Name

Brady Bennett (www.sub230project.com)

Sex:

Male

Age (at the time of first BQ):

21

Height:

5’6”

Weight (at the time of first BQ):

130     

At which marathon did you get your first BQ?

Multiple BQs NAIA National Track Championships (2009); Cleveland Marathon 2010; Publix GA Marathon 2012

Tell us a little about the race.

Both of my first two marathons were not traditional build ups. I, unfortunately, was diagnosed with viral meningitis in March 2009 in the middle of my track season. I took about 1 month off and started running again approximately 7 weeks before my race (I had qualified in Feb).

Because of the buildup I started off fairly slow (6:20’s). I continued this through 5-6 miles, then slowly started picking it up. Over then next 15-18 miles I worked my way down to 6:00. Final mile I gave it everything that was left (5:46). Course was hilly, 4 loops with a big hill up one side, flat, down the hill on the other side and flat again.

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

8 years

Did you run in college or high school?

Yes

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

12000

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

3000

Approximately how many races did you run in that year?

12

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 was being coached by my collegiate coach at the time. Our program was a lot of strength workouts (miles/thresholds/LR’s) but mileage was moderate (70’s). I was also training for 5k/10k in track, so I did V02 workouts

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

Yes

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

Only when injured

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

Definitely. I primarily trained for 5k/10k that spring (before sickness), so I was doing some speed work for that (400’s, 300’s, 200’s) along with V02 max intervals, shorter/faster thresholds.

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

The main advice I have is to realistic goal pace. In my second and third marathons I did a lot of work on my goal MP. For the second I ran several long thresholds at 6:00 pace and ended up running 21 miles 5:58-6:02 in route to a 2:37:07. My third I did something similar but faster. Unfortunately weather prevented me from hitting my goal paces for that one (unusually hot!). Also add in race pace work into long runs. If you have 22 planned, do 2x10k at race pace in the middle, or run 10 miles easy followed by 12 miles at goal MP. This type of work teaches you to hit your MP when tired.