8740

8740. That's my 2008 Boston Marathon bib number. This year I qualified in Albany with a 3:20:46 time. That means I had 14 seconds to spare before the cut-off. It was without a doubt the ugliest finish I have ever had. I ran to the clock with arms flailing, saliva flying, sprinting past everyone in a fashion I normally detest in marathons. But I knew I wouldn't have time to squeeze in another qualifying marathon. So it was this...or the next year.

And now, after enduring weeks of training, a bad flu that knocked me to bed for a week plus a pulled achilles tendon that forced me off the roads for another week and a half, I now actually feel like I might - just maybe - be ready for Boston.

It's been a horrible training season. In fact, everything's been horrible since my last great run at the 2006 Boston Marathon. But if things go smoothly, I might just be in a position for a PR on the course.

I had a great run in '06 and feel like the course is well suited to me. I love the undulating courses and tend to run disastrously on the flat ones. I like the change up on my muscles I guess. So my goal this time around is a sub-3:10.

Originally, I had visions of going for a sub-3:00, but my training's been a mess. So I'll save that goal for the Fall.

Fingers crossed I can make 8740 sing for me.