I left a random comment for Janae on her blog, Hungry Runner Girl and asked her if she’d take part in this project, and she graciously agreed to share her experience. Thanks Janae!

Name: Janae J

Website: www.hungryrunnergirl.com

Sex: Female

Age (at the time of first BQ): 24

Height: 5’8′

Weight (at the time of first BQ): 123

At which marathon did you get your first BQ? Tell us a little about the race.

I first qualified for Boston at the Salt Lake Marathon. It was my first marathon and I was just hoping to finish.  I ended up running a 3:20 and was super excited to qualify for Boston.  I loved the SLC marathon, perfect weather, gorgeous course and lots of excited spectators along the way.

How long had you been running when you ran your first BQ? Did you run in college or high school?

I ran a few miles every now and then in high school and college for weight loss and really started running about 5 months before my first marathon.

What was your approximate lifetime mileage at the time of your first BQ?

I would guess 4000 but I really have no idea.  I focused more on cycling and cross-training not so much running for the majority of my life.

How many miles did you run in the year before your first BQ?

1000

Approximately how many races did you run in that year?

All marathons and qualified for Boston with all of them.

Did you follow a canned program? If so, which one? If not, can you give us an idea of what your training philosophy was?

I had a plan for the first one made by my uncle.  No speed work and all of it was done on the treadmill (it is cold in Utah) Basically, I would just increase my mileage 10 percent each week.  I tried looking for it but I can’t find it.  For the other marathons I did 60 miles a week and called it good 🙂  For Boston I have a coach that has developed an individualized plan for me 🙂

Did you run with a running club or utilize a coach?

Not for my first three marathons but for training with Boston I have a coach and I run with other girls a lot.

Did cross training play a role in your training? If so, how?

YES!!!! I cycle a lot and also use the stair climber and elliptical.  I think it helps gain endurance without hurting my joints.

Any other thoughts you would like to share with those of working towards a BQ?

It takes a lot of hard work but is SO worth it.  It takes a lot of sacrifice but it pays off:)