How to prepare for Boston Marathon Qualifying?

Question

I ran my first marathon (Country Music Marathon) two weeks ago. It was an amazing experience and has drawn me to the sport.

It was an impulsive decision and I only had two weeks to train before the race. I was able to get a 4:15 (which would have been faster had I not hit the wall...sub 4 pace with quicker splits up until 20 miles).

I now have the desire to run several more marathons and hopefully qualify for the 09 or 10 Boston. I have three questions

1) what are some good marathons (large-the experience, and fast-for boston), preferably in the west?

2) How should I go about training to qualify (3:10). I believe that I could easily (1 month training) do a 3:45, but how do I cut the additional half hour off... I ran XC two years ago, but (7:15 pace for 26 miles seems tough- 20 miles is doable though).

3) I have a larger figure due to weight training with protein (185lbs, 6' 1'), (30lbs heavier than xc, felt it marathoning). What is the minimum amount of weight I should lose?

Answer 1

Well the biggest thing you need to work on is get your endurance up log in many more miles.  You want to get yourself to comfortably run 20+ miles.  Once or twice  month get in a long comfortable endurance run say 15 to 20 miles.  This would be a great time to go to the library and read up on marathon training or see if there is a local running club near by.  That might be your best bet.  You will meet many marathoners and they can tell you the good races to attempt to qualify and you will have the help of fellow runners to keep you motivated.

Good Luck

http://eninjatraining.blogspot.com/

Answer 2

Can't really offer too much advice but just want to say congrats on your victory. What an awesome run that was-huh? I ran the half in the CMM and can't wait until next year. Couldn't fathom tackling the whole.

Answer 3

1) Don't know to many good marathons out west (ya did Country Music, that is in Nashville?? right)  The best one for course and large amount of people is Chicago in Oct., some of the better times run on this course.

2) Your going to have to slowly (only 10% each week) bump your mileage up, do long runs every two weeks or so of at least 15-23 miles.  Make sure you can hold a pace that will get you qualified, when not training 15 secs. per mile slower is fine b/c once your in the race you'll be able to go faster.....just make sure don't go out to fast, know what your splits need to be and stick to the plan as best as possible.

3) At 6'1 and 185 your going to have to get to about 170 to accomplish your qualifying goal of 3:10,  You could carry your weight well (if muscular) doing a 5K, but the marathon distance is a beast and being heavier is harder on the body for this long of a distance.......... Good Luck trying to qualify