The Quest for Boston

Okay, I am only but one of thousands of serious runners who have set their sights on Boston.  My next series of posts will focus on how I plan to get there.

Here’s where I am now:  Last Marathon was Oklahoma City where I finished in 3:42, a PR. 

To get to Boston as a 45 year old male, I need to do it in 3:30 (in Chicago on 10/7).  Can 12 minutes be done in one shot?  I would have to say, generally no.  However, here’s what I have going for me:

1)       Oklahoma City was HOT and the route was a series of little rises and falls.  Chicago is flat and much cooler on any October Morning.  Take at least 4 minutes off there.

2)       In Oklahoma City, at mile 23 I could not wait any longer and had to do a serious porta-potty break.  You know what I mean and it is more information than you need.  Take at least 2 minutes off.

So, I consider my real drop needs to be in the 6 minute range.  Hard, but doable.  Finally -

3)       Before Dallas White Rock and OKC I was logging 40 mile weeks.  Since OKC in April, I have been logging 50-60 miles per week at faster paces than ever in the hot / humid heat of a Texas summer. 

Next Up – The Plan