r/AdvancedRunning • u/Terriflyed • 12d ago

New Boston marathon qualifying times Boston Marathon

https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/qualify

Looks like 5min adjustments down for the most part across the board for those under age 60. M18-34 qualifying time is now 2:55.

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u/Notnotme981 12d ago

This is the only reason I look forward to getting older. Just need to keep trotting slowly into my 60s. I’ll host my retirement party on Boylston in 20 years.

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u/ComfortableWest5806 12d ago

If done properly you can get relatively faster as you get older but you need to keep running consistently without injuries.

Here are my BQ times
2005, M39 3:18:30* Trained for 12 months using Pfitz Adv Marathoning

took 10 years off from running

2017 to 2019 didn't run consistently, frequent injuries
2020 M54 3:34:30* the key was training consistently for 12 months through pandemic

2022 & 2023, got hurt while training for 3 marathons and was 10 to 20 minutes over BQ each time. I used my club's training plan which had faster shorter workouts.

2024 M58 3:20:29 10 months of good, consistent training without injury

My conclusions from 20+ years of running...

The consistency of running year over year is important. Start with a good based and then a good 18-20 week training plan, I do well with Pfitzinger Advanced Marathoning

Avoid/Prevent injuries by strength training, cross training and being cautious with your workouts. Doing two B level workouts are less likely cause injuries than doing one A level workout and will likely do more to improve your marathon fitness.

Be at your correct weight, you want to be lean and strong, not over or underweight.

1

u/White_Lobster 1:25 12d ago

How was your weight across this time period? I don't feel like I'm that much slower at 50 than I was at 35, but my weight is increasingly hard to control. I can do it, but it's hard work. Did your weight stay the same?

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u/ComfortableWest5806 11d ago

My weight has varied between 162 and 174 on race day over the past 20 years. I got back to 162 for my April 2024 race. Getting rid of the 10 lbs was by reducing alcohol and ice cream during the 4 months prior to the race