Boston or Bust
Written by Matt // February 10, 2011 // Marathon Training // 5 Comments // 912 views
Boston or Bust is one man’s quest to qualify and stand on the starting line at one of the world’s most prestigious foot races, the Boston Marathon. Follow Matt Burns as he trains for Pocono Marathon Run For The Red this May. Gain insights into what it takes to train for a marathon, how to properly nourish your body, what kind of workouts to run and more as we follow Matt on his journey.
Hello runners of the Lehigh Valley. Most of you may not know me yet, but I’m pretty sure I’ve met a fair number of you. It was most likely on the Lehigh Valley Parkway, or perhaps on the canal tow-path. Basically you ran with, into and past me at some point. I’m the guy who usually runs alone, and in the dark or on the trails and through the snow. So, although we’ve never met officially, I now say hello and well met! Now that we know each other a bit, let’s talk about Boston.
It’s the Boston Marathon! It’s the one race that most, if not all, runners dream about. It’s legendary in status and stature. Every year a pang of jealousy kicks me in the gut when I watch the race on TV. Guilt, I suppose, for not being fast enough. It also raises its fair share of questions: Can I qualify for Boston? How fast do I have to be, really? What’s this “Heartbreak Hill” I keep hearing about? Well, in the coming months, we’re going to answer these questions together as I try to become a Boston Qualifier.
I’m not training for Boston, mind you. I’m training for the Pocono Marathon Run for the Red. Apparently it’s one of the fastest in the country. This is good news, because I’m going to need all the help I can get. Now, I’ve got 96 days to get my butt in gear and tack on some speed. I’m already two weeks into a planned 16 week training plan. I missed all of last week because of a bad case of the plague. But, if we’re going on this journey together, let me tell you what I’m up against.
I’m 30-years-old and that means I have to run a 3:10.59 to BQ. That’s fast. That’s blazingly fast (for me)! My fastest marathon was the Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via this past September, which I ran in 3:50.06. So, I have to shave 40 minutes off my time. It’s astonishing amount of time to make up, but I have a trick up my sleeve (and no, it’s not afterburners and roller skates). But I’ll save that for next time.
Am I crazy? Most definitely! Is it possible? Only if I put in the training and eat right. I’m no slouch in the marathon department either. Let me know what you think in the comments. See you out there!
- Matt
5 Comments on "Boston or Bust"
Hey Matt. I’ll be waiting for your trick to see if I can use it. I’m in a boat very similar to yours, I ran Via in 3:33, and then 4 weeks later dropped that to 3:24 at Steamtown. That’s still off my BQ target of 3:15. I was going to run Pocono, but thought my best chance of shaving another 9 minutes off would be in the fall after a summer of training. I heard Pocono is actually very hilly and I’m stilling waiting for the BAA changes to Boston to see the new qualifying times. I’m sure I’ll come across you at the Parkway or Canal path in the coming weeks. Good luck!!
Matt, I am excited for these series of articles and seeing what you can do. The way you already have the experience at 26.2 and knowing what to expect, hopefully you will make your goal of first and foremost a PR and hopefully a BQ will result of that.
I BQ’d on my 9th Marathon at Pocono last year and thought it was challenging, but attainable. Just train more for rolling hills on the 2nd half of your run and this will help immensely.
See you on another beer run!
Mike
Good luck, Matt! I look forward to reading about your quest to BQ. I also BQ’d at Pocono–it’s a great course. I wouldn’t call it very hilly, more rolling as Mike said above.
Hi Matt,
I’m considering this race for a BQ as well. Missed in by 3 minutes TWICE on flat courses, but it’s been a few years. Looking for training and race day strategies. Can’t wait to hear more about your trick!!
Hey Matt!
Looking forward to reading your series! I believe you can do it! I ran the Philly Marathon in 2009 and needed to shave 41 minutes off my time to qualify for Boston. I cut 42 minutes off my time and qualified at the Steamtown Marathon in 2010…I had a few tricks up my sleeve–aka an awesome coach who gave me some tough workouts!! But I totally think you can do it!!!!! :)