Last year, I decided to make BOSTON a goal of mine.
Of course, I know 2013 is not in the cards for me, but 2014 or 2015…I am setting my sights on! I just need a new race to focus on – and here’s the data that I’ve got since making my goal last year…
MARATHONS RUN: 6
CURRENT PR: 3:43:18 – achieved at the 2012 Baltimore Marathon
CURRENT BQ FOR MY AGE GROUP: 3:35
A run down of my MARATHONING CAREER:
- (First Marathon) November 2011 – The Richmond Marathon (3:59:13)
- March 2012 – The Shamrock Marathon (3:58:27)
- June 2012 – The Utah Valley Marathon (4:16:17)
- October 2012 – The Baltimore Marathon (3:43:18)
- December 2012 – The Three Bridges Marathon (4:03)
- January 2013 – The Walt Disney World Marathon (4:59:49)
So basically, I have run the gamut with PRs and PWs (though I can honestly say that both have special places in my heart) but when you get down to it, I have three sub-4’s and 8 minutes to shave off my time.
I am a member of RUN YOUR BQ and will be checking out some new training plans soon but in the meantime, I am on the hunt (once again) for great races. I’ve read lots of articles, talked to lots of runners and spent many hours on forums but would still LOVE to hear your suggestions…so please drop a line if you do! 🙂
ETA: Here’s a Pinterest Board I am working on with race suggestions 😀
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What’s your favorite marathon? If you haven’t run one, which would you love to participate in?
Favorite marathon = New Jersey Marathon in Long Branch! Beautiful area to run in, and it finishes on the boardwalk. Also, it is a flat, fast course. I’d love to do the New Orleans marathon at some point!
Adding to my big marathon list! And agree! New Orleans sounds like it’d be fun!!
You will get a BQ- you are already pretty close to a 3:35! My favorite marathon so far is CIM. I am running my 5th marathon this May.
Thanks for your constant support, Tasha! I will have to celebrate with you once I get there!! 😀
You can do this, I know it, I feel it and you will be there in 2014.
Thanks, Lisa! I will be cheering you virtually THIS April, you rockstar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have no clue on the BQ, but I know you’ll be there in ’14! I don’t know that I will ever step up to a full marathon, but if I did, I’d love to run the WDW Marathon or maybe do a Ragnar Relay (not a marathon, but I’d probably end up running the same amount of miles in the end).
WDW marathon is definitely magical! 😀 Ragnar also sounds great! I hope to do one in the future!!! 😀
Krissy, I know that feeling! And with your determination that BQ will be yours soon. My BQs are from Disney (squeaked in at 3:44 – my BQ was 3:45) and Shamrock (3:37). So obviously I am older than you and don’t have to run such a fast time! Races that I’ve heard are good for BQs: Steamtown, Columbus, Wineglass, Erie. But of course you have to know what works for you in terms of a marathon course. I absolutely hate crowded courses so seek out those that are a little smaller where I have room to run. National Marathon here in DC might be another option, although now that it’s an RnR it’s probably crowded. And on Tuesday I “ran” into a girl who qualified at Charlottesville, and she said she hates hills! Good luck to you.
A – Thank you so much for your helpful constant support and this comment! Fall marathons are sounding awfully attractive right now!! 😀
You got the girl! I feel likei might fall apart if I try to BQ. 😉 I need to do a full first!
You are an amazing athlete, girl! You have really been rocking the runs – watch out MCM!!! 😀
Vermont City Marathon is an amazing race. I have run it 4 times. Not running this year but will be spectating and would love to have you there. 2 hills otherwise pretty flat after mile 16. Huge spectator support.
Robin – Vermont is always in my mind…spectator support is definitely important for me as I have learned…
I’m excited for you to get that BQ- you’re so close! Coming off Houston, I loved that course. But it won’t get you in 2014, as it’s a January race. I’ve heard great things about Philadelphia and am hoping to do the full there in November… looks like you got lots of good suggestions!
Congrats again on your awesome performance, L! 😀 I am so inspired by you!!! I LOVED running in Philly for fun, so that would actually be amazing, great suggestion – it’ll be hard to decide! SO lucky to have so many awesome ideas from y’all!!
I won’t get caught up in what other people are saying because yes, there are a lot of great races out there. But if Boston is your goal, you should hone in on that goal and come up with two races for it to happen — one for the fall and then one for late winter next year should that BQ not happen this year. Honestly, I think you should pick course you’re familiar with and close to — as I mentioned on FB, Richmond would be a great option for you. Shamrock would be a good back-up plan. But don’t tax your body on race week and fly somewhere unless you’re going to be there 2-3 days before hand to let your body acclimate. The race’s altitude, weather, size, on-course support and aid stations, etc. all should be considered. (Other than the two I’ve mentioned, you should look into OBX, Myrtle Beach, Baltimore since you’re familiar with it, Thunder Road in Charlotte, just to name ones I’ve heard about)
Thanks, David! I always appreciate your sensical arguments 🙂
Good luck with whatever race you choose….I may have to plan a visit to see my parents just so I can cheer for you at the Boston Marathon in 2014!
Hey Ms Speedy, you might be right alongside me 😉
One of the advantages of getting older is that I have 4:10 to run my BQ. One of the disadvantages is that 4:10 is a lot harder than it used to be.
You can do this. Pick a great (fast course), do the training, and you can do it. My PR was in the St. George Marathon,. It has a net loss in elevation and the last six miles are basically downhill. I don’t know anything about east coast races, though, but picking a flat, fast course is key.
Thanks, Debbie! You are a big inspiration for me and i appreciate you commenting here 😀 I cannot wait to make it happen!!!
Good luck on picking the right race!! You can do this! I have no plans to ever run a marathon, but if I were to, it would either be WDW or I’d love to do Athens so I could run the original “marathon”. 🙂
I recall the moment after I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon, my hubs asked me if I ever wanted to do a full. I think my response was “Oh HELL no.” Hahaha! 😀
Athens would certainly be interesting! But yes, WDW….it’s awesome!!
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I want to run Boston before I turn 40. But since its my hometown I will cheer you on whatever year you run!
Thanks, Kelly! 😀 We’ll be there!! 😀
I don’t have any suggestions, since I’ve never actually run a marathon. I know that you’ll get your BQ though, you are a super strong runner with lots of determination!
I appreciate the encouragement! 😀
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