Boston

I'm sitting here at 11:10 pm watching the replay of the Boston Marathon. Thank God for DVR. This horrendous storm that delayed the golf tournament at Hilton Head blasted through here with several inches of rain yesterday and tremendous winds today. It knocked out our power shortly after the start of the Boston marathon so I'm just now catching up with the details.

I've entered the lottery for the NY marathon this November but I would have watched Boston anyhow. I love to watch endurance sports like this and the Tour de France. These to me are the true test of athletics. I don't follow any sport that involves a ball or an engine, but the human powered ones fascinate me.

This marathon was of special interest since one of my favorite podcasters is running it. I've been following Steve Runner's training for months. It really enhances the excitement when one of your friends is racing. But, even if Steve wasn't in it, I am fascinated by this race in particular. All of the history and mystic that surrounds Boston makes it so exciting. I just wish they could find someone besides Al Trautwig to announce it.

The women's race this year has been the more exciting. I would have loved for Deena Kastor to win, but what an exciting finish, with Grigoryeva powering to the finish line! Until her break away surge I had her pegged for 3^rd. Congratulations to her! It wasn't Deena's day and she'll comment on her difficulties later I'm sure. Cheruiyot's win was less of a surprise, He's won before, he knew the course, he knew how to pace himself and how to finish strong.

Everyone who finished today is a winner. The weather was clearly abysmal. A marathon under ideal conditions is tough enough. To race against driving rain, cold and brisk winds, as well of the course itself is unthinkable. If I had been there I don't know whether or not I would have finished. Of course, my goal is to get there at all. I can't even imagine myself qualifying. If I did, perhaps I'd have the courage to finish on a day like today.

I'm motivated even more to get out there and train. Today I signed up with the Podfitness workout site. I start the first one tomorrow. Maybe between the excitement of Boston and a new workout I can finally kick my fitness goals.