After a runner makes it to the finish line of their first marathon, they often start to think about the next goal. For many that goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon. It is like the Super Bowl of running. Going to Boston is something that many runners “chase,” literally and figuratively, for a long time. Many in the last few years were excited to finally reach that goal of a BQ only to find out that this time wasn’t actually fast enough to get into the race. Nothing can be more heartbreaking than to feel like you have reached a goal only to have it taken from you.

Recently the B.A.A. (Boston Athletic Association) changed the qualifying times in order to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The standards became faster by 5 minutes. With the 5 minutes change, those that meet the qualifying standards “should” get in, but still no guarantees.

This is not the first time the times have changed. There have been many times  that the qualifying times have changed. This article is pretty fascinating. It shows how the times have changed over the years.

Since running my first Boston, I have qualified more often than I haven’t. I have not returned to run it again, but it’s interesting that my marathon times have gotten progressively faster and honestly, I don’t worry as much about my qualifying time anymore. I worry more about chasing my next goal. Wouldn’t that be great? To not worry about the qualifying times because you have plenty of time between your race times and what you need to get into the big race? Wouldn’t it be fun to chase goals above and beyond that Boston qualifying time?

Our desire as coaches is to help people do just this! Specifically to chase those big goals in life- running-related and otherwise. We want to help people recognize and realize some of the thoughts that hold them back from achieving the most they can possibly be. We realize that running is just one aspect of people’s lives, but the lessons and things we learn can translate to so many aspects of life.