There was a brief window when I was 58 where I was well trained for a 4 hour marathon and I thought if I can improve on this a little bit I might be able to qualify at 3:55 when I hit 60. Alas, I'm not faster and the cutoff is. I think that dream has passed.
I have run Boston 12 times in the past 24 years. The first time (2001) I didn't even register until February for the race in April. The idea of running Boston has gotten extremely popular in the past 20 years. I think that the new BQ times make sense. There is nothing worse than thinking that you got a BQ time and then not getting in the race. And if you think that the BQ times are difficult now, there was a time that everyone had to run sub 2:50 to get in Boston. I do agree with you, though, that downhill races should not be acceptable BQ qualifying races.
Hi Hollie! Great column. As a member of the 65-69 age group I'll point out that they decided not to subtract 5 minutes from racers age 60 and up. My qualifying time remained the same. Edit - I see now you write up to age 59! Oops! I wonder what led them to make that decision? I had an older friend who had qualified when he was younger, but never ran Boston. Now, he can't make the cut off. I say - do it - I've done it 3 times and finally had a sunny race last year. Now, I'll stop and leave a space for others to see what fun it is.
I'm racing Chicago in 3 weeks for a 2nd time and the same reason. First time it rained - well it poured - at about mile 15 and I'd like to run it once on a cool, sunny fall day! Then, I can say "It was magical!"
There was a brief window when I was 58 where I was well trained for a 4 hour marathon and I thought if I can improve on this a little bit I might be able to qualify at 3:55 when I hit 60. Alas, I'm not faster and the cutoff is. I think that dream has passed.
I have run Boston 12 times in the past 24 years. The first time (2001) I didn't even register until February for the race in April. The idea of running Boston has gotten extremely popular in the past 20 years. I think that the new BQ times make sense. There is nothing worse than thinking that you got a BQ time and then not getting in the race. And if you think that the BQ times are difficult now, there was a time that everyone had to run sub 2:50 to get in Boston. I do agree with you, though, that downhill races should not be acceptable BQ qualifying races.
Thanks for reading Doug! It's wild how different registration for Boston is.
Hi Hollie! Great column. As a member of the 65-69 age group I'll point out that they decided not to subtract 5 minutes from racers age 60 and up. My qualifying time remained the same. Edit - I see now you write up to age 59! Oops! I wonder what led them to make that decision? I had an older friend who had qualified when he was younger, but never ran Boston. Now, he can't make the cut off. I say - do it - I've done it 3 times and finally had a sunny race last year. Now, I'll stop and leave a space for others to see what fun it is.
That's awesome Randy! I included they "only" tightened it for ages 18-59. :-) Are you planning to run it anytime soon?
I'm racing Chicago in 3 weeks for a 2nd time and the same reason. First time it rained - well it poured - at about mile 15 and I'd like to run it once on a cool, sunny fall day! Then, I can say "It was magical!"
I imagine!! I hope you get great weather Randy!