I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently…will I ever BQ (qualify for the Boston Marathon)? My mom and I want to run the Boston Marathon so bad and qualify one day. One day being the key word. Running 8:XX minute miles for 26.2 miles seems impossible right now! Though for her, her qualifying time is 4:00 (mine is 3:35).
My last marathon was in 4:50, which was a big improvement from my first (awful) marathon of 5:15. That first one was the worst I have ever felt in a race before, and I remember feeling so bad for holding my mom back. But at least I got some redemption in my second NYC Marathon by running faster and not stopping to walk at all! And we crossed the finish line smiling, whereas the first time I was angry, yelling at my mom, and ended up puking in the bushes as soon as I crossed. Good times!
So now, as we are a month or so away from beginning marathon training (ps. – we got into the Chicago Marathon!), we are discussing goals. I think we can run under 4:30, but who knows. I’m feeling particularly inspired after reading this post on Reddit about someone who went from a 4:51 marathon to a 3:33 marathon!
I know that I need to run more miles, and will aim to run about 40-50 mpw. And I know many runners/bloggers I read are running anywhere from 30-50, if not more…so that’s where you all come in.
I have a few questions for my fellow runners, whether you have BQ-ed or not:
- If you have qualified for Boston, how long did it take you? How many marathons?
- What would you say has been a key factor in getting faster/more comfortable at running faster speeds?
- If you run over 30 miles per week, how do you balance strength training and cross training? I see a lot of runners who still manage to do spin classes and yoga classes…I can’t seem to fit it all in my schedule! Do you do 2-a-days?
- OR do you forego cross training for more miles (i.e. – running 6 days a week)?
- Has anyone reading this gone from a 4:XX marathon to a 3:35 or less? That’s the time I need to qualify. Or do you know of any running bloggers who have?
- Have you ran the Chicago Marathon? Thoughts on the course? I’m mostly nervous about the hit or miss weather!
Any answers, tips, advice, etc. would be greatly appreciated! I am feeling motivated and ready to at least get a sub 4:30 in my next marathon. Thank you for your help!
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