I’m starting to get the feeling that much of compeitor.com’s readership is triathletes, here’s a BQ(Q) by Shawn, a triathlete who BQ’ed this past year. Thanks for taking the time to fill this out, Shawn!

Name: Shawn B @sber 

Sex: Male

Age (at the time of first BQ): 43 by end of year

Height: 5’9

Weight (at the time of first BQ): 140

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

Mountains to Beach marathon. I needed a 3:15 and my training runs were at a pace to get a 3:10. At the starting line there was a 3:15 and a 3:05 pace group. I decided it was better to go 3:05 and draft as a way to save energy. Best decision ever. I never needed to focus on time. Just the feet in front of me. Its a mostly downhill course, but it still keeps you honest.

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

I have been a triathlete for the past 5-6 years. I ran my only marathon back in 2005. That was a 4:09. My other 4 marathons were in Ironman races. I have run a 1:30half.

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

Lifetime? No idea.

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

In 2013 I ran 1,262.53 mi in 152:05:44

In 2014 up to the race I ran 442.28 mi in 78:21:24

Approximately how many races did you run in that year?

I race as much as i can. Mostly triathlons, but a few road. I did an Olympic tri 1 week before the marathon.

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 tried to run every day last year and became injured 6 wks from Ironman Arizona so I quit that. Last year my goal was min 4mi. This year its min 1mi. Program was I had 5 weeks to train and I have plenty of endurance. Get some long runs in and MENTALLY KNEW I WAS GOING TO DO IT

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

No all solo

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

Yes triathlon training which builds endurance and I didnt have to run as much

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

Yes. All shorter runs were fast. When I dropped to 7min mi it was easy

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

Leave no doubt in your mind. Your mind will let your body do more than it can. Know that miles 20-26 WILL SUCK. Again, know.