Ready to get on the path to reaching your potential in your running and perhaps one day qualify for the Boston Marathon? Learn more about our coaching options here: readysetmarathon.com/run-coaching-services
With the help of all of your videos I had a very successful 1st marathon at age 57. I need to cut 12 minutes from my time by 60 when the time requirements drop into my possible wheelhouse. Of course I'll also be a couple years older, lol, but my times at longer distances still keep improving so who knows... Thanks for the inspiring videos!!
Running the Brighton Marathon in the UK this Sunday which is my first full Marathon, many thanks for all your help and tips along the way! Aiming for a sub 4hrs 😅
@@runningwithjane Fantastic day with the sun out! A lot of hills but manage to finish in 3hr 59!! (55mins on Strava) wonderful feeling to know you’ve completed a marathon!! Thank you very much for all your help and videos!! 🇬🇧
That's amazing - huge congrats!! No doubt you worked hard to get there!! Whether you get in for 2025 or not, you WILL be in Boston someday! Making it the first time is the hardest in my experience!
I bypassed Boston for years, then decided to do it just to tick it off the bucket list. Just my luck, it was 86F & 95% humidity, seriously '04. Driving rain soaked the course in '18. Be prepared for anything weather-wise for that race.
Oh man!! You're right that you never know what you'll get. '22 was a bit too warm, but not terrible; last year was overcast and rainy and great racing weather.
Thank you for this advice. I expect it's going to take at least a few years before I'm fast and strong enough to go after a Boston qualifying time (at least being in higher age groups by then will make it a little easier) but the difference in my performance between training for my first marathon last year and training for the second this year has really boosted my confidence, and I do believe I can get there eventually.
Made it this year because I'm now in the 60-64 age group. :) I was close in the 55-59 age group but ran a stupid race plan. Hang in there. As Jane said, Boston is a long game.
Given we are a couple cycles past the Covid lockdowns, and that the 2024 cut-off was 5:29mins, I'm planning for 7:30mins cut-off for 2025. And I can see a world were they drop the qualifying times for 2026 by 5mins or more across the board. The gear is getting better, the knowledge is getting better, people are just getting faster with so much information being available to amateur runners. Volume is king for most of us, since we lack the aerobic base, the efficient fat burning adaptations, etc, etc. Training to try and meet the BQ for your age block for a couple years, ahead of when you age up is a really great way to qualify. Try qualifying as a 45-49yr old seemed like a HUGE task, but once I hit 50 it became something that didn't seem impossible anymore.
I think this is great advice!! Everyone wants is "right now" but I think managing expectations is important while continuing to stay in the moment and keep showing up the best you can. Also, perhaps you read this article, but I think you are right about the time only getting faster: joesgottarun.medium.com/an-attempt-to-predict-the-cutoff-time-for-the-2025-boston-marathon-787701712257
BAA won't wait for 2026. For 2019 race, cutoff to get in was 4:52. On May 15, 2019, BAA cut five minutes off existing qualifying standards for 2020 marathon. For PR purposes, a 7:30 cutoff would not look good. Look for BAA to adjust qualifying times for 2025 race this May by 5 minutes. As you indicate, there will likely still be an additional buffer required beyond the updated faster qualifying standards for the 2025 race.
This video was super helpful! Boston is on my bucket list (running my 3rd marathon this June) and I'm hoping to get very close to, if not surpass, the qualifying standard 🤞🏼
@@runningwithjane I'm running Grandma's Marathon (up in Duluth, MN) for the 3rd time!! The first 6 weeks of training have gone well so far, so I'll continue to be consistent with my runs, eat and sleep well, and keep my hopes high 😊
As my former coach you know how bad I want a BQ. I've leaned so much from you and others now. I will say it's a lot of hard work and being uncomfortable but I look forward to those workouts. Each workout is a test. Im getting closer Jane. Stay tuned for Grandma's this year. Not necessarily going to BQ just yet but i should be closer.
Don't know if I'll ever BQ, but I take some satisfaction that in 3 marathons I've gone from hitting the BQ time for 5 divisions older to only 3. My 2-part strategy is now 1) get faster 2) get older. The second part especially is going very well!
As an invested runner I never though I would ever thinking about a BQ and my last 3 marathons were not ever close or showed a trajectory for getting there. After adjusting my life style (sleep, alcohol, fueling and hydration) it looks like I can do a 4h marathon which brings me close to a BQ next year when I am in the 60-64 bracket. I don't wanna get up my hopes yet as I have to run this time first but my goal pace is set for my training plan. For running I don't need someone to make sure I do my runs at the correct goals but strangely enough I have the hardest time when it comes to foam rolling, mobility workouts or S&C.
