Summer... the time of year when a Runner's fancy turns to Fall Marathon aspirations; A race must be chosen, a training plan selected but more importantly some ponder THE question...
To train for a BQ or not to train for BQ?!?
After Gasparilla (3:56), where I PR'd by 12 minutes from my Chicago time (4:08), everyone questioned if I would go for a BQ next go around...
A BQ (Boston Qualify) is the Holy Grail for most long distance runners but it has never been a priority or goal of mine. I know that might shock some of you but my Holy Grail was Chicago aka Finishing my First Marathon and I achieved that and then some...
BUT as I trained for Gasparilla and after I crossed that Finish Line I couldn't help but wonder if I could Boston Qualify. I had some great training runs during the Gasparilla cycle and surely with a little more dedication and discipline I could push myself for a BQ right?
Then I pondered the important questions; Would I be able to dedicate the amount of time and energy needed to train for a BQ? Is shaving 16 minutes off my PR an achievable feat in one training cycle? Furthermore, can my body handle the harder training involved? More importantly, am I mentally prepared? Having a goal time for Gasparilla really stressed me out, but a BQ is a far more ambitious goal... can I handle the aftermath if it doesn't pan out?
As if reading my thoughts Coach EK shot me an email a few days after Gasparilla with this to say:
"Now what? ...take your trip to Boston. Take in the sights and sounds of the race weekend. Soak in the excitement. Watch the race, and just see what it's about. Then, if you want to train for Boston in the future.... We'll sit down, pick a race, and work out a training schedule. Just be forewarned, it's not going to be that easy. It will require more of everything. Time, miles, hills, etc. etc. It will take a lot of effort. So, think carefully before you go down that path.
Do I think you can BQ? Yup. First time you try? Good question. There is no certainty in the marathon."
No truer words have ever been spoken. This is why I look up to and respect Coach EK so much, he tells it like it is.
After that email I did two things:
First I re-read the Q & A post Aron did awhile back where I asked her about BQ'ing and how she dealt with overcoming the emotional aspect of not qualifying after putting in the physical work. If you haven't read her extremely thorough and informative answer I suggest you do. It really paints a good picture of going through the motions of the aftermath. Thank you again Aron for breaking it down for me, that post gave me a lot to think about.
Then I took my trip to Boston and soaked it all in.
Sooo... All that being said, you probably have a few questions no?
I'll answer the obvious one first: Marathon #3 will be The Grand Rapids Marathon - October 17th, 2010 in Grand Rapids, MI.
What are your thoughts on attempting a BQ? Any other questions? ;)
44 comments:
FIRST! ;)
GREAT post... thanks for sharing your coach's words. They are wise! Ohhhhhhh how I would love to BQ. For me, I don't think I can reasonably expect to take 18 minutes off my time after just taking 28 minutes off in the last cycle. Maybe next year. ;)
Hey, you don't know til you try, right? BQ or no BQ, you'll be stronger and faster and smarter as a runner by October 17th.
P.S. I'm running a marathon that day too!
You know I have total faith in you that you could BQ. And, I think you could do it on your first attempt, because I know how awesome you are. That said, I think the best training is when you can go out and truly ENJOY running--I think that also shows through in your time on the 26.2 course. I've got a fall marathon on the agenda, and know I'm HOURS away from a BQ, but, I hope to get to my own personal time goal, but, who knows. It's going to be a really crazy couple of months, and I'm a bit burned out. At the end of the day, we run for us.
If you want to go out and try for a BQ time, go for it!
You know that whenever you do run those 26.2 miles in Beantown, that I'll be there screaming my head off and cheering for you!
I think every runner gets to the point where they think "Ok, now what?"
For some, like myself, it's "ok, I want to to finish a marathon", or "I want to finish a half marathon in less then 2:30". For others, like you, it's "I want to BQ".
They are called goals. Without them, in my opinion, what do you have? They are constant reminders of what you have already achieved and what you are striving towards.
I say go for it! You're dedicated, you can totally do this!
Duh! Of course you can do it! You are SUPER REDHEAD!!! :)
First off, congrats on choosing Marathon No. 3. I know how tough those choices are. To me, it has to feel right, my races anyway, particularly when thinking about a half or full.
With training for a BQ, to me that seems like unattainable because for me it is. So to me, any time of yours seems ridiculously fast. But as non-BQer, I don't know that I would be in position to tell you one way or the other what I think. What I can tell you is that I'll have respect and admiration for you either way, and I'll be cheering for you no matter what.
