BQ

I'm happy to report that I ran a BQ (Boston Qualifier) marathon on Sunday (!!!!!!!!). In case you didn't know, qualifying for the Boston Marathon is one of my dreams. I can't really pinpoint when exactly it became a dream; however, I know that it was sometime in 2010 after I first experienced the greatness of Marathon Monday.



Why do I want to run it so bad you ask?

First of all, qualifying for the Boston Marathon represents an impressive achievement for runners in general. It not only means you're tough enough to withstand long training sessions, painful workouts, or the vicious mind-game that starts somewhere after mile 15--a toughness all marathon runners have in common. It also means you went the extra mile (pun intended) to become physically faster and mentally more powerful. It means you are in the slim category of runners that meet the stringent qualification times set out by the BAA.

And for me it means more.



No, I wasn't born in Boston; I wasn't even born in the U.S. However, I did live in Boston for four and half years. I also watched the marathon five times, each time thinking to myself, "how awesome would it be to be one of those runners who we're all out here cheering for?"



Then 2013 came along. I want to keep this post a joyous one, so I'll just say that it was in April 2013 when I finally decided to go for it. I would run a marathon and qualify for Boston.

And so I ran my first marathon in July 2014. Even though I enjoyed the experience immensely, I didn't manage to run fast enough. I was 12 minutes short of my age-group cutoff. I decided I would take a long break. I would qualify for Boston some day.



Well that day came faster than expected! I'm still experiencing the bliss that results from months of training and honestly I hope it lasts until I cross the finish line on Beacon St.

Anyways, moving onto food, here's a quick recipe for a delicious chickpea salad spread. It goes great with toast or naan; I'm sure it also pairs well with crudités or crackers. Enjoy!



Chickpea Salad Spread (adapted from Food & Wine)
Makes about 4 servings.
Active time: 20 minutes; total time: 20 minutes.

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1/2 small red onion, minced
• One 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons Tofutti
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional topping) 

1. In a small sauce pan, heat coconut oil over a medium-high heat until just melted. Add onion and cook until fully cooked and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir constantly so as not to burn. Set aside. 
2. In a medium bowl, mash chickpeas using a fork. Add cooked onion and remaining ingredients and mix very well. 
3. Season with salt and pepper; add more lemon juice or mustard as desired. Serve with toast, naan, or crackers.