Name: SMQ

Sex: Male

Age (at the time of first BQ): 29

Height (at the time of first BQ): 5.7

Weight (at the time of first BQ): 158

At which marathon did you get your first BQ? Toronto Marathon

Tell us a little about the race. I had tried and failed a few times. I had no training program and was just trying to do it on my own, and on my own athletic (or lack of) ability. I missed a BQ 3 times by less than 2 minutes. I started doing intervals on a track and one day did 20 by 800m. Every time I didn’t do a 3 minute 800M, I added one. The plan was 16, and I had to do 20. I don’t even have a log of my mileage, but would say max 48-50 miles a week. I was patient and reserved and it all came together. I will never forget the moment I saw my wife and mom leaning over the barricade cheering me on in the last 400m. They, as always, we a nervous mess. I finally came through and made it count. I have run 4 Bostons since then, and that first ever BQ is my most favorite race ever. I am emotional even as I type this. Maybe I have one more in me. No, I do have another one.

How long had you been running when you ran your first BQ? 4 years

Did you run in college or high school? No

What was your approximate lifetime mileage at the time of your first BQ? 3000 miles / approx

How many miles did you run in the year before your first BQ? 1000

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 could never follow a program, it would take away from the flow. I realize that is not for everyone. Do you own thing and what feels good.

Did you run with a running club or utilize a coach? No

Did cross training play a role in your training? If so, how? My cross training was seriously red wine. No joke.

Did speed work play a role in your training? If so, how? Introducing 800’s was a serious game changer for me. I realized that there was “work” that had to be done… not just winging it.

Any other thoughts you would like to share with those of working towards a BQ? Once in awhile you get shown the light in the strangest places if you look at it right.