Boston Marathon 2014

Speedy44

After watching the events in Boston unfold a few weeks ago, I decided to change my mind on not running another marathon for a few years and to go about getting qualified for Boston 2014. Lived there for 16yrs, kids were born there, and ran it 3 times previously, so I felt I had to go back.

Now the problem was when to run the qualifying marathon? My focus this year is on the 1500m, so the only long runs I had done was a few 15 milers.

After running 14mls easy 2 weeks ago at 7:05 pace, I decided to try to get it out of the way in Limerick rather than wait for Cork.

Mission accomplished, 3:17:35, over 7mins under the 3:25 for my catogory
Very happy to have got the qualifying time, I'll be ready for a sub 3 in Boston next year
I know they'll be a huge demand for entries this year so hopefully that'll be enough to get me in.

Splits were:
7:10, 7:29, 7:23, 7:23, 7:23,
7:23, 7:20, 7:21, 7:22, 7:21
7:24, 7:26, 7:24, 7:26, 7:26
7:22, 7:22, 7:15, 7:15, 7:21
7:03, 7:20, 7:56, 9:41, 7:39
8:08, 2:20

Sosa

Speedy44 wrote: »

After watching the events in Boston unfold a few weeks ago, I decided to change my mind on not running another marathon for a few years and to go about getting qualified for Boston 2014. Lived there for 16yrs, kids were born there, and ran it 3 times previously, so I felt I had to go back.

Now the problem was when to run the qualifying marathon? My focus this year is on the 1500m, so the only long runs I had done was a few 15 milers.

After running 14mls easy 2 weeks ago at 7:05 pace, I decided to try to get it out of the way in Limerick rather than wait for Cork.

Mission accomplished, 3:17:35, over 7mins under the 3:25 for my catogory
Very happy to have got the qualifying time, I'll be ready for a sub 3 in Boston next year
I know they'll be a huge demand for entries this year so hopefully that'll be enough to get me in.

Splits were:
7:10, 7:29, 7:23, 7:23, 7:23,
7:23, 7:20, 7:21, 7:22, 7:21
7:24, 7:26, 7:24, 7:26, 7:26
7:22, 7:22, 7:15, 7:15, 7:21
7:03, 7:20, 7:56, 9:41, 7:39
8:08, 2:20

well done speedy, hope to there myself

Speedy44

Sosa wrote: »

well done speedy, hope to there myself

cheers Sosa, finding out though that I may have to do it all over again as Limerick is not an AIMS certified course

Sosa

Speedy44 wrote: »

cheers Sosa, finding out though that I may have to do it all over again as Limerick is not an AIMS certified course

registration opens in september...what are your options?
maybe waterford, but i do not know if it is aims....dont think it is
Cork surely is, but its a bit close after limerick
I ran a very comfortable 3:08 which has me under 3:10 for my age but with the food of applicants they are going to get for next year...who knows...i ran with a charity waiver this year and was 25k deep out of 28k ...lots of fun getting through the crowds!

TFBubendorfer

Sosa wrote: »

registration opens in september...what are your options?
maybe waterford, but i do not know if it is aims....dont think it is
Cork surely is, but its a bit close after limerick

Waterford isn't part of AIMS either. Cork is, but a bit close to Limerick, like you said.

Longford might be the best option.

menoscemo

Sosa wrote: »

registration opens in september...what are your options?
maybe waterford, but i do not know if it is aims....dont think it is
Cork surely is, but its a bit close after limerick
I ran a very comfortable 3:08 which has me under 3:10 for my age but with the food of applicants they are going to get for next year...who knows...i ran with a charity waiver this year and was 25k deep out of 28k ...lots of fun getting through the crowds!

Portumna is AIMS and coming 2 weeks after Cork, is probably the best bet? Failry flat too.
Are you all sure they won't accept a non-aims race? I know that several people have gotten into London and New York of non Aims races (not even AAI races actually).

Speedy44

Thanks for all the info guys. Will check it out and if Limerick doesn't work I may just do Portumna as its close by. This could of course totally screw up my track season, which is why I did Limerick in the first place :mad:

Speedy44

Sosa wrote: »

registration opens in september...what are your options?
maybe waterford, but i do not know if it is aims....dont think it is
Cork surely is, but its a bit close after limerick
I ran a very comfortable 3:08 which has me under 3:10 for my age but with the food of applicants they are going to get for next year...who knows...i ran with a charity waiver this year and was 25k deep out of 28k ...lots of fun getting through the crowds!

Hi Sosa,

Just got word back from AAI;
I can confirm that the Limerick Marathon was measured by an Athletics Ireland certified course measurer affiliated to IAAF/AIMS and will suffice.

