Another response from a runner who BQ’ed on his first attempt. As always I’m impressed by those who did it on the first try. Thanks for taking part Thomas!

PS – A reader suggested including pictures with the BQ(Q)s, this is the first one. We’re going big time here, people! Big time! BQ(Q)2.0!

Name: Thomas A

Sex: Male

Age (at the time of first BQ): 47

Height: 6 feet

Weight (at the time of first BQ): 205

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

First one was Louisiana in 3:25:30 I think. It counted as a qualifier, but it was the year the rules changed. Got lost on the course and passed by three women at mile 22 like I was standing still. Have run 4 since then, all PR’s and BQ’s.

How long had you been running when you ran your first BQ?

6 months 

Did you run in college or high school?

No, joined Marine Corps. 

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

Hard to say.  I took 19 years of not running,  powerlifting and power drinking. 

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

1000?

Approximately how many races did you run in that year?

Two: a 5k and then the marathon. 

Did you follow a canned program?

Hal Higdon

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

Not then. 

Did cross training play a role in your training?

No.

Did speed work play a role or specific workouts play a role in your training?

Not then. 

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

Consistency, persistence, and it will happen.