The great thing is, it's not a matter of "if" you'll BQ, it will be a matter of when. Whenever you decide it's time to go for it, I'll hip hip hurray along side you (virtually) of course. And now that you're in the midwest can we Puh-LEASE get a race meet up? Thanks. :)
I think you can do it!!! Grand Rapids seems like a great course to BQ!! Too bad I won't be there to cheer you on (stupid high school teaching responsibilities!!!)
If you want it bad enough you can do it!
My hubs is running the Boston next April. He didn't make it his first try. When he did though we were both crying.
I say go for it but not only train for the BQ but train for the disapointment if it doesn't happen the first time. So many people try multiple times. You will get it eventually!
Right now - like you were a year ago - I am just concentrating on my FIRST MARATHON this fall. Finishing that marathon and finishing strong will be my holy grail!
I don't think I have it in my to BQ... But who knows!
I think that you should go for it. I think you have it in you :)
I think Jen is right. Its not whether or not its just when. I think the injury process you are experiencing will be a limiting factor if you do not get it handled. How would you PR by 16 min if get to the start or train injured? Also if you use the VDOT formula you can confirm if you are fit enough for running that pace. I think you are an amazing runner and will no doubt reach that level of running. Spike will prove to be an excellent training partner. Can you get healthy first?
I say follow your heart. And yes, it really is that easy. You already know the answer.
Once again, you and I will be running on the same day- me at Baltimore!
I say follow your heart. And yes, it really is that easy. You already know the answer.
Once again, you and I will be running on the same day- me at Baltimore!
I have every confidence that you could do it, given a smart training plan and the right race-day conditions!
I'm gearing up to try for a second time in the fall. I had a first (very sad) attempt in May that ended in a 4:01 near-crawl across the finish line. I was disappointed that things went terribly wrong mid-race, but I refuse to settle for what I know is less than my best.
And really, what do you have to lose? Give yourself a chance!
Be still my heart! GR is the scene of my first BQ!
Great race...cannot say enough good about it. So excited for you!!
That's great advice and a wonderful perspective from Coach EK. I can't wait to hear what you decide!
Ooh, wow, this is exciting! The Red training for a B.Q. Yay!
Actually, I think you got some good advice from your coach and it's a personal decision whether this is the time or the next go-around. You know it'll be hard, it'll involve some risk and some sacrifice, but you've shown all along you're more than capable of handling it.
Like others said, it's not a question of if, it's just a question of when. Good luck!
We are totally racing a marathon on the same day. Oct 17th I'll be racing Baystate in Lowell, MA!
And um... I would totally love a 5:30 AM wakeup call by my fellow redhead. I am 100% serious. I would be ashamed to not get up and run if you were telling me to get out of bed!!
Wait...are you moving to GR?
My WHOLE family lives there...remember a loooong time ago when we were talking about growing up in Michigan? Well my Grandma, Aunts and Cousins, (oh yeah, and my Dad too!) live in G.R.!
I think a BQ is DEFINITELY in the cards for you! You can do it sweetie!
Hope you are are well!
XOXO,
Erin
I agree with Marlene - you don't know until you try! And, that coach is one wise runner. :) Maybe it will happen, maybe it wont - no certainty with Running, in general. But, if you don't get it in Grand Rapids, you will be coming off of a strong (hopefully injury-free) training cycle and *hopefully* be ready to go into the next!
My question - hows that Lankle?! Is it up for a BQ marathon? :)
I think it comes down to how bad do you want to do it. If you want to BQ and you put in the effort and focus, I think without question you could!
There is no doubt in my mind that you are capable of a BQ but I agree with what your coach said. I think if you put forth the training effort and were healthy on race day and all the variables are in your favor that day, you could totally BQ.
I just realized the date on this post is May 7th for some reason, didn't you just post this today?! Anyway, I wanted to add that I read Aron's answer to your question on her blog and it was a great read. I'm sure your story will be different from hers but it's nice to have that perspective. Good luck with whatever you decide!
Great choice for a BQ race!! I did it last year and will probably do it again this year. It is a fast, flat course.
There are also plenty of training runs leading up to the race that run different parts of the course. Just sign up for Don's (the race director) emails and you'll get all sorts of good information.
