Boston Marathon spinoff!!

Has anyone here ever BQ-ed?

It's one of my goals to BQ. I don't care about actually running Boston, but it would be enough to know I qualify!

I figure I'm still young and have time to increase my speed. My dad didn't start running until he was in his late 40's and is now in his 50's and BQed!

I know the standards are pretty high (and getting higher in 2013) but wouldn't it be awesome to know you can do it?

Ahhh..wishful thinking!

Re: Boston Marathon spinoff!!

I'm guessing I'm a lot older than you, so I would say that my chances of BQ-ing are not great! I've run one marathon and several half marathons, but from my experience marathon training is not twice as hard as a half, but more like four times as hard! It really takes a toll on the body. I just don't have the time right now (2 toddlers) to put into working on speed enough to BQ....and I think that by the time I do have time, my body will be done LOL....

I'm hoping to run NYC this year, we'll see. If not, I'll focus on trying to set new PR's for a half!

I know several people who did qualify, it's very impressive!!

Re: Boston Marathon spinoff!!

It's not within the realm of possibility for me AT ALL! I love running but realistically I'm not that fast, I don't have the time or energy or desire to work on becoming that fast, and I wouldn't want to put that pressure on myself anyway.

I think it's an impressive & awesome accomplishment!!!

Runner's World had an artice this month all about BQ.-- check it out.

Re: Boston Marathon spinoff!!

this is my running goal. I was so incredibly bummed when they changed the standards. I was close to the 3:50 I needed for 40 (in 3 years), but now it will be back down to 3:45.

I still think I can do it. But it's not like you can do a marathon every month or so to keep trying Maybe twice a year, but that is tough too! I was bummed that I had tonsititis for my fall marathon and now I'm pregnant, it seems like it will be forever until my next attempt (March 2012). I will be 39 in Dec 2012, so I can use any time from fall 2012 to qualify for Boston 2014 as a 40 year old, so I'm thinking fall 2012 is my shot. Just need to recover from this baby!

Re: Boston Marathon spinoff!!

I'm rootin for you Erica!! I'm sure you're closer than I'll ever be...I was getting so fast before my knee gave me (grrr). I still have hopes!

Re: Boston Marathon spinoff!!

I'm seriously looking for downhill marathons to aid my pursuit! LOL

I've heard great things about Steamtown (Scranton, PA) as a BQ (800 foot net decline), but Tucson is in Dec and a 2000 foot net decline!

I'm thinking about giving Steamtown a shot and maybe doing Tuscon 2 months later


DH laughs at all my plans, b/c during each race I mumble "I'm never doing this again"

He's now used to it, he cheers for others at mile 25 and when they say that he yells back "That's what you all say!" He loves the whole cheering experience, b/c the runners usually cheer for his cheering...LOL