Ready to Run: The Final Countdown to Jack and Jill Downhill Marathon

picking up my bib and meeting the pacers

In just a few days, I’ll be standing at the starting line of the Jack and Jill Downhill Marathon in North Bend, Washington, a moment I’ve envisioned repeatedly during months of training, long runs, recovering and preparing for the moment. It’s a race known for its beauty and its potential for fast times, and for me, it’s more than just another marathon. It’s my shot to qualify for Boston with a target finish time of 3:49-hr or better.

The anticipation is real, and so is the gratitude. Training for this race has been a journey of commitment and discipline over almost two years, but a dream of many more years. From tempo runs to long weekend miles, recovery sessions to nutrition and glucose tracking, I’ve learned to listen to my body and to trust the process. Every training cycle teaches something new, not just about pacing and technique, but about resilience, humility, and balance. This time around, I’ve focused not just on pushing hard, but on resting well making sure my body and mind are ready for what’s ahead. I had a hip pain during long runs two months ago but with enough rest it went away.

The Jack and Jill course offers a gentle downhill on a packed gravel trail through the stunning Cascade Mountains. The scenery alone is enough to make you feel inspired, but for many runners, it’s also a chance to post a personal best, if managed well. That’s the challenge I’m embracing to run strong, stay focused, and respect the distance.

I feel rested. I feel prepared. I feel excited. There’s something uniquely joyful about being on the edge of a goal you’ve worked so hard for. I feel fortunate to be able to get to the start line as I have visualized crossing the finish line with a qualifying time.

Boston is the dream. But no matter what happens on race day, I know I’ve already won something deeper, the joy of preparation, the confidence of consistency, and the strength that comes from honoring a commitment to yourself.

See you on the trail, Jack and Jill marathon.