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2 Replies Last post: Jul 11, 2007 12:48 PM by elkinthepool  
Click to view RunninginMA22's profile Rookie 1 posts since
Jul 11, 2007
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Jul 11, 2007 12:41 PM

Boston Marathon 2008- Advice on Qualifying

I'd like to run the Boston Marathon in 2008. I've been running for 10 years, never too seriously but I've always enjoyed challenging myself and signing up for races to measure my efforts. Lately I've been doing more and more half marathons and 10k's and have a dream to complete a marathon. I live in Boston so I really would love to do it here.

My question is this- I've never ran more than 14 miles so I can't even begin to guess how my body would react to more than that, what my time would be or whether I even have the capacity to qualify at a 3:40 time. I run half marathons in 1:45. Is it realistic to think I could qualifty? That's a 8 minute mile half marathon and I'd need an 8.30/mile marathon time.
Click to view DanMoriarity's profile Legend 823 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
1. Jul 11, 2007 12:46 PM in response to: RunninginMA22
Re: Boston Marathon 2008- Advice on Qualifying
I think it's realistic given your half marathon times. You can start adding distance to your long run ( maybe add 1 mile per week or every other week ) while continuing your regular training and see how it goes. Before you run a marathon I think you should ideally have at least 3-4 training runs of 20-22 miles under your belt, with the last long run being 2-3 weeks before your marathon.
Click to view elkinthepool's profile Amateur 14 posts since
Jul 6, 2007
2. Jul 11, 2007 12:48 PM in response to: RunninginMA22
Re: Boston Marathon 2008- Advice on Qualifying
The running calculators out there would put your marathon potential (based on your 1/2 time) just a minute or a few over the 3:40 time. That assumes, of course, that your adequately prepared, physically and mentally, for the distance.

In addition to pure conditioning, you've also got to be ready for both mental fatigue and for glycogen depletion at a level you won't experience running only 14 miles. So, while I think you're certainly talented enough to qualify, a smart plan might be to get a marathon under your belt with no intention of qualifying and use that experience to help you chart a plan to BQ. Given your 1/2 times, you should be able to make a serious run at BQ not too many races after (perhaps even the 2nd if you're very fit).