Missing Hopkinton

Memories of my trip to Massachusetts to run in the Boston Marathon are stimulated this morning as I watch the Boston Marathon posts hit my FB feed. I think back to that grand adventure — my gracious host, the sights and sound of Boston and the surrounding areas, the bus ride to Hopkinton, the RACE itself with its ups and DOWNs, and seeing Ryan and Kurt W. — and smile. 

Today, I sit at home, missing the bus ride to Hopkinton, and reflect.  It was such a beautiful experience. One built on 9 hard years of blood, sweat, and many tears. I don’t know if I’d appreciate it the same way if it just came easy. Who knows? All I know is that I look back at all the hurdles put in my way and smile with the deepest of pride. 

I don’t know if I’ll ever go back there. Nor do I know if I’ll ever run another marathon. I do know that the part of me who has the ability to find a way over (or around) the hurdles, to endure the pain, and to relish in the little successes along the way is still within. I can feel her…sometimes. And i have the sense that she wants to come out again and play.

Won’t you help me to encourage her to come out again. Please share your story of persistence, overcoming obstacles, and/or moving past physical discomfort. Maybe this is a story of your own quest for a BQ, or perhaps it is not even running-related. Please share.