How to get qualified for Boston Marathon?

Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon in the world. Running this great race is a dream of many marathoners. However, runners must finish qualified marathon with certain qualifying time for their age group.

I am a relatively new runner. Since school I hated it and thought running is not for someone like me, just because I couldn’t run without stopping even half a mile. Started running only because I wanted to lose weight and without any goals farther then 5K in mind. But when I learned how to run 40 minutes without stopping, which was little bit more than 3.1 mile, I decided to train for a 10K, then Half Marathon and Marathon.

After finishing my first marathon (I did Austin Marathon in February 2017) within 4hours 04min and 4 seconds), I decided to get qualified for Boston Marathon next year. At first, I thought that it would be nice improve my speed in a shorter distance. So I started training for 10K. I finished it within 46 minutes 58 seconds (in 2016 did the same race 1 hour 1 mining 46 seconds). Next I started training for Navy Air Force Half Marathon in Washington D.C. Finished it within 1 hour 42 minutes and 48 seconds. Then I picked my next marathon and started training for it. During my training cycle I did couple 5Ks, my best time was 20 minutes 57 seconds. As well I did several Half Marathons.

My Boston qualifying race was Mesa Phoenix Marathon. That was my second marathon. The weather was great with about lower 40s F (4–5 degrees in Celsius). The race was mostly downhill with few uphills in first part. I started the race as planned and by the half felt great, continued sticking to the plan and last couple miles speeded up. That was best racein my life. Felt so good and really enjoyed the race without any suffering, which was so awesome. My finishing time 3 hours 27 minutes 46 seconds.

So now I am a happy runnerthat is going to Boston next spring. There are many new goals ahead and lots of hard work. Everything is possible if you are committed and dedicated.

Be careful — dreams come true!

#runningcommunity #lomonosovi #marathon