Fortnight Lament
I used to think that qualifying for the Boston Marathon was difficult; a challenge requiring dedication, stubbornness and hard work. But it all seems to have been child’s play compared to finding suitable last minute airfare and lodging for race weekend. Apparently this Boston Marathon thing is quite popular.
So thanks again Skybus! Two more lousy weeks were all I needed from you.
XOXOXOX,
Dean
April 8th, 2008 at 8:48 am
For lodging, try Craigslist. First check the sublets / temporary page, and if nothing suitable turns up, you can post a request. I’ve done this a number of times, but now I have a regular room I rent when I’m Boston for $50 / night, right on the T. It even comes with a mushy cat. Can’t beat that!
April 9th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I posted a comment yesterday… it didn’t show up???
Anyway, re lodging, I highly recommend Craigslist. Check out the short-term rentals. If you don’t find anything you like you can post a “room wanted” ad. You will probably get multiple offers, if you offer a reasonable rate.
Good luck on getting there, though.
MM #543
April 9th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Bob,
Your first comment got caught by my all-powerful spam blocker. Thanks for the Graigslist tip. Airfare is covered and I’m feeling great about the rest.
But on to business: Since I have Maniac seniority over you, I’m pretty sure you have to do all sorts of favors for me, beyond excellent travel recommendations.
I’ll expect that self-aware GPS in the mail prior to Boston. Thanks!
- #540
April 9th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Dean: I’m bringing $20 to the Y next Tuesday so you can buy me a Boston hat or t-shirt. Hey, I know I’m not running it this year, but I qualified and a $20 souvenir is a lot cheaper than going there.
April 9th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Done deal my friend. But I’ll have to see proof of age and official race results; unless of course you are big in Hollywood. In that case I’ll get you whatever hat you want.
- D
April 14th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Dean,
Enjoy the excitement. Lounge in the fun that is the Boston marathon. It will be the most memorable running event of your life.
Enjoy it now, because when you reach that finish and the endorphins start to leak out that evening, a depression will ensue. Like waiting for graduation, once you go past that long-yearned-for goal you feel lost. Think about your next race. Set new goals.
I qualified for Boston in my my first marathon, and Boston was only my 4th marathon. It was one of my life goals and after I finished I was depressed for about 2 weeks. To get me out of it I came up with new goals for my running. So far, I have achieved several (including a marathon win!!) and well on my way to others (11 states down)
Enjoy it now, as much as you can. I hate to break it to you, but it will wain.
Also, what is your number for Boston? I want to watch your progress on line next Monday.
Congrats! Enjoy!
One more thing. Take your time in Wellesley. Stop and get some kisses. The girls are cute and the smooches will help you get through the second half of the race.
April 14th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Wait…. you mean my finishing times will not get progressively better ad infinitum? I’ll fall into accelerated decrepitude?
WHAT’S THE POINT OF IT ALL??!!
Ok, now seriously, thanks so much for the great advice and well wishes…
DEPRESSION
I think I felt a bit of the depressive letdown after qualifying. So perhaps I’ve processed a bit of that, we’ll see. Oh yes, I will have many, many type-A, anal-retentive running goals on the horizon. Watch this space.
BIB
I am Bib 6859, smack dab in the middle of wave one.
WELLESLEY
You do know that my wife is a frequent reader of this site, right…
- Dean
April 14th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
You are just getting kisses from the cute young girls, you don’t get to take them home. They are going to kiss 1000 people after you, anyways
April 14th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
ewwwwww.
So neither the Wellesley girls nor the slow marathoner should be too excited about the encounter in hour five of the race.
I know germaphobes who wouldn’t even be able to read these comments without strong doses of formula 409 on their monitor.
- Dean