified by email and first-class mail. When’s the last time I received anything so exciting by first-class mail? Now I just have to figure out how to get to April 19 without getting sidelined by injury or psyched out by training through some long, dark winter days. Cheers to many miles to come.

And congrats to all my friends who ran this race in support of Girls on the Run! We have witnessed the motivation of running for a cause that will help young girls in our community learn grow stronger, healthier and more self-confident through running. Go girls go!

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