I would say many runners have those struggles, too. We all just want to do the running and that's it haha! Sounds like you've made some great gains...keep going, you never know what you can achieve if you don't try!
Very informative. I don’t know if a bq is on my bucket list but will see. I was looking at your coaching site. Do you offer one time training plans for 100 mile ultras?
Hi there! We don't currently - perhaps in the future there will be more resources in the trail running/ultramarathon space. Definitely some great coaches on UA-cam who are experts in this area!
Great question! I think for my first BQ I hit around 55 in peak week, but that was a downhill marathon, so it was easier. All the rest since I have hit at least 60...for all of the cycles last year (Houston, Boston, Chicago), I hit 60+ for multiple weeks with peak weeks at 65+. I am generally someone who just hangs out around 40 mpw no matter what, so builds start from there(ish).
For my age group of 40-44 just to qualify is 3 hours and 10 minutes. My best half marathon is 1 hour 55 minutes... it's just not in the cards. Planning on running my first virtual marathon in July, i can guess a 4 hour finish. Taking off 50 minutes sounds pretty impossible. Even the 45-49 group is still 3 hours 20 minutes.
Very good. Would you happen to know when the window for 2025 closes? I know it opened 9/1/2023. I suspect it will close 8/31/2024. I ask because I just ran an exactly 5:00 minute BQ two Sundays ago. However, in light of last year's debacle of the BAA lowering the standards by 5:29, I suspect that they will make five minutes a permanent adjustment for 2025. That would put me right at the standard. I might have to run another race before the window closes to give myself a buffer in case the standards are lowered by five minutes. Thanks, Jane.
So the last weekend to race is typically the one after Labor Day weekend, I am almost positive. Last year the last day to register was 9/15. www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/qualify Likely similar this year. Congrats on your 5-min. buffer; that's huge!! Tough knowing it may not quite be good enough - I've been there!
@@runningwithjane Yes, I found that same guideline. It states that registration details will be released after the 2024 race. I suppose I'll wait until then. Not too many races near me in mid-September. I may have to sign up late August after all. Thanks, Jane.
I hope the victims that died in the 2013 Marathon incident are smiling down on us and are impressed about us honoring their legacies. Martin Richard (killed by the second bomb) Lingzi lu (killed by the second bomb) Krystle Campbell (killed by the first bomb) Sean Collier (shot to death by tamerlan tsarnaev) Dennis Simmonds (died from head injuries from a pipe bomb thrown by dzhokhar tsarnaev during the Watertown shootout) They are never forgotten and always be missed. They may have been wiped out during the Massachusetts incidents, but their legacies will live on and be in our hearts.
i have a question, looking for honest perspective. if i have a glass of wine ( or 2) at dinner every night does it really matter? will that really have a negative impact? i eat well, go to bed early and drink alot of water.
So many experts say that no amount of alcohol is healthy, but I also believe that overstressing about things in life is also unhealthy, and we are allowed some guilty pleasures once in awhile. At my stage of life, I drink one glass of wine and I may sleep terribly, drink 2 and I most certainly will. So for me, it's a no go if I have an important run. I actually think drinking 1-2 glasses of wine every night can really set you back in sport. 1-2 a couple of times per week is probably fine for many. But not an expert, hope that helps.
As a runner who will be running Boston 2024 in less than two weeks, this video is dead on as to what it takes to qualify for Boston. I would also like to add it takes patience and intelligence; being able to recover from unexpected injuries, training through the COVID year disappointments and coming back, patience in executing your pace despite the pressure of knowing you probably will need to run faster than the qualifying time to have a chance. Doing the uncomfortable training you might not want to do to avoid injuries or doing the supplemental training when you are injured. Consistency, patience, intelligence, resilience, mental toughness, and self belief (especially if you doing this on your own).
Love everything you have added! Especially like what you said about pushing through failure...there will be setbacks and you have to be willing to climb back up! I find patience to be the number one trait runners need to be high-achieving! Wishing you all the best in Boston...you're going to love it!
Ready to get on the path to reaching your potential in your running and perhaps one day qualify for the Boston Marathon? Learn more about our coaching options here: readysetmarathon.com/run-coaching-services
With the help of all of your videos I had a very successful 1st marathon at age 57. I need to cut 12 minutes from my time by 60 when the time requirements drop into my possible wheelhouse. Of course I'll also be a couple years older, lol, but my times at longer distances still keep improving so who knows...
Thanks for the inspiring videos!!
Running the Brighton Marathon in the UK this Sunday which is my first full Marathon, many thanks for all your help and tips along the way! Aiming for a sub 4hrs 😅
You're so welcome! Wishing you all the best and let us know how it goes!
