This entry was posted on 2/15/2007 6:33 PM and is filed under uncategorized.
Thank you to everybody who has taken the time out of their busy schedules and drop me a note of encouragement! Words can't express my appreciation. Any time I'm lacking motivation, it provides a real boost.On the other side of the coin, I probably get about 2 dozens email from people who definately didn't play under power lines when they were kids telling me that I HAVE NO CHANCE OF WINNING THE MARATHON!!!!!!!
The following is one of my favorites to date...
As a runner who tries to encourage as many people to run as possible, I
applaud your efforts to attempt to complete a marathon. Also, raising
money for charities through your endeavors is a noble cause. However,
I wish that you had chosen another marathon. To dedicated runners,
Boston represents a sacred goal. Many of my fellow runners and I log
an incredible number of miles each week in the hopes of being able to
qualify for Boston. I'm sure that you have received an exception to
run because of your fundraising efforts.
In my opinion, this
is why you don't belong. Anyone who runs Boston should earn it. Your
participation in the marathon diminishes the experience for everyone
involved.
Why set my alarm for 4:30 or 5:00 each morning to train if I
can slide into Boston by a publicity stunt--albeit an altruistic one?
When I finally do qualify for Boston, I want to line up with elite
athletes who have proven their dedication through years of training and
thousands of miles. It is nothing against you personally, but you are
the guy who cuts in line to the detriment of everyone behind you. I
would have much more respect for you if you chose another marathon.
Run New York, run Chicago, run Los Angeles. All of those are open to
all ability levels. Boston should be reserved for top athletes, which
is not you. It also is not me at this point, but my hope is that some
day it will be.
Best regards,
John Toth
Palmdale, CAP.S. I definately do have a lot friends who don't think I suck at life (OKAY I ADMIT I ADDED THAT LINE
So after a few weeks and between 120-150 emails from experts weighing in with their analysis (most of which I suspect is coming from my mother)...
I finally did some research on the Marathon and it appears that these people are correct. I cannot win the Boston Marathon. This has been a crushing blow to my psyche. All this time, I was under the impression that the 14-minute miles I was logging were the type of elite performance that was needed to secure victory over my arch-nemisis "Kenyan Steve".
So it is clear that I cannot avenge my loss in last year's marathon...
So after a long day of curling up next to the tv set watching a marathon of Reece Witherspoon movies, eating tubs of rocky road ice cream with tears in my eyes and curlers in my hair...
...I've decided to continue my efforts despite the fact that I won't win.
I know. I know. I probably should just listen to these people and help their cause. I could then show up on Marathon Monday with a pair of scissors and cut the rope that binds the blind people that run the race with their guides. I could also shove sticks in the spokes of all the wheelchair athletes.
Then and only then, true marathoners like John Toth from Palmdale, CA could run in tranquility and wouldn't have to contend with sideshow freaks like myself.
You go John Toth from Palmdale, CA. Go for the Gold and definately
don't get hit by a bus in the process.
I definately didn't grow up putting in 16-hour days of beekeeping 6 and sometimes 7 days a week. I definately don't get up at 5 in the am (after all I'm fat remember and fat people don't get up that early) to go run outside in sub-0 temperatures.
I guess I've been so busy welching off of society that I forgot how much dedication I lack and how much I suck at life. Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you for reminding me.
OH AND JUST TO BE CLEAR...A few more miles logged. Bank it.
See ya Marathon Monday John.