It's hard for me to tell you to go for a BQ because I am a lot like you one year ago. I am training for my first marathon-Chicago and my major goal is to just finish uber happy and proud of my self. I don't even think of Boston as a holy grail yet. Knowing how I am though I can safely say that at one point I am might consider it just to say I did! I may wait until I am older so the qualifying time is easier! lol Follow you heart chica, in the end you will make the right decision for you! Good Luck and can't wait to hear all about it on your blog. :)
I say go for it! You've made great strides (pun intended) in your running and I know you can do it. Best case you BQ, worse case you miss it, but you know what else you might need to add to accomplish a BQ next time...
I think that old saying "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" would apply here..
Either way enjoy the journey to your next marathon!
I think BQ is a great goal. It's my goal for this year's marathon. I know that it's possible to attain. We just have to work for it.
I think you know how I feel about that. ;)
(DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT)
Can you imagine if we ran Boston TOGETHER?
very great post girl :)
the thing with the BQ, like you said, it you have to be willing to commit to it and push yourself harder than you have pushed before. it may not happen the first time, but it WILL happen eventually if you put your heart into it, which i know you can :) personally i like giving myself a big challenge. goals should be attainable but they shouldn't be easy, so i like to have something that pushes me to reach my limits.
can't wait to hear alllll about it!
I think you should go for it!
Right away, I say go for it! It is good to have goals to strive for! And, I agree, it's not "if," but "when!" I believed in msyelf when I did it, I got my BQ on my first try. I think you have that faith in yourself, too.
It does take a lot of dedication and time, but I think you're ready. And even if you don't BQ, you will have learned a lot. Marathon training is so much more than time, it's about the experience.
BTW, I'll be running my BQ marathon that same day girl! Long Beach Marathon!!
YOU CAN DO IT!!! You know what it takes to train, now go get it!
"...There is no certainty in the marathon." I absolutely love that line. I know when I *thought* I could BQ when I ran Big Sur, I was so ill-prepared for the emotional wreck I became when I didn't make it. I had a coach at the time and he never sat down with me and helped me overcome the feeling of failure and it took me 3 months of torment for me to realize that there are no guarantees; the relentless hills, the heat, the wind, the taking off too fast....all those factors played a part of the big picture and I realized I had to be smart the next time around. I got to the start line of St. George after working my ass off all summer (a TON of strength training!) and knew I could get that BQ if I slowed my pace at the start and the heat kept it's distance. Both happened and I finally got that BQ, with 14 minutes to spare, but it wasn't easy. You can BQ, there is no doubt...just keep at it until you get it, cuz it's in ya!!! Can't wait to read about your journey!!! :)
Imma tell you like Mick likes to tell me..."Go fight this bum hard!!!"
nope, no BQ for me. Just trying to finish a marathon, period.
I think the question you have to ask is "can I enjoy the act of running, without racing?"
To some people, running doesn't matter unless you're racing. And thats fine! To have a goal and something to strive for is important. If this is you, then go get your BG, girl!
But some people just like to enjoy the journey. They only compete with themselves and just try to PR with each race. This is fine too! And if thats you, then training for a BQ will only detract from your enjoyment of the sport.
Its just a matter of where you are right now.
*BQ, not BG. Unless you want to make BG stand for "Boston Goal" or something. lol!
wise words, thanks for sharing!
I KNOW you could do it. And you have the extra benefit of a Boston qualifier and runner at your disposal and what sounds like the most amazing coach. Whether or not now is the time... I think you will know the answer by listening to your body (and your gut) as you run the next little while.
Dooooooo ittttttttt. If anyone is targeting within 5 mins of qualifying, I always say they should go for it. Although, Spike has more expr than me, so I'd trust his advice.
Questions.... Did spike turn the shower curtain into normal curtains like he SHOULD have. Gotta find every loophole possible in relationships. They're about "winning" afterall, right?
Morgan, I think you got this one in you for sure. Go for it!
i truly believe you have what it takes to BQ. you have the right group of people supporting you, you have speed and you will have the cooler than florida haedes weather!!
Wow, I'm in almost the exact same boat as you! I just got a sub-4 (3:58) and I'm committed to running Grand Rapids in October and I'm struggling with the BQ question. I know that qualifying is definitely my next goal. It's what I want and I know that I will pursue it until I get it...but I know that I will need to make many sacrifices and kill myself in the pursuit. So, am I ready for that right now? I don't know. I'll be interested in seeing what you end up deciding.
I have no desire to run Boston, but the BQ is indeed a worthy goal. I think it depends on your desire and the ability to put in the training. You well know the Marathon Gods can be finnicky, so perhaps the goal is to give yourself a time frame or series of races to qualify.
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