For me it's a 3:15 marathon or 1:34 half.

I was just needling you, your point is valid. Of the two, I would have a better shot at running the half marathon qualifying time, even though it seems practically impossible. For some however, it would be the opposite.

 

I was just needling you, your point is valid. Of the two, I would have a better shot at running the half marathon qualifying time, even though it seems practically impossible. For some however, it would be the opposite.

Well, in your example, there is an 11 sec difference between the half marathon and marathon pace required. Most people can't run a marathon at HMP+11 seconds!

 

Well, in your example, there is an 11 sec difference between the half marathon and marathon pace required. Most people can't run a marathon at HMP+11 seconds!

I don't "know" anyone who can. lol

Using the sub 3:00 marathon time as the basis, there are those who can run it in their sleep (not literally!), but who may have a harder time running the half marathon equivalent. I do know a couple of those types, it's weird.

 

Since the standard was lowered in 2014, the half marathon time is not so far fetched anymore. For instance, mine went from 1:25 to 1:28. Now on the surface, it may not seem like much, but that's actually huge!

It's 1:32 for me.  Can't do that.  But irrelevant because A. I don't have to time qualify since I can do 9+1, although B. I don't want to do this again!  So it's all good.

 

For years it was 2:55 for the 45 - 49 age group, which was hi-jinks and hilarity as far as I am concerned. lol

BQ times in 1980:
open men - 2:50

Masters men 40+ - 3:10

Women - 3:20

When I ran my 2:56 in 1980 it wasn't good enough to BQ.