You have to be fast as a unicorn to qualify.
At last night’s social run we had a few speedy people, including several Boston Marathon runners. I got to talking to some of them after the run. They were all talking how they got in the 2014 race as registration was open this past week. But not just anyone can register, you have to run a qualifying race and time first. I said how I’d like to run it, but would probably have to go through a charity registration as I can’t run a 3:10 marathon yet. Yet. That was the key word, and they jumped all over it. My one friend told me it took her 6 marathons before she finally qualified. My other friend, a local elite runner named Logan Sherman, told me that they would get me there. Here’s a pic of Logan as he was featured in this month’s Competitor Magazine:
He’s fast.
This gave me some hope and inspiration, but the numbers don’t lie. I’d have to run a 3:10 marathon to qualify. That’s 7:15 minute miles. I can run faster than 7:15 miles now, but during a 3.1 mile race, not a 26.2 mile race.
Anyways, I want to try at some point. I wouldn’t mind going the charity route, but I’d have to raise a LOT of money. Thousands of dollars. And I’d kind of like to be able to get there on my own too. I’d have to get really serious about improving endurance and speed. I used to be a lot faster (in high school), but can I get back to close to that conditioning? As one of my other elite running buddies told me on the track one day – Yes you can.
Smokin’ fools in the 400 in high school.
I still have those track shoes at home (autographed by former world record holder Butch Reynolds on the right outside heel – check it out, eagle eye). Maybe I need to lace them back up. Maybe I should get the same haircut too, yeah, that was probably the secret to my speed.
Anyone else have dreams of Boston?
Piratebobcat 
I don’t think a BQ is in my cards — but i find everyone who goes for it so inspiring!
I’d have to shave a minute per mile off my half marathon pace, so it will be quite a challenge, but something to shoot for eventually!
I’ve been pondering setting a Boston Qualifier as a goal, but man, it is not an easy goal for mortals. For my age group, it’s a sub 3:05.
For now, I’m just enjoying progressing. I’ll make my marathon debut in November and then see where to go from there. If the time ever appears vaguely achievable… then i’ll probably set it as a goal.
Good strategy! They say you should run your first one with a goal to finish, after that you can set time goals! Best of luck!
It’s one aim that will remain a dream for me!
May be for me too!
My goal is the 2015 Boston Marathon! I decided to start up a blog of my journey to the one day I run Boston. It is a dream that I need to live out.
I hope to be with you!