Back From Boston - What’s Next?
Although I got a late start, I’ve been a serious runner since 1994. I ran my first marathon in 1995 on my 30th Birthday. It’s been my goal to run the Boston Marathon since then. I missed qualifying by 12 minutes that year. I needed to run 3:40 and ran 3:52. Running in the most prestigious marathon, is the ultimate for most runners. The fact that you have to qualify, only fueled my competitive juices.
Over the next 9 years I ran 6 more marathons. I love running so much that I became a personal trainer and running coach in 2001. I continued to train and came within 4 minutes of my goal in 2003, when I ran 3:49. I was seriously hoping to qualify in 2004, but it didn’t happen. I had flare ups of plantar fasciitis off and on since I began running. In 2006 I ran 5 half marathons. Apparently this was too much for my body to handle. My plantar fasciitis became acute. I had to take time off to heal.
Long story short….My dream came true in April 2008. I was invited to run the Boston Marathon as a fund raiser for Tufts University. I jumped at the chance. I devoted 2007 to healing my plantar fasciitis so that I could run in Boston.
It was amazing! The course is very difficult inspite of the net down hill. What goes up must come down. In the case of the Boston Marathon this equates to rolling net down hill until you get to “Heart Break Hill.” I wanted to run 3:50 on the course, but the sun and wind prohibited my Seattle legs from making that time goal. Instead I completed the course and ran the whole way.
I feel grateful that I was able to run Boston. It is such an honor to run a course with such rich history. I couldn’t help but think about all the blood, sweat and tears that had been shed on the route from Hopkinton to Boston. Now there is a bit of my sweat on that course!
Running Boston changed me. I have been a runner that is always caught up in the next race. I barely have time to recover before I am planning my next event. Now I feel that I have transcended the “super competitive” runner that I am. I am just a runner. Running is in my blood and it’s part of who I am, whether I am competing or just running for fun.
13 comments:
Hey Lisa,
Have you thought of combining your goal of running the Boston Marathon with a fundraising goal? A lot of the runners raise money for charity and some equate the 26.2 miles to $2,620 that could help a non-profit in need of funding. Using Firstgiving you can set up a free personalized fundraising page for any non-profit registered through GuideStar ( a national registry of nearly 2MM non-profits). Then you can rally your online community to support you through your blog or social networking sites using a widget or a fundraising badge. It’s a great way to gather support from your friends for something that you are passionate about.
Also, I am totally jealous about the Seahawks yoga.
Boston Marathon or Bust
Boston Marathon or Bust is the online home of runner and personal trainer Lisa Sabin. Running, conditioning work and nutrition tips. Enjoy….
Hi Lisa
You have been officially financially supported for the Boston quest by running partner and friend Michelle. I don’t know anyone more disserving to get the opportunity to conquer heartbreak hill than you.
Thanks Michelle! I appreciate your support. I couldn’t do this without you.
Hey Lisa! Maybe you’ll see Katie Holmes while you’re there.
She’s going for charity also!
http://www.tmz.com/category/lets-get-this-party-started/
Lance Armstrong will be there too. The day before the race they are having the olympic trials for the womens marathon. It’s going to be fun to be in Boston!
Hi Lisa - thanks for your inspiring comments. Your story is awesome, and I wish you the best of luck with Boston! I hope we can keep in touch and continue to share our training stories.
Happy running!
Hey Lisa - good luck…. you’re almost there!
I have just started running after seeing the Boston Marathon on T.V. this last year. I wanted to do something fun and something that would give me a good cardio workout. I have descovered that nothing sounds good to me at 6:00 in the mornign except the sound of my footfalls on the pavement. After reading you story I now belive that I am a runner-or at least I have never wanted to be one more.
You are insperational.
Agreed bunola!
Those two women neck and neck at the end of the marathon had so much passion! Wow!
I had wanted to start before then, but seeing that along with a combination of other things were really my driving force!
Lisa, you have such a great story. You really give me some great inspiration. I understand that you were 30 when you started running, but I am 32 and it really does give me the inner strength! As crazy as it is, it is easy to get caught up in that “I ‘m too old” attitude, you really disprove any ideas that you have to start when you are young or “be born with it!
Thanks for the support….oh yeah and thanks for helping with the Activities Log too!
LISA TELL ME HOW DID YOU GET YOUR PLANTAR FASCITIS
BETTER. I JUST STARTED HAVING PAIN A MONTH AGO AND KNOW THE DR. IS GOING TO TELL ME TO STAY OFF JUST WHEN I STARTED TRAINING FOR MY 5K. ANY SECRETS ONE SPORTS FANATIC TO ANOTHER
So glad I read this. I am 33 yrs old and just began running recently. I am going for a 1/2 marathon in January, thanks for the inspiration! =)
I have been inspired by so many people since I began running. I am a runner and running is my life, whether I am racing or not. Racing is a lot of fun and you meet such down to earth people. Signing up for races, gives focus to my training. I don’t race as much as I used to, but I still like to pick key events to train for.
Now that Boston is under my belt, I might consider speed, maybe there is a faster 5K or 10K in my future….