The 2025 Boston Diaries: Prologue
It's time
It was sometime in September or early October when I thought to myself, “I think I’ll take a month off from running after the Chicago Marathon.”
I was burnt out. I was tired. Most of all, I wasn’t having fun. With a Boston Marathon training block on the horizon, I had no desire to head into December with the vibes low. I couldn’t fathom it. This is what I have been building towards for years.
January 2020, when I decided to start running again, this time on a consistent basis.
June of 2020, when I decided to start taking it seriously, putting together my best training block yet, for a virtual marathon no less.
October of 2021, when I chopped off over a half hour off my marathon time, and started believing I could break three hours.
February of 2022, when I started this newsletter, proclaiming my goal for all to see in the title of said newsletter.
October of 2022, when I did it.
September of 2023, when I learned I actually wouldn’t be running Boston in 2024.
And then a few weeks later, when I left no doubt to book my trip to Boston in 2025.
And so, after Chicago in October, I didn’t stop running.
I took a step back.
This week in podcasting:
It was wonderful to welcome recently-retired professional runner Noah Droddy onto Chasing Three Hours to discuss why 2025 was the right time to leave pro running behind. We took a look back at the twists and turns his career took. I appreciate him joining!
As always, this pod was sponsored by Fleet Feet Omaha! With the holiday season here, stop by for great deals for the runner(s) in your life. And when you do so, mention the pod for $15 off your first pair of running shoes!
I didn’t take a month off. Instead, after I took the entire week off after my race, I took at least one day off every single week, including two in early November. I hit 50+ miles twice, but mainly hung out in the mid-40s.
I felt guilty here and there. “Why aren’t I running more?” But I added an extra day of weightlifting into the equation and I was feeling good.
As this morning arrives and I set out to run five miles to officially kick off another training block, my legs feel fresh and ready to go.
More importantly, I think I’m finally where I need to mentally.
I started writing this hoping I’d find an answer towards the end about why I’ve felt the way I have throughout much of this year. Ultimately, I don’t have the answer.
The build to Eugene was mostly wonderful and while it didn’t end with me reaching my goal, I set another PR and finished the race crying tears of joy. By the time I got to Chicago in October, I was ready for a break.
Maybe it’s as simple as being burnt out.
Maybe it’s as simple as being spread too thin.
Maybe it was football season and my focus was all over the place.
Whatever it was, I worried today would arrive — THE START OF MY FIRST BOSTON MARATHON TRAINING BLOCK! — and I wouldn’t be excited.
I’m so, so happy that’s not the case.
191 weeks from today, I’ll toe the line at the world’s oldest annual marathon. So much can happen in 19 weeks.
It’s cold now. It (probably) won’t be cold then.
The sun is setting oh so early now. We’ll be watching the sun set late by mid-April!
Imagine how much better you can get at something over the course of 19 weeks.
Imagine how much better you can get at running over the course of 19 weeks.
Over the next 19 weeks, that’s the goal.
I’m finally doing it. I’ll finally be there. I’m running in the 2025 Boston Marathon.
Welcome (back) to the Boston Diaries.
I’m starting a week earlier than normal, as I’ll have to step away from running in mid-January for something unrelated to running. Rather than just miss out on that time, I have decided to add a week in on the front end to start the process.
HERE.WE.GO!!