Laura has for many years written the blog Frayed Laces.  Recently she launched a great new website called Frayed Laces Racing.  Definitely check out the new website where she writes about running, biking, racing Ironman triathlons, and finishing her graduate studies.  Thanks very much for filling this out, Laura!

Name: Laura (aka Frayed Laces)

frayedlacesracing.com @frayed_laces facebook.com/frayedlaces

Sex: F

Age (at the time of first BQ): 25

Height::  5’6

Weight (at the time of first BQ):138

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

Vegas marathon (old course, not current course). Was flat and about 50 degrees—perfect since I had been training in Hawaii. Lots of people-dodging at the beginning, which added 1-2 min to my overall time.

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

No running in college or high school. Started running a year and a half before, but broke my pelvis 6 months in. So essentially I started from scratch in March and qualified in December.

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

Lifetime? No idea. I was training about 40-50 miles per week leading up to Vegas

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

Not a lot. Three months of it was rehab/recovery, but when I wasn’t on crutches or rehabbing I averaged 40 miles per week

Approximately how many races did you run in that year?

Two marathons prior (one in June, another in August), a handful of short triathlons and races.

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

Nope but I had a seasoned friend “coaching” me with a tailored plan and consult. Had one tempo, one speedwork, one long run, and one to two regular runs.

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

See above.

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

A little. I maintained some swimming and biking since I was already into triathlons.

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

Yep. The most important was the tempo. Helped me get used to running just past the comfort zone.

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

Totally attainable! I really think that with enough work and dedication anyone can do it. You won’t get it on your first, second…even tenth try, perhaps…but one day you will, and it will be worth it!