If you want to get to the core of me, there are only three words you need to say.
I love you…Nope. Not it. (Well, sort of.)
Want some cheese…Try again.
I brought Starbucks…Close, but no cigar.
Ok, ok, I’ll fill you in: I challenge you…
Stop the press! That’s the one folks. The one phrase that inevitably dupes me into my competitive mode. However, I’m not necessarily competitive with you people, but with myself. The pursuit of personal accomplishment is what keeps me, and I believe most runners, moving everyday. Whether it’s your first 5k, 10k or marathon, a challenge is enough to motivate on even the laziest of days. That’s why when I heard about the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge, it took no more than a couple of minutes to decide that I was in.
What is the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge?
Beginning in 2010, the challenge is an ingenious idea by the folks at the Big Sur Marathon to lure Boston runners back to the west coast to run what is hailed as one of the most beautiful marathons in the country. Open to 400 participants on a first come, first serve basis, the race challenges runners to two marathons, two coasts, in 13 days. That’s right, head out east for Boston, then in almost two weeks, head west for Big Sur. Have I ever done back to back (almost) marathons? Never! This will definitely be a first for me and a challenge that I am crazily excited for.
Why am I doing this crazy nonsense?
Hello, they have the word CHALLENGE in it! Well, that’s part of it. But I also considered this possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Who knows if/when I will ever run Boston again and I want to make the most of what 2010 gave me in 2011. I also wouldn’t be telling you the whole story if I didn’t say that they have some AWESOME swag, and we all know I’m a sucker for the bling-blang. Not only do you get Big Sur’s traditional marathon swag (shirt, medal, etc.), but you get an additional Boston 2 Big Sur jacket, training shirt (see below), special bib, and an additional medal. But who am I kidding? This challenge comes at a hefty price and in the long run I’m essentially paying for all of these things.
Also, one of the most important things I’m looking forward to is running this race with Aron. I have a feeling that we’ll be pulling each other through most of this to ensure that neither of our trampled bodies are left behind on the course.
What are my goals for this challenge?
Finish ALIVE! Seriously. I always tell myself that I’m just going to enjoy a race and not actually “race” it. But inevitably, I always end up somewhat racing. Given that I’ll be fresh off the heels of Boston, this is the perfect opportunity to simply run a race. No goal time. No pace charts. Literally just running and enjoying the apparently breathtaking views. I’m looking forward to the simplicity of this strategy.
Personally, 2011 is the year to take on new challenges and achieve what you otherwise thought could not be done! What are you challenging yourself to do in 2011?
Happy running!
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Day 31: 6 miles with the speed bumped up
I LOVE the intensity!! Get it done girls!
I’m with you on this one. Challenge? Absolutely. Possibly once in a lifetime opportunity? You got that right. I’ve chased my BQ for 8 years and a lot of life happens (read: sh!t happens) stuff has tried to defeat me in the process. Good for you!
I would love to meet up in Boston, Big Sur, or some place in-between.
I’m so jealous! I really want to do the boston 2 big sur. I think it would be the blast of a lifetime. I’m pumped to read and hear about yours and arons journey through it!
YAY for Boston to Big Sur!
You’ll do awesome and you race them all because your flippin fast! 
Can’t wait to hear more about the adventures you’ll be on and glad you’ll be running with my twin, Aron! ha ha
SO cool that you and Aron have each other to run with!!
I challenge you to come hang out in Utah with me:) OKAY, I AM SO JEALOUS OF YOU!!! That is the coolest thing ever….you are so hardcore and you are going to do amazing. 2 weeks within eachother, ahhh. SO COOL!!! LOVE the shirt. I am challenging myself to a sub 3 marathon:)
Never been to Utah but you better bet your booty that I would hang out with you if you were there. And your sub 3 marathon? You’ve got that in the bag baby!
I love a good challenge (which is how I got into marathons in the first place)! If I can ever qualify for Boston (which is a long way off right now), I’d definitely consider doing this as well. Right now I’m trying to decide if 2011 is the year to take on the challenge of becoming a marathon maniac.
DO IT, DO IT, DO IT! No time like the present!
Oh My Gosh! You are crazy and I LOVE it!! You are going to rock those marathons! I’m challenging myself to a 1:45 half this year!
Haha, thank you! 1:45 is a good goal…go get ‘em!
That challenge is insane, haha But people do run marathons one after the other (Dean Karnazes 50 marathons in 50 days for example), so running a marathon so soon after Boston is possible. I would definitely take it easy in Big Sur, as I’m assuming that you are going to race Boston to get a good time. Maybe even take your camera on the marathon and take pictures at spots during the race course as a forced way to slow yourself down, haha The Boston 2 Big Sur training shirt and jacket would be sweet – I bet you’ll get a lot of questions from people when you were it on on runs! Enjoy the whole experience!
In 2011 I’m going for a sub 1:35 half marathon and 3:30 marathon, we shall see if they happen, haha
DEFINITELY going to bring the camera with me. And your 1:35 half goal is definitely within reach. Good luck!
That’s so awesome! I caught the running bug in December when I essentially had a chat with myself and said “Hey ShortSkirts you don’t think you can run distance, too bad I just signed up for a 5k.” And now I’m totally hooked. I ran my first 5k, and now I have another 5k, a 4 miler and a half marathon in June on my plate. I love the challenge running provides.
Good luck on your training! Can’t wait to hear about it
So glad you caught the bug…it’s a good one! Good luck with your half!
If I ran two marathons (including Boston) in two weeks I would pay ridiculous amounts for a T-shirt advertising how much I kicked ass! You’re a rockstar!
Hahaha, thanks for the nice words Laura and you’re right. I’ll pay ridiculous amounts of money for that swag!
You don’t mess around when it comes to challenges! You’re gonna own it…I have no doubt!
Can I just say that this is absolutely crazy and absolutely genius at the same time? Girl you ROCK:) Slash I love your spunk!!
Awesome goals, and agreed, do the challenge now while it’s there for the taking. After all, you were already half way there!
I’ll be running Big Sur as well and am looking forward to a breathtaking run. Pun intended.
Ran the 2010 CIM in Sacramento as my first marathon, finished sub-4 (wahoo!). Now signed up for Big Sur with the American Cancer Society (DetermiNation). Turning 40 this month so my bday present to myself is to give back and ‘get’ to run this race. Can’t wait!
Good luck in both Boston & Big Sur, as well as your other races of course!
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