After hearing all about the Boston Marathon this week, it got me thinking about my own journey to a BQ. I’ll keep it short for today (less than 5 minutes) and then maybe revisit this topic again another time.
When I started running marathons in 2011, a BQ did not even cross my mind. My goal was to finish and complete the distance. As I did a few more marathons, my times got faster and I realized that a BQ was within reach. In fact, based on some of my other races times those “race predictors” suggested that I could run around a 3:30 which would be 5 minutes faster than a BQ for me at the time.
During those races I was 30-33 yeas old. I needed to run a 3:35. My last marathon was in 2015 and I ran a 3:41. Now, I’m months away from turning 35 and therefore my BQ time is suddenly a 3:40. (Of course, I would need a cushion to get in, I’m sure).
I always said that would want to run a 3:35 even if I didn’t BQ until after I was 35. However, as my qualifying time has gotten easier, my fitness has gotten worse.
My injuries have really set me back over the years. However, I absolutely put my health ahead of my speed and I would rather be running slower than not running.
Sometimes I question if and when I will want to train for another marathon, and how long it will take me to get back to being in shape to try to BQ. I have a feeling it will take a while. But that’s ok.
I do know that I have it in me to make it to Boston one day, and to eventually run my goal time even if it’s years from now.
It just seems ironic that as my goal time has become within reach, my setbacks have pushed me further away.
[Tweet “Boston gets closer and further away: my journey to a #BQ @milebymilerun”]
Have you run a BQ?
Is it one of your goals?
Do you ever feel like your setbacks push your goals further out of reach?
I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy for the Friday Five 2.0!
Running can be very frustrating sometimes, right? Everything has to come together just perfectly. I hope it happens for you!
Exactly! Thanks, I know I still have time it just feels like such a long process!
You completely echo my thoughts in your post. My BQ is now 4:10 but that number is much farther away than I ever thought it would be. Years of miles, menopause, RA…it’s all taken a toll. There’s a reason BQs get more generous with age!
You are so right! I didn’t think I would feel different at (almost) 35 but I am definitely slower due to my setbacks!
I was one of the “lucky” ones who was able to check the BQ off my bucket list early in my running career. I ran 3 BQ races but chose not to run my third Boston because it had become such a hot commodity by then I figured I’d give my space to someone else. I hear many people saying they’ll BQ when they’re “older” because it’s “easier” then, but what I’ve learned as I age is that so many things can get in the way of that. People who want to BQ need to go for it sooner than later.
I think you are right. I mean as much as I hope to still be running marathons in 10 or 20 years I just don’t know where I’ll be at that point.
It is ironic for sure! Just when I think “this is my time to PR” at a certain race, setbacks happen. Yup there is a reason it’s harder to qualify when you are older. Running Boston has never been a goal of mine as I am not a marathon runner. If it’s something you really want to do, hope you find yourself in the position to train for it!
Thanks! Running sure can be frustrating.
It’s frustrating how injuries or personal like issues get in the way of our fitness goals. You sound incredibly determined to BQ so I believe that you’ll get that time. One of my goals is to run a marathon!
Thanks! Running a marathon is a great goal!
Running can be so frustrating that way! I hope you get your BQ someday!
Thanks! I hope so too!
Set backs are so frustrating especially when it comes to running! I don’t do races but I hate when injury keeps me at bay
It really is frustrating when they get in the way of doing something you enjoy. By the way, I tried to comment on your blog post today a few times but I was suspected as a bot…lol.
I never thought I would either, but surprised myself! You have 5 years to reach that time once you move up in that new age group. I think you can do it if injuries stay away! You are a strong runner!
Thats a good point that now I’ll have 5 years in this age group. And thanks! I just need to make sure I don’t get hurt anymore.
I’ve never even had a desire to run a marathon…the half is about as long as I want to run!
You are an amazing runner and I have no doubt that you could run a BQ time one day 😉
Go get your dreams!
Thank you! I do know I’ll want to go for it at some point, I’m just too nervous to get back to marathons!
I completely understand this. I felt my strongest with training, then my IT band went. I spent years trying to battle it and get stronger. Now I know my limits, and I don’t even think I’ll try a half marathon again. I’m enjoying being slower and still running. I’m still out there, with different goals 🙂
Injuries are so frustrating, but as long as we can keep running, thats what matters!
I’ve BQ’d twice, and didn’t make the cut once of those 2 times. With my new age bracket it’s definitely something that is back on my mind again! I’m with you – my injuries have put me farther away from that Boston goal. My target would be 2020, so a Fall marathon would be my first try at it. I think I might just give it a try and see if I can run distance again. Not sure my body is willing to do it or not! I do enjoy being able to run, even though I am slower now too.
Maybe we will both end up running in 2020! I probably won’t go for a fall marathon this year (thinking I should focus on a strong half first), but maybe next spring. I have no idea if my body will be up for the challenge!
I go back and forth on wanting to BQ or not. On the one hand, I think I could if I trained. It would take a few years to get there no doubt. But on the other hand, I have no interest because I don’t want to run that hard for 26.2 miles. I’d rather just enjoy the journey.
I think you’ll get there when you’re ready. Don’t worry too much about it. 🙂
I think if I focus on staying healthy and training when Im ready that I’ll get there. Like you, I don’t want to sacrifice the enjoyment of the process just to hit a goal time.
I can relate to this in a way. I BQ’ed back when <35 was 3:40 and I BQ'ed again when it was changed to 3:35. (Both times I was in my late 20s. Now I am almost 36 so I need a 3:40 to BQ but I feel like I am nowhere close to doing it. I feel like the speed training involved for me (since I can't "naturally" BQ) will break my body down at this point. While I feel very thankful that I ran Boston twice, I would freaking love to do it again and hope to someday.
I can relate to this in a way. I BQ’ed back when <35 was 3:40 and I BQ'ed again when it was changed to 3:35. (Both times I was in my late 20s. or early 30s.Now I am almost 36 so I need a 3:40 to BQ but I feel like I am nowhere close to doing it. I feel like the speed training involved for me (since I can't "naturally" BQ) will break my body down at this point. While I feel very thankful that I ran Boston twice, I would freaking love to do it again and hope to someday.
It really is that speed work that makes it more challenging. I feel like we have both managed to stay injury free by just listening to our bodies, so is it really worth adding in specific workouts to hit a goal time? I’m hoping that over time my body will eventually be able to train hard, I just know I need to give myself plenty of time to get there.
I was just talking about Boston with a friend. I just read “Running the Smoke” and it made me want to run London. I spent some summers in New England but Boston has no appeal. It’s bizarre. Agree with you on healthy vs. speedy, I dropped my Mile High classes in an attempt to stay healthy
I would love to run London some day too. I studied abroad there in college, right around the time that I was just starting to run!
Oh man, I totally get it. I am nowhere near a BQ (I mean, I haven’t even attempted a marathon yet – ha!) but things really have to come perfectly together, don’t they? It’s kind of a gamble, or so it feels.
It really is! I feel like its such a long journey to even be able to attempt it, and then everything has to go perfectly.