Boston Marathon

Two Sal's members qualified for and are running in the 2011 Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18, Pete and Roger. Pete qualified with a 4:03 at the 2010 Pittsburgh Marathon, which is an age-graded 3:06. Roger ran a 3:43 at last year's Boston, an age-graded 2:53 and good enough for 23rd in his age group out of 227 starters. When I mature I want to be as fast as Pete and Roger - they are in the 65-69 age group.

Top Ten Things About the Boston Marathon:

10. A BQ time is always a great goal finishing time in another marathon.
9. Even normal people know about the Boston Marathon and are impressed if you run it.
8. What other sport can you compete against the world's best? (so what if they finish an hour or more ahead, hey you were in the race too).
7. The cost is only $100+ dollars per entry, $250+ per night hotel, transportation to Boston, meals, parking $20+/day and marathon souvenirs from the expo.
6. The first half of the race is fast and some downhill miles might screw up your quads.
5. An American male has not won the race since 1983 (Greg Meyer) female since 1985 (Lisa Larsen Weidenbach). Ryan Hall, fourth in last year's race, and Kara Goucher, third last year, are back again to try and break through with an American victory.
4. I would be surprised if an American won this year.
3. Bill Rodgers averaged 2:10 in his 4 victories.
2. The Sam Adams beer never tastes better than during the post-race celebratory meal.
1. Here is a course tour, done in 5 minutes, led by Dave McGillivray.