Hopefully this means that I should be ok

menoscemo

Speedy44 wrote: »

Hi Sosa,

Just got word back from AAI;
I can confirm that the Limerick Marathon was measured by an Athletics Ireland certified course measurer affiliated to IAAF/AIMS and will suffice.

Hopefully this means that I should be ok

Tha't what I would have thought.
I looked at the Aims website and a lot of obvious races weren't even mentioned there. Only 4 marathons in the UK are on that List and that doesn't include London :eek:

TFBubendorfer

menoscemo wrote: »

Tha't what I would have thought.
I looked at the Aims website and a lot of obvious races weren't even mentioned there. Only 4 marathons in the UK are on that List and that doesn't include London :eek:

London resigned from AIMS when they formed the Marathon Majors series.

neilc

Still holding out some hope of getting in next year. Some positive vibes coming from the people of Hopkinton regarding an expanded race next year!!
http://m.runnersworld.com/races/hopkinton-residents-favor-expanded-2014-boston?cm_mmc=Twitter-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-News-_-HopkintonResidents

Hard Worker

neilc wrote: »

Still holding out some hope of getting in next year. Some positive vibes coming from the people of Hopkinton regarding an expanded race next year!!
http://m.runnersworld.com/races/hopkinton-residents-favor-expanded-2014-boston?cm_mmc=Twitter-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-News-_-HopkintonResidents

The expanded race next year will be to cater for those who didn't make the finish line this year. They will get first dibs next year. There might actually be less places available to the qualifiers.

neilc

Hard Worker wrote: »

The expanded race next year will be to cater for those who didn't make the finish line this year. They will get first dibs next year. There might actually be less places available to the qualifiers.

Yeah, that did cross my mind alright.
Another thing to consider though is that the spring marathon season is pretty much over and the autumn marathons are after the cut off for next year so unless people are already qualified there's not that much time to prepare and qualify. Summer marathon conditions won't help either. Hey, I know I'm clutching at straws here but still hoping rather than hopeful that minus 4:32 will do it

PaulieYifter

neilc wrote: »

Yeah, that did cross my mind alright.
Another thing to consider though is that the spring marathon season is pretty much over and the autumn marathons are after the cut off for next year so unless people are already qualified there's not that much time to prepare and qualify. Summer marathon conditions won't help either. Hey, I know I'm clutching at straws here but still hoping rather than hopeful that minus 4:32 will do it

Neil - I'd be very surprised if you don't get in even with added interest for next year. Remember this year had the new stricter times and it didn't fill up when entries first opened.

If you're really worried aim for this now: http://www.lochnessmarathon.com/
Downhill fast marathon I believe and just in time for Boston entry. TFB ran it about 100 years ago I believe.

TFBubendorfer

PaulieYifter wrote: »

If you're really worried aim for this now: http://www.lochnessmarathon.com/
Downhill fast marathon I believe and just in time for Boston entry. TFB ran it about 100 years ago I believe.

:rolleyes: Was that dig really necessary? Now I'm feeling even older than I already am!

I ran it in 2007. The first 8 miles are downhill, the rest is reasonably flat except for one big hill between miles 16 and 18. It was very well organised, the scenery is marvellous and I loved it so I would definitely recommend it, not entirely sure that it's the fastest marathon around though (not that it is particularly hard by any means).

EauRouge79

Hi,

Accomodation
Looking to organise some accomodation for Boston - I know 8 months to go but with prices the way they are, I think the sooner the better.

I need to sell this to the wife having done my research. I want to run Boston, shes a non marathon runner who wants tile the kitchen and bathroom!

Any of the city centre hotels will gladly take €1300 off me for 4 nights. I cant see myself paying that.
From experience can anyone suggest a more reasonably priced hotel a little further out that is well served by the subway?

All info appreciated. Thanks

Peckham

I used airbnb.com to get an apartment. Got a large 2 bed apt about 20 minutes outside Boston for a week. Cost about the same as a hotel for a few nights, plus saved a bit by cooking in the apartment. More comfortable too. Highly recommended it.

Dundrummer

Update on expanded field for next year from the BAA

"We're actively working with the State and the communities along the course to establish the field size for next year, as well as other aspects of our planning. Registration will open after the field size announcement is made.

We are hopeful that we'll be able to expand beyond the 27,000 runner limit of previous years for what will be a special event in 2014, but we have not committed to a certain number as of today."

