Here’s a great BQ(Q) with DI athlete David S who qualified after running with Cornell’s excellent cross country program. 

Name

David S

Sex:

Male

Age (at the time of first BQ):

21

Height:

5’11”

Weight (at the time of first BQ):

130

At which marathon did you get your first BQ?

Philadelphia

Tell us a little about the race.

Was just trying to break three hours but felt great that day so I ran how I felt. Kind of scary to be in a situation where you’re running so fast for so long but it worked out! It was my first marathon and I ran 2:44 and change.

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

9 years

Did you run in college or high school?

Yes

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

20,000 miles?

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

3500-4000

Approximately how many races did you run in that year?

4

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

No, I ran for Rojo in college at Cornell. Lots of distance, tempo runs, strides.

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

Yes

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

No

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

Tempo runs, strides mostly, some track workouts.

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

Distance running is a lifestyle. It’s important to listen to your body. You can’t force fitness.