What Was I Thinking (Part 3): The Point of No Return

I don't know why people didn't take me seriously when I explained my plan to run the Boston Marathon, which was only 3 months away, and my plan to raise $1,000 per mile that I completed? 

There seemed to be a four fold response every time I mentioned it.

First, I'd get the disbelieve..... "Sure you are!  That's a good one Martin! Then are you climbing Everest?" 

Then I'd get the concern..... "But you might hurt yourself.  You have to be careful. You know your family has a history of heart ailments."

Then the underestimations.... "Maybe you should run just part of the maration" or "$1,000 is a pretty hefty goal, you should shoot for something more reasonable.  $500 would be a much more achievable objective".

And finally.... the support.  "So how much would you like me to sponsor you for?"

I knew that all of my goals for this venture were attainable, however, first things first.  As much as I thought this was a great idea.... oh.... it was a doozy... I wasn't going to do it unless I could get an actual entry into the race.  I didn't think that it would be appropriate for me to ask people to sponsor me if I was doing something that was frowned upon.

I did some research and found that the Boston Marathon really disapproves of people just hopping on the course and running the race.  They have support, medical units and security for a certain number of runners.  When people just use the course without having an entry, it could cause problems for others.  I know had my first obstacle to overcome.

I discovered that the Boston Athletic Association does give out a certain number of charity numbers to be used by fundraising groups.  Unfortunately, the deadline to request one of these numbers had passed months earlier. I found one of these numbers on Ebay, however, it was quit expensive and I didn't feel comfortable spending that much money.

Now what?  Is my plan going to cramp up and drop out like an untrained marathon runner?

I don't think so!  I am not one to give up and I decided that I would find a way to make this happen, to get myself a number for this race.  It seemed like there were a few people that seemed relieved that I might not get in and I did understand their concern, but it was not going to stop me.

My mom was the one that reminded me of a possible solution..... cousin Stephen.  You see, my cousin Stephen worked for a company that was involved with some aspect of the Boston Marathon.  Due to his employment with this company, he had been driving the lead pace car in the Boston Marathon for about a decade. 

Stephen returned my call and told me that all of the charity numbers had been given out, however, he was familiar with a group that had been given numerous numbers.  He said that I should write a letter explaining my charity and my plan and he would get it to them.

One week later.... I received my number in the mail.

That's when reality came back into focus.  When my mind said, "OK, you can have Martin back now."  When I realized what I was holding in my hand.  What have I done!!!!  This is a Boston Marathon number!!!  What was I thinking!!!  I can't run a marathon!!!  I thought I might run and hide under the bed.... but it was too late.  I had passed the point of no return. I had made the announcement to our membership at Friday night services a few days earlier and now I had an official entry.

In twelve weeks.... I was going to run the Boston Marathon.  Now what do I do?

Stay tuned for What Was I Thinking (Part four): Super Dave

What Was I Thinking (Part one): In the Beginning 
What Was I Thinking (Part two): Goodbye Reality 

In Boston for the Boston Maration?
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