Ran first marathon...got the bug...Boston training help?

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

To begin with, congratulations on your marathon. Apparently you won the genetic lottery since you did that well with so little training.

For a fast marathon, you'd like a flat or slightly downhill course in cool weather at fairly low altitude. PF Chang's Rock'N'Roll Marathon in Phoenix, Houston Marathon and the Portland Marathon may all fit the bill here. Don't sell short the smaller marathons. While you won't run into the same crowds in Oklahoma City or in New Orleans, they can be great fun in their own way and there will be less congestion to slow you down.

Virtually all marathon training programs have a mix of long days and short speed work. The long days build the endurance you need, which apparently isn't much of a problem for you. The key to training for a fast marathon is regular speed work. Intervals at high speed. To make Boston, you'll need to take the speed work just as seriously as the distance work.

I happened to watch the US Women's Olympic trials in Boston just a few weeks ago and was struck by the variety of body types among the elite women. While none of them were obese, many of them didn't look like they were starving either. In general though, the less you weigh, the faster you can go because the less energy it takes to move your body. Get down to the minimum weight you can and feel comfortable.

For what it is worth, I'm 5'11", 180 lbs and a two time Boston marathoner.