Speedy44

The Boston Athletic Association today announced that registration for the 2014 Boston Marathon will open on September 9, 2013, and that the field size will expand to 36,000 registrants for next year only

http://www.baa.org/news-and-press/news-listing/2013/august/boston-marathon-registration-dates-and-field-size.aspx

Shedite27

Speedy44 wrote: »

The Boston Athletic Association today announced that registration for the 2014 Boston Marathon will open on September 9, 2013, and that the field size will expand to 36,000 registrants for next year only

http://www.baa.org/news-and-press/news-listing/2013/august/boston-marathon-registration-dates-and-field-size.aspx

What do people reckon the effect will be on the qualifying time? Will the extra spaces mean 3.12ish times will get in or will the "special event" status mean more demand so qualification will still be around the 3.05 mark?

PaulieYifter

Shedite27 wrote: »

What do people reckon the effect will be on the qualifying time? Will the extra spaces mean 3.12ish times will get in or will the "special event" status mean more demand so qualification will still be around the 3.05 mark?

The qualifying times are not changing. Last year everybody that met the standard got in. If you don't meet the standard you don't get in irrespective of places. Given the likely extra demand they've increased the number of places to try and accommodate as many as possible. The fact remains that if you are a male under 35 on race day to even enter you need to have run 3:05 or faster - the more of a buffer you have the earlier you can enter so the more likely you will be accepted. During the entry process the slots are filled in order of those who have beaten their BQ time by the most.

Did you read the link above? It says:

Registration will occur on a “rolling admission” schedule, beginning with the fastest qualifiers. On Monday, September 9, eligible runners who have met the qualifying standard for their age and gender by 20 minutes or more may register. On Wednesday, September 11 at 10:00 a.m. ET, if space remains, registration will open for those who have met their qualifying standard by 10 minutes or more. If space remains, registration will open on Friday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. ET for those who have met their qualifying standard by five minutes or more. Registration will close on Saturday, September 14 at 10:00 p.m. ET.
If space remains after the first week of registration (Monday, September 9 through Saturday, September 14), then registration will re-open for all qualifiers from Monday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. ET through Friday, September 20 at 5:00 p.m. ET. If space remains after this initial period, then on Monday, September 23 registration will re-open to anyone who meets the qualifying standards. Registration will remain open until the maximum field size is reached.

ger664

Shedite27 wrote: »

What do people reckon the effect will be on the qualifying time? Will the extra spaces mean 3.12ish times will get in or will the "special event" status mean more demand so qualification will still be around the 3.05 mark?

I wish:rolleyes:. There is only 9000 extra places of which already 4,500 of last year non finishers have been taken. I think 4500 extra spots will not meet the demand for next years race and will be very surprised if registration does in fact reopen on Monday 23rd

PaulieYifter

Last year 53% of places filled after the BQ minus 5 minutes round. They are expecting double the applications this year so there's not going to be many places left after week 1 of the applications.

I have a BQ minus 15 so my biggest problem will be convincing Mrs. Yifter to let me go again.

Speedy44

PaulieYifter wrote: »

Last year 53% of places filled after the BQ minus 5 minutes round. They are expecting double the applications this year so there's not going to be many places left after week 1 of the applications.

I have a BQ minus 15 so my biggest problem will be convincing Mrs. Yifter to let me go again.

I've only got BQ minus 7, so I'll be crossing everything :rolleyes:

PaulieYifter

Speedy44 wrote: »

I've only got BQ minus 7, so I'll be crossing everything :rolleyes:

You'll be fine - current prediction is BQ minus 4.

eliwallach

PaulieYifter wrote: »

Registration will occur on a “rolling admission” schedule, beginning with the fastest qualifiers. On Monday, September 9, eligible runners who have met the qualifying standard for their age and gender by 20 minutes or more may register. On Wednesday, September 11 at 10:00 a.m. ET, if space remains, registration will open for those who have met their qualifying standard by 10 minutes or more. If space remains, registration will open on Friday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. ET for those who have met their qualifying standard by five minutes or more. Registration will close on Saturday, September 14 at 10:00 p.m. ET.
If space remains after the first week of registration (Monday, September 9 through Saturday, September 14), then registration will re-open for all qualifiers from Monday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. ET through Friday, September 20 at 5:00 p.m. ET. If space remains after this initial period, then on Monday, September 23 registration will re-open to anyone who meets the qualifying standards. Registration will remain open until the maximum field size is reached.

Hayzeus christus. talk about creating work for themselves!

wideball

Anybody enter? I entered as BQ -12 today. Will be my 2nd trip to Boston marathon. Great race.

PaulieYifter

wideball wrote: »

Anybody enter? I entered as BQ -12 today. Will be my 2nd trip to Boston marathon. Great race.

I entered today too as BQ - 15. Will be 2nd in a row please God.

menoscemo

Hoping to Enter on Friday as BQ-5. Really hoping there is still space left...

blockic

menoscemo wrote: »

Hoping to Enter on Friday as BQ-5. Really hoping there is still space left...

