How Soon Should I Plan On Qualifying For The Boston Marathon?
3 years ago while I was still smoking, I barely ran an 11:00 minute mile. Today I averaged an 8:29 mile at a 10k race, my best. I quit smoking for good after the LA cancer challenge race last year. But now I want to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which means I have to average faster than a 7 minute mile for 26.2 miles. My current workout mile is 7:30 minutes. So question is, how long do you think I would have to train to qualify for the Boston? I’m thinking Boston 2009, which will give me 2 local and one state marathons to use as a qualifier. I’m using Yasso Tempo runs and Runnersworld’s Training calculators for my current workouts, but that was when I planned on running a 4 hour marathon, so I’m familiar with the data. BTW, I’m 6′3″, 205 lbs (lost 12lbs, 8 to go). This question goes from my wife to, who relatively in the exact same situation I’m in, from quitting smoking, same workout program, major fitness improvement, weight loss, and same goal….. relatively.
First of all….WOW…what a life changing decision you made. Congratulations. You can always run Boston as a bandit, meaning not a qualifier…but I understand the need to set this goal and accomplish it. Two years is a great time frame. Plenty of time to build the mileage base you will need for the endurance and to do the speed needed to increase your pace. Marathons are an endurance event. 50 miles a week, including one really long run each week in the 12 to 15 mile range should be sufficient. Once a week, on a shorter run throw in some intervals or speed work…10 to 12 burst of speed, for 20 to 30 seconds, during a mid range run. You can increase the number of sprints and the length as you feel more comfortable. Remember these simple rules, your body learns endurance from running a long time, your body learns speed from running fast. Mix it up and the best of luck. No matter what happens, you are already a winner.