Name: Kevin G. http://creakyrunner.wordpress.com/

Sex: Male

Age: 40

Height: 5′ 8″

Weight (at the time of first BQ): 155

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

LA Marathon 2013. 2:47. My first marathon. Pretty challenging course, but just went in with the mentality that it was a hard long run type of effort up until the 20 mile mark. At that point, give it all you have for the last 10k. I had not run over 18 miles before that race.

How long had you been running when you ran your first BQ? Did you run in college or high school?
That was my first marathon. I had been running for 2 years. I did no running or real exercise from about age 18 through 38.

What was your approximate lifetime mileage at the time of your first BQ?
Tough one. Two years of running….maybe about 4000 – 5000 miles total in that period

How many miles did you run in the year before your first BQ?
Probably around 3,000.

Approximately how many races did you run in that year?
Not many. 2 perhaps? Id rather train.

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 have a coach who gives me a weekly schedule.

Did you run with a running club or utilize a coach?
Yes and Yes.

Did cross training play a role in your training? If so, how?
Not then, but it sure does now.

Did speed work play a role or specific workouts play a role in your training? If so, how?
There was a periodized build up. Lydiardian — about 12 weeks out, yes, track workouts on Wednesdays, and longer tempo efforts on Saturdays. Long run Monday.

Any other thoughts you would like to share with those of working towards a BQ?
Most people it seems do too much for too long a period of time. Get fit and strong, then with about 10-12 weeks to go you can focus on the marathon itself. Keep your long runs under 18miles. Idea is to be healthy and confident at the starting line. Most people’s marathons are toast by the time they stagger into their taper.