BQ #1

I am always completely shocked when I am out in the world and someone tells me that they read Sunshine Soldier. I write because I love to write. But I’m not gonna lie, it’s nice to know some people are reading it.

Lately, my readers (it feels insanely weird to type that) are telling me what they enjoyed reading about the most. FYI, Caleb and Owen captured the hearts of so many. But also, several people have requested that I write about the following. So, here goes.

I am running the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024 (Lord willing). You might think that is the least interesting fact in the world. If so, you won’t offend me in the least when you don’t read the posts in this series.

For those of you who are still with me, I am excited to share this journey with you. I trained so hard to qualify. When I did, that was a really big deal to me. But, it has surprised me that so many seem to agree.

For those of you who don’t know, runners have to qualify to run the Boston Marathon. That is known as getting a “BQ”. And it ain’t easy. The Boston Athletic Association has an official list of qualifying times for age and gender. Basically, you have to run a Boston Qualifying Marathon (Knoxville is one). You have to finish it in under the listed BAA time. If you do that, you are able to submit your time to the BAA for review. Once they receive all registrations they will limit the running field to a specific size by implementing a cut-off time. For 2024 that is a 5:29. So that means that runners have to finish their qualifying marathon in 5 minutes and 29 seconds less than the original listed qualifying time. It’s no joke.

I have been a runner for the vast majority of my life. I love the 5k, the 10k and the half marathon. But, I had no interest in the marathon. Until I did. From out of nowhere, the marathon bug bit me. It was completely out of my control. I was a victim. 😉

My official 20 week Boston Marathon Training Plan begins on November 27th. I am currently in base training. That means I am incorporating a lot of running, including long runs, into my exercise routine so that I am ready to start the plan. Through base training, I am already learning that this training cycle will be quite challenging. I am homeschooling which means my runs need to be really early most days.

I am happy to answer specific questions about my personal thoughts and experiences in regard to marathon training. You are welcome to ask them in the comments section.

We all have idols. I have a history of making exercise an idol. For those of you who are in my daily life, hold me accountable! My time with the Lord should be my top priority. My husband and children and family and friends are second. I should be serving and encouraging others. I should be doing all the one anothers!