As if to taunt me in my aspiration for Kara Goucher's legs without the hassle of Kara Goucher's mileage, Runner's World had to go and put her on the cover.
Don't get me wrong, though, I love Ms. Goucher. She shares the weird name of my undergrad alma mater, and has the chutzpah to shoot for a win in Boston after her stunning debut at the NYC Marathon in the fall.
And the dimples. My girl crush on her is in full force, only amplified by a quote from her in the RW feature that has her telling all of us she wants to get pregnant right after Boston. Only professional running makes space for women to have babies and return to racing without assuming their competitiveness somehow escaped their bods with the placenta. Love. It.
There are two consolations for me when it comes to watching the marathon from the sidewalk in a few weeks. One of them is running Jessica through the hills from Newton to Boston, which is the least I can do for her after she hosted me in Phoenix. The other thrill is the opportunity to see the elites race by, since I've always been several hours behind them on the course. I can't wait to see Kara's legs just after she's hurdled herself down Grossman's hill in Wellesley. Will I even see her legs, or will they be turning over too quickly?
Kara's legs, along with Kara's commentary, are featured in this video from Flotrack, shot during a training run on the course that she did in February. Boston runners get to see what the course looks like, and we can all enjoy her fearless run alongside Route 16 traffic. I tried my darndest to embed the video here, but my method of hopping up and down and yelling "Embed, damn it!" was ineffective, so click the link above.
Watch the whole thing to hear the fabulous closing comment on the location of the finish line. I'm pretty sure that while the giant banner is a good indication on race day, almost every runner thinks the same thing at the end of the course. Priceless.
My long run this weekend: 14 miles, 1:57, 8:21 pace. A ways off race goal pace of 7:37, but we're a ways off the race, too, so I haven't lost faith.
- Kristina
- I'm a recovering academic in psychology whose biggest contribution to the field of child development has been a little blond imp named Henry. When I feel conflicted over my chosen lot, I go for a run. I run a lot.
"Marathon Stuff" Store to Benefit Fit Girls, Inc.
Do You Follow Me?
Where I'm Going
Where I've Been (At My Best)
- 26.2: PF Chang Rock n Roll (Phoenix) 2009...3:57:54
- 13.1: Covered Bridges Half-Marathon 2009...1:40:46
- 10k: Tufts 10k for Women 2008....47:47
- 5k: Camp Hill Memorial Day Dash 2009...21:57
Subscribe To My Nonsense
Posts
Comments
Nighttime in the Garden
10 comments:
Hmmm... gotta check out those legs. My scrawny chicken legs will be so jealous, I'm sure!
Sounds like you're doing an awesome job with your training!
I can't wait to see Kara Goucher at Boston, I was excited to read that article.
I ran with another woman yesterday on the trail who Nate is coaching. I did the last 5 miles of my 20 with her and she about killed me. You guys have quite the coach, I don't know what I was thinking that I could complete my run with her.
You are going to crush the 1/2 marathon!
I will be at mile 8 serving gatorade and water with my three bambinos. Can't wait to see Kara too! I agree, she's a goddess.
Did you go to Goucher in Baltimore? That's only a mile from my house!
I love how she says she's going out for a 20 mile jog at 7:00 min pace...
I'm a sucker for dimples too! Thanks for the video link.
I wonder how tired the locals are of folks running up and down those roads? I grew up in a popular tourist area and everyone (i.e. locas) always wanted to take out folks walking down sidewalks, you know, just cuz.
Thanks so much for the video link...I'm still waiting for my issue of RW!
Nice time on the long run! Great job. Really looking forward to seeing you in Boston, and I will appreciate all the help! I can comment from work on here, just not at home..haven't figured that out yet.
I'm similarly girl crushing on Kara. In fact, when I'm doing a track workout I always envision her gutting out the 5k at the Olympics and think "KARA DOESN"T QUIT!" It works...
Post a Comment