I will write a more complete race report later (maybe), but I just ran the ING Georgia Marathon. It was my 2nd marathon. It was mostly uphill the last 6 miles - a very tough test. I ran an excellent race - I did the best I could. I had a strong kick at the end. The last several hundred yards was a winding, tightly packed finish. I had to weave in and out of runners, and even bumped one runner to the side accidentally. I did this because I knew it was going to be close. My watch said I finished in 3:30:58. The chip time, though, said 3:31:00. To qualify for Boston next year (2009; I will be 45), I needed a time of 3:30:59. This is, to say the least, very disappointing. I am certain, if the finish were a normal wide straight finish, I would have shaved several seconds off my time. I don't know what I expect anyone to say, but I could use a good pep talk right now! I should be proud -my first marathon I ran last November in 3:43. So I improved my time by 12 minutes in 4.5 months. But this one hurts...

Now you know you can run a BQ. This is a good thing. And it goes without saying that a 12 minute PR in under 5 months is outstanding. The 2009 Boston Marathon is a year and 21 days away. If you do nothing differently and just keep running, you'll likely BQ with ease on your next try. If you wait until the fall you'll probably BQ with half dozen minutes or more to spare.

That's a terrific time regardless! I know it's a long shot, but you could try contacting Boston and talking to them. Especially since your watch gave you the time, the worst thing they'll say is no, so it can't really hurt, can it?

It will only make it that much sweeter when you do BQ. I BQ'd on my 8th marathon, although the first two the subject of Boston wasn't even in my vocabulary. It was after my 3rd marathon that I set a BQ as a goal. Find yourself an "easy" marathon with a net downhill or flat and you'll be fine.

I know it's a long shot, but you could try contacting Boston and talking to them. Especially since your watch gave you the time, the worst thing they'll say is no, so it can't really hurt, can it?

First, congratulations on your marathon! I do know someone who missed by 4 seconds and contacted Boston -- she will be running this year. Good luck to you!

Great job. I live in" THE ATL " and it is not the place to get a BQ. If you can do 3:31:00 in Atlanta you can do 3:25:00 in Jacksonville or Disney. Boston is rated a 2 out 10. The Atlanta marathon is 8 out 10. The next time out should be a breeze(26.2)

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If you do nothing differently and just keep running, you'll likely BQ with ease on your next try.

Frowzy, the above quote was what I was thinking when I read your post. Good work