Support System

I've been having a pity party for myself all week. The Boston Athletic Association has made major revisions to its qualifying times and registration procedures--RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY TRAINING CYCLE! While I wasn't expecting to BQ (shorthand for Boston Qualify) at the Shamrock Marathon, I was hoping to do it by the Steamtown Marathon in October. The new procedures let the fastest runners sign up first, which means that even if I BQ, since I would only do so by a slender margin, I would likely not be able to register. They also changed the qualifying times to take effect in September, which interferes with my hopes of qualifying in October. When I heard about these changes, I felt as though the wind was knocked out of my sails. As a result, my running motivation flagged. I got slower and even missed a 5-miler. I also started wondering if maybe my goal to BQ was too ambitious in the first place.

Fortunately, I have an incredible support system to help me deal with setbacks. Friends and family gave me great advice, such as asking me why I wanted to run in the first place. My husband made me breakfast in bed and let me sleep in. My mom told me that I'm allowed to have a pity party for one day before coming up with a plan B. My support system helped give me perspective and to keep me moving despite the minor hurdle. And it didn't hurt that we have raised nearly $1200 in the first two weeks of fundraising! The success of this fundraiser is testament to the amazing family friends that we have in our lives.

Having a support system is especially important for someone suffering for a chronic illness. My setback pales in comparison with the ones that my mom faces. The love and support that you all share by being a part of this help make me feel stronger, and I know that they help her, too.