The Boston Marathon, one of six World Marathon Majors, is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the best known road races in the world.
In order to qualify for the Boston Marathon you must run a Boston Qualifier (BQ) marathon at a particular (relatively fast) pace based on age and gender. Qualifying marathons must be USATF certified, have three or more competitors, and be promoted prior to race day.
Nicole Lane is a road running specialist on the Aravaipa Racing Team who has a long list of running achievements, including qualifying for the Olympic Marathon Trials in 2020.
We asked Nicole for her 5 most crucial tips for running a Boston Qualifying Marathon Time:
1. Fuel!! Even if you think you feel fine, make sure that you are fueling along the way roughly ever 30 minutes (especially the last 5k from personal experience) 😉
2. That being said, make sure you aren’t experimenting with what gels/liquids you are planning on using come race race day. Practice with what you are planning on taking during your weekly long run
3. Pacing-start out more conservative rather than going out fast. You’ll have 25 or so miles to make up for it
4. Don’t believe in “the wall.” It’s just a mental barrier that you can mentally prepare for
5. Put those solid long runs and workouts into your “memory bank” to use as motivation to draw upon come those final miles
A Boston Marathon Qualifying standard is a prestigious mark of achievement for many runners, and with well over 1000 marathons in the US alone, there are a lot of options out there for you to select as your BQ Race.
The Tucson Marathon is an ideal candidate for your effort. Taking place on December 10th, in cool desert winter weather, the Tucson Marathon Course begins in Oracle, AZ and descends approximately 2,200 feet on paved surfaces to the finish line in the Town of Catalina. There are a few rolling hills on this course, but overall it is one of the fastest BQ marathons in the country.
Its Course Score of 101.68 ranks it as the 18th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the fastest course in Arizona.
Join us this December to snag YOUR BQ marathon time, or test your endurance at the 50K, 1/2 Marathon, or Marathon Relay at the 2022 Tucson Marathon!