3rd.

I ran more cautiously the first two because I was fearful of 'hitting the wall'.

I love Richmond too. I've run it 3 times. There are a few hills but nothing killer. Great course, small race, late in the season so usually great weather.

I've heard good things about both Steamtown and Richmond, though I haven't run either one of them. Check the reviews on Marathonguide!

Unless the course has changed, Richmond was my fastest marathon time ever. I never even hit the wall. It was very strange. I attribute part of that to the temperature being in the low to mid 50s and no sun. I've found that on races even if it's in the 50s, if the sun is out, it just drains me. But I think because of the later date, Richmond has a stronger chance of having cooler weather than some of the other fall marathons.

But back to Richmond, it's a fast course. Smaller crowd and I don't remember hills. The only hill I do remember is the one in the last mile. You are literally running down a fairly steep hill all the way to the finish line. I teared up at the end of that race because of how I never hit the wall and felt strong throughout. Definitely consider it.

I say go for it. If you've already done a 4h20m and you're a woman who's not super young, and you're improving, you definitely have a good chance of making it. Choose a fast course in a not-super-hot time/place.

21:20 here. I actually signed up to run Steamtown a few years ago but then I got injured and had to skip it. It sounds like a great race! Another one you might consider is Richmond. That was my first marathon and I'm planning in making it this year's fall race. It's not a net downhill like Steamtown and there are a few sizeable hills but it's a great course (and by no means slow). Perfect size too. I'm with you on MCM- way too big.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide.

OP here

Thanks!
It's funny that you both mention the fact that some races are faster--just this morning I got an email from Athlinks.com talking about the Via marathon in Allentown, PA in September...and how it's the 3rd fastest Boston Qualifier.
Sounds great! I'm just not sure about early September...could still be very hot, and I would be doing most of my training over the summer months (which I kind of did for MCM too, but not quite as bad...)

I did like that it is small though. I think that is one thing that really hurt me during MCM--just how crowded it was! I remember not being able to get above a 10min/mile pace until about mile 10--because I was just so boxed in with so many people!

Another Boston Qualifier I was thinking of is the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton. It is also listed as one of the fastest Boston Qualifiers, and is about a month later, in October...and I think the medal is pretty cool too!

Anyone have experience with either of those?

20:55/11:10 - also, figure out if you're better at training over the summer or the winter - if summer is better for you, pick a fall race as your qualifier. If winter running floats your boat, go for a spring race.

20:55 here - The PP had a good point - "some courses are faster than others" - this is totally true. Things that will help you run a better race are ideal weather on race day (50-60 degrees is good, I think), a flat course, and not a lot of people. (though crowd support can be very helpful, and that can be missing on the smallest races.) Frederick was a very small race - like 500 people - which helped me run my 3:38, though the long stretches with no spectators (or other runners) could be demotivating. I'd probably look for something with a couple thousand people. Also, I might advise not to do a race with a relay option unless you get energy from trying to compete with faster runners, because I found it discouraging in the last few miles of the race to be running with relay people who were on fresh legs that had only run a couple of miles. (Discouraging = I wanted to punch them.)

Go for it! I did it on my first try with a 3:36. My most recent marathon was under 3:10. If I were you, I would pick a target race in the fall to get excited about. Check out marathonguide.com for a list of races by date and state. You can read reviews too. Some courses are faster than others so keep that in mind. Then find some tune-up races- 10ks, half marathons, etc.- leading up to the marathon. You can check to see if you're roughly on track to run your target time by checking the mcmillan race calculator online.

Consider joining a running group- there are lots in the DC area. Also, might be worth it to check out some training books if you're really serious. When I PRed, I roughly followed the Pfitzinger (sp) book though I have also heard good things about Hansens. Good luck! Running a marathon and PRing is an amazing feeling!

No, but I did it on my second.

First marathon (after many years of running and racing) was the Marine Corps marathon, and I ran that in 3:58. My second marathon was the Frederick marathon, and I ran that in 3:38 after a slightly more intense training plan. I BQ'd with the 3:38, and signed up for the race. unfortunately I fell on some ice after my first 20-mile training run of the season, and couldn't run long after that without excruciating pain - turned out to be an iliotibial band issue. Ugh. couldn't defer, so I lost my only chance to run Boston.

(since I had my daughter at 36, I am still running and racing, but can't do the high mileage anymore.)

If you're going to BQ, you need to take training very seriously. You really have to put in the miles (I did 40-55 miles per week), do some speedwork (tempo runs, not intervals), and have a good handle on sleep, nutrition and hydration. good luck!

I've recently been thinking about trying to BQ. I've only done one marathon--it was a while ago, and it was only my 2nd race (my first race being a 10 miler). My only goal for that marathon was to finish, which I did in about 4 1/2 hours--so obviously not a Boston Qualifying time

But I've been working pretty hard since then, and I've improved a lot. I think with some more hard work, I can do it.

I'd just like to hear any inspirational stories you have about it.