Category: Boston Qualifier Questionnaire
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Data Analysis of Boston Qualifier Questionnaire Part III: Speed Work
We know that most (over 84%!) of the BQ respondents did speed work as part of their training, but what kind of speed work? Let’s find out: Some runners did 800 repeats, quite a few did mile repeats, but tempo runs was the most common workout with marathon pace runs But broadly speaking, the theme…
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The BQ(Q) – Christopher B
So here’s the first response from the new online BQ(Q) form. Thanks, Chris, for taking part! Name Christopher B Sex: Male Age (at the time of first BQ): 27 Height: 5’10” Weight (at the time of first BQ): 165 lbs At which marathon did you get your first BQ? What was your finishing time? Lehigh…
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Data Analysis of the Boston Qualfier Questionnaire Part II: Training Programs
As we discussed elsewhere, slightly less than half of the runners who have participated in the BQ(Q) used a “canned” training program. Today, I’d like to quickly note what programs those were, and how popular they were relatively. Respondents used a variety of different programs in getting to a BQ, sixteen different programs, in fact.…
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Data Analysis of the Boston Qualifier Questionnaire Part I: Overview
About five years ago, I started asking random strangers on the internet how they qualified for the Boston Marathon. Incredibly, over 125 people have responded with more coming in all the time. If you want to take part, fill out the online form here. Since the beginning, people have been asking that the information be…
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The BQ(Q) Rohit N
In the brave new world of running Boston, you can run the qualifying standard, and still not get to run the race. That’s what happened to Rohit. For the purposes of the BQ(Q) running the standard is all that matters, but I hope next year Rohit can shave a couple minutes off and get into…
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The BQ(Q) Stephanie W
The women 45-50 age group here at the BQ(Q) has been pretty sparse, really happy to add Stephanie’s story to the mix! Thanks for taking part, Stephanie! Name: Stephanie W www.Joyinthefire.com, @IRun4MyCrazy. Sex: Female Age (at time of first BQ): 50 Height: 5’5” Weight: 112 At which marathon did you get your first BQ? What…
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The BQ(Q) – Jonathan B
As we approach 150 entries into the BQ(Q) project, some trends are clear –consistency, mileage, speed work. Jonathan B hit all these points and more in this very informative response. Thanks for taking the time, sir! Name: Jonathan B Sex: Male Age (at the time of first BQ): 31 Height: 5’10” Weight (at the…
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The BQ(Q) – Alex Varner (Nike Trail)
Sometimes you see an interview with a guy and you just get the feeling he’s probably a great dude. I got that feeling the first time I saw and interview with Nike Trail runner Alex Varner. Winner of this year’s Lake Sonama 50 miler, Alex is one of the best among the best American ultra-runners…
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The BQ(Q) Sage Canaday (Hoka One One)
Sage’s motto is “any surface, any distance” and his race result show that he means it. Sixteenth at this year’s Boston Marathon, two time winner (and course record holder) and the Speed Goat 50k, first place at the 2014 North Face Endurance challenge. I could go on. And besides being one of the best distance…
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The BQ(Q) – Ross C
This one hits close to home. Ross is exactly the same height and weight as I am, and just a couple of years older. He also seems to have a similar history in running. I find all the BQ(Q)s inspiring, but this one perhaps a bit more so than most. Thanks Ross, you’ve got me…
Milo and the Calf 