The Bubble to Beantown: Kate Looney, Spring

FOTRC:  Is this your first time to run Boston?

Kate:  Yes.

FOTRC:  Which race did you use as your qualifying race for Monday's race?

Kate:  I used the 2013 Garmin Oz Marathon in Olathe, Kansas as my qualifier.  (Kate ran the marathon just south of Kansas City in 3:30:24, fourth overall and first in her age group.)

FOTRC:  What's your goal for Monday's race - time and/or experience?

Kate:  (It’ll be a) game day decision.  I'm getting over a cold/allergies and a nasty fall that banged up my knee pretty good on my last 20-mile run 10 days ago.  Prior to that I had a great training block for Boston, so if by Sunday I'm feeling 100%, then I'm going to attempt to best my PR time from the 2014 Houston Marathon. (Ed. – That time was 3:17:08.) 

I've told myself though that no matter what, I'm honored to run this race, and I will not forget to look up and take in the incredible event I get to be a part of.  I plan to do lots of high-fiving!

FOTRC:  Anybody making the trip with you?

Kate:  I'm traveling up with Susan Rouse and Dan Jordan, and will split a hotel room – and lots of fun, I’m sure -- with some amazing runners from Volte:  Michelle McGill, Erica Cahill, Krista Powers, and Nicole Schoppe.

FOTRC:  What’s your most memorable moment from qualifying?

Kate:  The 2013 Houston Marathon was my first BQ.  Conditions were terrible to start with a cold front, wind, and rain (or was it sleet?)  I remember at mile two (2) running through huge puddles and feeling so cold and thinking, "I'm wasting so much energy right now...maybe this isn't the day to BQ.  Wait, no, I've got to try.  Just back off a little bit and keep moving".  I'm so glad I didn't give up.

At mile 16, still feeling good, I remember thinking, "I can do this. I can REALLY DO THIS!!!” Couldn't celebrate too much with the toughest miles ahead, but I allowed myself a little moment of joy. It was a wonderful feeling!

You never know how things can turn around in a marathon!
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Even though she lives just outside of “The Bubble”, Kate Looney, 33, of Spring is one of 44 runners registered for this year’s Boston Marathon from Montgomery County of Spring.  If there’s anybody that has a handle on Monday’s race day weather, it’ll be Kate as she’s a former meteorologist.