In the winter when we don't always get outside to run, it can be fun to dream of running a big race like the Boston Marathon. Qualifying for that race is what motivates the training of many runners.
If you've run the Boston Marathon, then you are probably aware that the Boston Athletic Association or B.A.A. is the organization that runs the race. The B.A.A at 125 is billed as the official guide of the Boston Athletic Association.
It has a forward by Boston native Matt Damon. On marathon Monday almost every spectator knows some local running the race. The strong attachment the locals have to the race is evident to any runner that has done the event.
While even casual runners are aware of Boston, most do not know the history of the event or of the B.A.A. As a history buff, I enjoyed reading about the founding of the organization and the beginnings of the race.
The book covers the organizations founding in 1887 and the lean years when the organization's existence hung by a thread. The B.A.A was founded to promote sports among Boston's elite. Some B.A.A. firsts include:
- In the first modern Olympic games in Athens in 1896 nine of the fourteen US team members were members of the B.A.A.
- Members founded the Boston Marathon, the first in the US when the Olympic team members returned from Athens.
- Running was one of many sports supported by the club including rowing, football, boxing, water polo and track and field.
The book talks about the ups and downs of the club and the sometimes dramatic lives of those that lead the club. The club reflect the social times and changes in Boston itself. The volume if full of historic pictures from the club and its athletic events. For anyone that is a fan of the marathon, it is a great read.
*************
Chris
Wodke
Founder
& Manager Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com
Chris is
a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the
Boston Marathon. In 2012 she finished 2nd
at Boston in
the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs
exploded.
She has
appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint
Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open
Division Champion.
In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship. She has qualified to represent TeamUSA
at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago
in 2015.
In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship. She has qualified to represent Team
In 2014 she represented the U.S.
as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas , Texas
She
travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.
She is
the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a
CMT affected athlete.
Team CMT
is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure
for CMT. We have 1756 members in 31 states. We also have members in Australia , England ,Scotland , Canada ,
Vietnam , Turkey , Finland ,
Scotland , France and Iran . If you wish to join us visit
our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org
CMT or
Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It
affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS). It is a disease of the
nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of
normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.
Symptoms
include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor
balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual
dexterity.
Structural
foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.
Poor
tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold
hands and feet.
Additional
symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing
loss.
Additional Link
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Marathon Bombing
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