Happy Boston Day!

One of these years, I will qualify for - and run - the Boston Marathon, followed by a Red Sox game. Until then, I hope that everyone in Beantown has a great (and safe) race.

I, will not be running 26.2.

I will likely run 6.2 today.

But I do have to say, I'm catching the fever again. While running for 3-4 hours is not always my idea of a good time, the competitor in me is starting to get antsy for the next challenge. I think I initially lost my lust for the marathon because the first three - well, the *only* three - marathons I have run have all been in the same town. I need something different and of course, if I do it I'm going for broke. I'm going for the BQ.

Time to crunch some numbers:

I have already run a barely sub-3:40 which would have qualified me a few years ago. Since the standards have changed, I now need to run a 3:35. That will mean maintaining a pace of 8:12. My previous marathon was run at an 8:22 pace. My best half marathon was run at a 7:36 pace.

So... based on a highly scientific method employing lots of complicated formulas with a dash of logic, I think I can reasonably train to run at an 8min/mile pace. This provides a bit of a buffer and room for error and/or potty pit-stops.

Now I just have to pick a fall race. I have some time to think about it and of course, a few kinks to work out to make sure I'm in shape to start piling the miles back on. The foot has been behaving a bit better lately but I have dedicated a little more time to the bike this week. My left hip is still tight as hell, though, which semi-confirms my theory (I'm all about the scientific method today) that my left-side problems are starting up high in my hips and glutes and working their way down my leg. If my tight, pain-in-the-ass ass is causing me to land funny, therefor putting unusual amounts of stress on my left foot, then I hope that working my hip flexors along with stretching and hopefully a massage or two might help.

Until the right Groupon deal pops up for a sports massage, I have a little help from my friends:

I could just go the House route and get addicted to Vicodin, if it weren't for all the inconvenient hallucinations.

Are you a spring or fall marathon kind of person?

What race would you travel to go run if money/time/travel were not an issue?