My history lesson at the Boston Marathon

On April 19, 2010 I ran in the 114th Boston Marathon. It is the oldest and most prestigious marathon in the world. One reason is that in order to run Boston you need to qualify. To qualify for Boston women 18-34 years old need to run a qualifying marathon in 3:40:59 and men 18-34 need to run a 3:10:59. I qualified at Columbus running a 3:11:36. I learned in my preparation for Boston that women were not allowed to run the Boston Marathon until 1972. The first woman, Kathrine Switzer, ran Boston wearing a bib number in 1967 by registering using her initials K.V. Switzer. The race director was unsuccessful in trying to rip her bib number off and forcing her off the course at mile 5 and she was the first woman to cross the finish line wearing a bib number. I got to meet her at the Expo, have my picture taken with her and have her autograph a copy of her book. This meant a lot to me because if it were not for her courage and determination in 1967 it may not have been possible for me and other women to run the Boston Marathon. Also, the Boston Marathon is held every year on Patriot's Day, the third Monday in April. Patriot's Day is a holiday in recognition of Paul Revere's ride. Schools and many businesses are closed. While in Boston I was able to take a walking tour of the "Freedom Trail". I saw the spot where the Boston Massacre took place, where they first read the Declaration of Independence, The Old State House and many other historical sites. Running the Boston Marathon made me feel special to be a part of something that not everyone gets the opportunity to do and an event that is so rich in history. It is something I will remember forever. Also, history was made at the 114th Boston Marathon when a new course record was set for the men and I get to say that I ran in the footsteps of the elite runner that set a new course record. I crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 15 minutes with a wonderful feeling of accomplishment, pride and being a part of history.