@@runningwithjane Fantastic day with the sun out! A lot of hills but manage to finish in 3hr 59!! (55mins on Strava) wonderful feeling to know you’ve completed a marathon!!
Thank you very much for all your help and videos!! 🇬🇧
Great video. I ran a BQ in Tokyo one month ago, 3min 12sec buffer, so I have a shot at entering for 2025. Time will tell if that buffer is enough! 🤞
Congrats
That's amazing - huge congrats!! No doubt you worked hard to get there!! Whether you get in for 2025 or not, you WILL be in Boston someday! Making it the first time is the hardest in my experience!
@@runningwithjane thanks. I’ll make it one day! 🤞
I bypassed Boston for years, then decided to do it just to tick it off the bucket list. Just my luck, it was 86F & 95% humidity, seriously '04. Driving rain soaked the course in '18. Be prepared for anything weather-wise for that race.
Oh man!! You're right that you never know what you'll get. '22 was a bit too warm, but not terrible; last year was overcast and rainy and great racing weather.
You really taught me how to fuel properly. I had no idea I wasn’t getting enough.
Hi Masiray! It's so tricky!! Glad you got it figured out - it's a gamechanger!
Thank you for this advice. I expect it's going to take at least a few years before I'm fast and strong enough to go after a Boston qualifying time (at least being in higher age groups by then will make it a little easier) but the difference in my performance between training for my first marathon last year and training for the second this year has really boosted my confidence, and I do believe I can get there eventually.
Made it this year because I'm now in the 60-64 age group. :) I was close in the 55-59 age group but ran a stupid race plan. Hang in there. As Jane said, Boston is a long game.
Great perspective!! Keep showing up!!
Given we are a couple cycles past the Covid lockdowns, and that the 2024 cut-off was 5:29mins, I'm planning for 7:30mins cut-off for 2025. And I can see a world were they drop the qualifying times for 2026 by 5mins or more across the board. The gear is getting better, the knowledge is getting better, people are just getting faster with so much information being available to amateur runners. Volume is king for most of us, since we lack the aerobic base, the efficient fat burning adaptations, etc, etc. Training to try and meet the BQ for your age block for a couple years, ahead of when you age up is a really great way to qualify. Try qualifying as a 45-49yr old seemed like a HUGE task, but once I hit 50 it became something that didn't seem impossible anymore.
I think this is great advice!! Everyone wants is "right now" but I think managing expectations is important while continuing to stay in the moment and keep showing up the best you can. Also, perhaps you read this article, but I think you are right about the time only getting faster: joesgottarun.medium.com/an-attempt-to-predict-the-cutoff-time-for-the-2025-boston-marathon-787701712257
BAA won't wait for 2026. For 2019 race, cutoff to get in was 4:52. On May 15, 2019, BAA cut five minutes off existing qualifying standards for 2020 marathon.
For PR purposes, a 7:30 cutoff would not look good. Look for BAA to adjust qualifying times for 2025 race this May by 5 minutes. As you indicate, there will likely still be an additional
buffer required beyond the updated faster qualifying standards for the 2025 race.
This video was super helpful! Boston is on my bucket list (running my 3rd marathon this June) and I'm hoping to get very close to, if not surpass, the qualifying standard 🤞🏼
That's excellent, Hannah!! What marathon will you be running in June? BELIEVE!
@@runningwithjane I'm running Grandma's Marathon (up in Duluth, MN) for the 3rd time!! The first 6 weeks of training have gone well so far, so I'll continue to be consistent with my runs, eat and sleep well, and keep my hopes high 😊
As my former coach you know how bad I want a BQ. I've leaned so much from you and others now. I will say it's a lot of hard work and being uncomfortable but I look forward to those workouts. Each workout is a test. Im getting closer Jane. Stay tuned for Grandma's this year. Not necessarily going to BQ just yet but i should be closer.
You've made incredible progress, Dan!! Looking forward to seeing what you do at Grandma's!
Thank you for sharing your insight.
Absolutely! Thanks for watching!
Perfect timing! Thank you for sharing, Jane. All helpful details to focus on.
You're so welcome, Marissa!!
Don't know if I'll ever BQ, but I take some satisfaction that in 3 marathons I've gone from hitting the BQ time for 5 divisions older to only 3. My 2-part strategy is now 1) get faster 2) get older. The second part especially is going very well!
You've done an incredible job! So much in a running journey to celebrate! I am ALSO progressing nicely on your number 2 ha!
As an invested runner I never though I would ever thinking about a BQ and my last 3 marathons were not ever close or showed a trajectory for getting there. After adjusting my life style (sleep, alcohol, fueling and hydration) it looks like I can do a 4h marathon which brings me close to a BQ next year when I am in the 60-64 bracket. I don't wanna get up my hopes yet as I have to run this time first but my goal pace is set for my training plan.