Nice one!! Here's hoping!

rom

menoscemo wrote: »

Hoping to Enter on Friday as BQ-5. Really hoping there is still space left...

Under your own name ?

purceninho

Entered also with BQ -13. Said last April I'd return.

EauRouge79

hoping to get in tomorrow. Missed on on -10 by 20 secs.

wideball

Looks like the qualifying slots are half full (or empty ) http://www.runnersworld.com/races/boston-marathon-field-almost-half-full

Speedy44

Is it 10am EST that registration opens, can't seem to register at the moment?
I am BQ-8 but it says its not valid so wondering if it just means its not open yet?

RubyK

Speedy44 wrote: »

Is it 10am EST that registration opens, can't seem to register at the moment?
I am BQ-8 but it says its not valid so wondering if it just means its not open yet?

Should be open 3.00pm Irish time Best of luck, I'm sure you'll get through no problem!

I'm not holding out much hope for a place on Monday myself. I've 0 seconds to spare.

Speedy44

RubyK wrote: »

Should be open def3.00pm Irish time Best of luck, I'm sure you'll get through no problem!

I'm not holding out much hope for a place on Monday myself. I've 0 seconds to spare.

ouch :eek:
you never know though, I'll keep the fingers crossed for you

RubyK

Speedy44 wrote: »

ouch :eek:
you never know though, I'll keep the fingers crossed for you

Thanks Speedy, I need all the positive vibes I can get

slowsteady

RubyK wrote: »

Should be open 3.00pm Irish time Best of luck, I'm sure you'll get through no problem!

I'm not holding out much hope for a place on Monday myself. I've 0 seconds to spare.

Thinking of throwing my hat in here as well, I have applied for London but I'd say there is no chance. I only have 3 min to spare but the mens is usually more heavily subscribed I think so I don't reckon it will be enough - still, we all live in hope:p.

wideball

slowsteady wrote: »

Thinking of throwing my hat in here as well, I have applied for London but I'd say there is no chance. I only have 3 min to spare but the mens is usually more heavily subscribed I think so I don't reckon it will be enough - still, we all live in hope:p.

You never know, a couple of years ago I got in by 4 seconds after all the averaging was done and all BQ times less 1:14 got in... although I'm guessing it's be greater than 1:14 this time..

robbicosta

Just put my name into the hat for Boston as I have a 2:59:51 marathon. Has anyone had their entry confirmed yet or will that take a few days?

Rob

menoscemo

rom wrote: »

Under your own name ?

yep; just applied now in my own name. Fingers crossed, I reckon it will be 50-50

PaulieYifter

I'd say you're fine Meno.
If they open on Monday you can be sure you're in as they'll only open if space remains.

Waiting time to confirmation depends on the race. A mate who applied at the same time as me on Wed had almost instant approval as he was using his Boston time from this year. I didn't apply with my Boston time but used my Cork time and I'm still waiting on official approval.

I'd say once you've used a marathon that appeared in the drop-down list you'll have no hassle and can assume you're in.

menoscemo

PaulieYifter wrote: »

I'd say once you've used a marathon that appeared in the drop-down list you'll have no hassle and can assume you're in.

Nope, not on dropdown list.

Anyway not too worried if I miss it this year as I will be racing London the week before but it would be a nice bonus to tick the Boston Box. If i get in I would intend just jogging around and enjoying myself.
The dates really suit me as with work etc as I am off that week anyway, i was thinking I might make a holiday of it.

Speedy44

Application received, so as long as they except Limerick as an approved marathon, I'm in
Already getting excited.

PaulieYifter

Registration is opening again on Monday so everybody who applied so far should be in.

robbicosta

Woohoo. I'm in. Boston has been the dream for years. Really looking forward to this one.

jfh

would love to do an overseas marathon, unfortunetly don't have the time criteria yet. no chance without a good time.
best of luck to all,

psychozeb

First time for me next year,got my confirmation email last night,had applied last Wednesday.looking at flights now.

Peckham

You're all in for some experience. This event is epic (and that's coming from someone who ran a personal worst there!), and next year will be even more special.

The school bus ride to Hopkinton, waiting at the high school for the start, people BBQing and boozing in their front yards at 9am, the crowds on Heartbreak Hill, the crowds coming out of the baseball at Fenway Park, the crowds everywhere else, the left hand turn onto Boylston Street, the jacket….the Wellesley girls…..

Wish I still had a BQ!

Killerz

Peckham wrote: »

......Wish I still had a BQ!

I'm sure it won't be long in reappearing on your CV!

Totally agree re: the whole Boston experience - Fenway; the buses; into Cheers bar downtown the day after - every punter also wearing the boston jacket.... Magic.