Oh Boston, Don't Ever Change

OK, so check this out. I was reading in the April issue of Runner's World about the various changes the Boston Marathon timing requirements have gone thru over its 113 year history. I knew about some of it, but had no idea of all the different decisions the Boston Athletic Association has made over the years. No qualifying times and no women runners? Yeah, these I knew about, but for some reason I just thought the qualifying times have always been the same. I was pretty surprised as I read through the article.

Now, there's been some murmurs about changing the qualifying times again. Moving the girls times down, apparently increasing the challenge for women to qualify. Note: the female qualifiers I know would have no challenge even with the new proposed times. I think there's been talk that the guys' times would go up, making it easier for guys to qualify. Something like this has happened before.

Being a guy from this generation of runners I hope the qualifying times do not change. I have not yet qualified and would not want to make it in the "easy" way. It's just a pride thing, because even the proposed times for guys would be a significant challenge for me. I just don't want all those Boston legends I know razzing me 'cause I got in on an easier standard. I might as well run it for a charity for all the bragging rights I would forfeit.

Oh this whole thing makes for a great debate, I'm certain. Imagine all these fast, faster and fastest runners sitting around one morning at Starbucks discussing the merits of changing the qualifying times. It would make for fun banter and a few hurt feelings. But, I'm simply not going to concern myself about it. Instead I'll work on freaking getting there no matter the standard. It will still remain a great honor.

Never, never stop running