For running I don't need someone to make sure I do my runs at the correct goals but strangely enough I have the hardest time when it comes to foam rolling, mobility workouts or S&C.
I would say many runners have those struggles, too. We all just want to do the running and that's it haha! Sounds like you've made some great gains...keep going, you never know what you can achieve if you don't try!
Very informative. I don’t know if a bq is on my bucket list but will see. I was looking at your coaching site. Do you offer one time training plans for 100 mile ultras?
Hi there! We don't currently - perhaps in the future there will be more resources in the trail running/ultramarathon space. Definitely some great coaches on UA-cam who are experts in this area!
The boston marathon has always been about community and improving yourself. I don't thin it should be too hard to qualify
When you say 60 miles a week is that every week or just the week you build to with the longest run of your marathon training?
Great question! I think for my first BQ I hit around 55 in peak week, but that was a downhill marathon, so it was easier. All the rest since I have hit at least 60...for all of the cycles last year (Houston, Boston, Chicago), I hit 60+ for multiple weeks with peak weeks at 65+. I am generally someone who just hangs out around 40 mpw no matter what, so builds start from there(ish).
For my age group of 40-44 just to qualify is 3 hours and 10 minutes.
My best half marathon is 1 hour 55 minutes... it's just not in the cards. Planning on running my first virtual marathon in July, i can guess a 4 hour finish. Taking off 50 minutes sounds pretty impossible. Even the 45-49 group is still 3 hours 20 minutes.
Very good. Would you happen to know when the window for 2025 closes? I know it opened 9/1/2023. I suspect it will close 8/31/2024. I ask because I just ran an exactly 5:00 minute BQ two Sundays ago. However, in light of last year's debacle of the BAA lowering the standards by 5:29, I suspect that they will make five minutes a permanent adjustment for 2025. That would put me right at the standard. I might have to run another race before the window closes to give myself a buffer in case the standards are lowered by five minutes. Thanks, Jane.
So the last weekend to race is typically the one after Labor Day weekend, I am almost positive. Last year the last day to register was 9/15. www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/qualify Likely similar this year. Congrats on your 5-min. buffer; that's huge!! Tough knowing it may not quite be good enough - I've been there!
@@runningwithjane Yes, I found that same guideline. It states that registration details will be released after the 2024 race. I suppose I'll wait until then. Not too many races near me in mid-September. I may have to sign up late August after all. Thanks, Jane.
My only rival is Kipchoge.
LOL!
I hope the victims that died in the 2013 Marathon incident are smiling down on us and are impressed about us honoring their legacies.
Martin Richard (killed by the second bomb)
Lingzi lu (killed by the second bomb)
Krystle Campbell (killed by the first bomb)
Sean Collier (shot to death by tamerlan tsarnaev)
Dennis Simmonds (died from head injuries from a pipe bomb thrown by dzhokhar tsarnaev during the Watertown shootout)
They are never forgotten and always be missed. They may have been wiped out during the Massachusetts incidents, but their legacies will live on and be in our hearts.
i have a question, looking for honest perspective. if i have a glass of wine ( or 2) at dinner every night does it really matter? will that really have a negative impact? i eat well, go to bed early and drink alot of water.
So many experts say that no amount of alcohol is healthy, but I also believe that overstressing about things in life is also unhealthy, and we are allowed some guilty pleasures once in awhile. At my stage of life, I drink one glass of wine and I may sleep terribly, drink 2 and I most certainly will. So for me, it's a no go if I have an important run. I actually think drinking 1-2 glasses of wine every night can really set you back in sport. 1-2 a couple of times per week is probably fine for many. But not an expert, hope that helps.
thanks - good info@@runningwithjane
As a runner who will be running Boston 2024 in less than two weeks, this video is dead on as to what it takes to qualify for Boston. I would also like to add it takes patience and intelligence; being able to recover from unexpected injuries, training through the COVID year disappointments and coming back, patience in executing your pace despite the pressure of knowing you probably will need to run faster than the qualifying time to have a chance. Doing the uncomfortable training you might not want to do to avoid injuries or doing the supplemental training when you are injured. Consistency, patience, intelligence, resilience, mental toughness, and self belief (especially if you doing this on your own).
Love everything you have added! Especially like what you said about pushing through failure...there will be setbacks and you have to be willing to climb back up! I find patience to be the number one trait runners need to be high-achieving! Wishing you all the best in Boston...you're going to love it!
@@runningwithjane Thanks Jane! So looking forward to the experience!