Smarter training key to finally qualifying for Boston Marathon
With spring around the corner, many runners are beginning to set goals for the coming season, marking their intended 10K, halfmarathon or marathon on their calendars. Calgary runner Linda Foo’s long road to qualifying for and running the ultimate marathon — the Boston Marathon — serves as an inspiration for runners of all aspirations.
I’ve run for 13 years to get to this start line, the Boston Marathon, April 18th, 2011. I am a 50-year-old working woman who runs for stress relief and to stay in shape. I need goals to make fitness a priority in my busy life. This is how I got here.
Qualifying
I started running marathons because after doing a half-marathon, I didn’t want my accomplishment to be “half” of something. I ran 10 marathons in the time range of 4 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes. With each marathon I completed, there was more I learned about the training and how to run for 42.2 kms.
For my 11th marathon, I got a coach and got out of my training rut. I took nearly 45 minutes off my marathon time so I qualified to run the Boston Marathon.
Training for Boston
If someone were to go back and track the Calgary weather from Nov. 15, 2010 to April 18, 2011, you would see record snowfalls, bitter winds and -30 C for numerous weeks. The conditions for training were gruesome. Going into my heaviest training weeks, I suffered severe knee pain. I turned to an expert physiotherapist who diagnosed the pain from my IT band and suggested treatment with daily exercise but no impact for three weeks so I may be able to get through the marathon. Four-hour training runs were exchanged for deep-water running for as long as I could stand, followed by stationary bikes, elliptical trainers and rowing machines. I’d rather be running.
Marathon Weekend
The history of the Boston Marathon is world-famous. I was inspired to hear Kathryn Switzer recount her running as the first women entered in the Boston Marathon. Someone was so affronted to see a woman running in the marathon that he jumped out on course and attacked her, pulling her number off. She stayed on course and said, “The funny thing about running is you can’t stay mad for very long.” She finished and barriers were broken.
I am grateful to role models like her who pave the way for future generations.
Race Day
There were people lining the entire course, cheering, offering oranges, giving high-fives and making every runner feel special. Coming up Heartbreak Hill was not that hard. It is really a series of hills leading up to the top where someone had drawn a huge broken heart that stretched across both lanes of the road. My calves started to cramp up as I started downhill.
Sometimes in life when you are doing something very hard, it helps to break it up into smaller chunks. After 30 kms, I decided I was running to the next water station, which was 10 minutes away. Who can’t run 10 minutes, right?
Turning the last corner onto Bolyston is an image I will never forget. I heard deafening cheering and clapping. I could see the finish line. The energy from the crowd seemed to lift me off the ground. I didn’t want it to end, this felt like the shortest marathon ever.
I crossed the finish line and they put a beautiful unicorn adorned medal around my neck. My face hurt more than my quads from smiling the entire 26 miles.
The Lessons
Hard things are worth doing because you feel an amazing sense of accomplishment and empower- ment when you complete them.
Some people are naturally built to do certain sports; some people have to work very hard to overcome their body mechanics.
I got to Boston by setting goals, committing to the training, finding people to help me and making good choices every day. I have worked out at the gym twice a week for the past 24 years. I got to my goal slowly.
I wear my race jacket with pride. It took 12 marathons for me to get to Boston, and it was the best race ever.