I’ve called my friends at the National Institute of Running Sciences lots of times seeking information about unusual topics. Turns out nearly every time, they’ve done a study or survey about it. The other day I had yet another request.
Many of my fellow running club members are trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon. It made me wonder what percentage of runners make qualifying for Boston a goal. Though Dr. Ayer O’Beck is the Chief of Running Research, I called I.P. Aard because she’s very pretty, and she visited me a few weeks ago.
Runners at the Boston Marathon Wait for the Starting Gun
“Jim, you squirt of honey! How are you?”
With a greeting like that, anyone can see why I like I.P. Aard so much. However, when I inquired about Boston, she told me I had to pay for the information.
“Jim, all the research we do costs tons of money, and you’ve called so many times and gotten information for free. The board made a decision to start charging you.”
I was devastated. I thought I was like family. I didn’t know what to say, and I could feel the tears coming. “Oh…..okay. I……I understand.”
“Sweet thing, I was joking. We’d never do that to you. I forgot you’re so sensitive. I’m sorry.”
I.P. is right. I get so out-of-proportion upset sometimes. But after a minute I recovered, and I.P. supplied me with the info I requested — 19% of all runners make a goal of qualifying for Boston at some point.
“Hope to hear from you again, very soon,” I.P. said. “You make my day when you call.”
“Thank-you, I.P. Talking to you is the highlight of my day,” I said.
Now, a contest: The photo caption says it’s the Boston Marathon. It isn’t. I blurrified the photo so it’d be hard to blow up and read the race bibs. If you leave a comment correctly identifying which marathon it is, you win a prize. Even if you have no idea looking at the photo, if you’ve read a recent Post, you might figure it out.
Good stats to know. You’re either part of the 19% or you’re not. As for the photo, I know I, and several other Flying Irish/Manito RC folks did NOT cross that start line this last weekend. No, none at all. 😉 And don’t let I.P. make you cry. We don’t want to see any more of that sad state!
K-Fast, you would have won the prize, but you did not come right out and say the answer. But I award you a gold star for knowing. I vow on my sweaty and wrinkled cape, I shalt not let I.P. make me cry.
That’s okay, I wanted to give someone else a shot so refrained from a direct answer. Thank you for your solemn vow… and entertaining read! 🙂
I will guess that is Couer D’ Alene Marathon.
Lauriea, you win the prize. Good job, a high five to you. I will make arrangements to present your prize. Would you like a private ceremony or a large audience to gather and applaud your outstanding achievement?
I say it is the Coeur D’ Alene Marathon start
Mr. Dietz, I’ve always thought you were a good guesser. You win a consolation prize for finishing second. I will have it delivered soon.
You have fooled them cable man, but I know. Picture is outside Budge Brothers Brewery. Eager consumers are lined up to dash for a new limited edition summer lager, perfectly hopped for elite runners and those wearing capes.
Your off-topic quip of a brewery and capes denotes a mind clouded with bad vibes and insanefulness. Heretofore, formulate a more cohesive answer so as not to trouble my kind and fair readers.
Hey Jim, …that’s intuitively apparent to the most causal observer!
Stephanie, I have a casual observer position open on my staff. I think you’d be a perfect fit.