It's the world's oldest and most prestigious marathon. It brings together world-class athletes from all over the world. It is no other than the Boston Marathon. The legendary course runs through eight cities and towns before finishing in Boston's Back Bay.http://www.bostonmarathon.org/ After being inspired by the Olympic Marathon, Boston Athletic Association member and US Olympic Team Manager John Graham decided he wanted to bring that splendor and spirit to his hometown. With the help of local entrepreneur Herbert H. Holton, the first Boston Marathon took place on April 19, 1897.http://www.bostonmarathon.org/BostonMarathon/History.asp

Since then, we've seen this event become the birthplace of great American runners, including past winners John J. McDermott, Lawrence Brignolia, and Nina Kuscik. http://www.bostonmarathon.org/BostonMarathon/PastChampions.asp Unlike your typical weekend marathon, you have to qualify in order to take part in this event. Qualifiers must meet a designated time standard that corresponds with their age group.http://www.bostonmarathon.org/BostonMarathon/Qualifying.asp That time must be reviewed and verified before you will be accepted into the race. Additionally, you must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the following foundations and organizations: B.A.A, USA Track and Field or foreign equivalent, International Paralympics Committee, Wheelchair Sports USA, Disabled Sports USA, and the United States Association for Blind Athletes.http://www.bostonmarathon.org/BostonMarathon/Qualifying.asp

It may seem like a daunting task to go up against some of the world's best runners but with a little training and determination you too can qualify for the coveted Boston Marathon.

When it comes to training for the Boston Marathon, you’ll need to keep in mind the qualifying times required to enter the event. For instance, a man under 35 years old is required to run a marathon at 3:10 or faster. A woman of the same age group has to meet the 3:40 standard. For a full list of qualifying times, be sure to check out the Boston Marathon Qualifying Time Charthttp://www.asksasha.com/boston-marathon-qualifying-time.php. Before you get started, you’ll need to decide how close or how far you are from the time goal and set your training from there. Your training may need to shift depending on whether you need to work on speed or endurance.

After you’ve completed your research, it’s time to start setting your weekly goals. But for the first week, don’t set any goals. Get out there, run hard and long some days and slow and steady on others. See how you feel and which is the hardest for you. Is it more difficult when you run at a slower pace but for longer miles? Then you need to work on your endurance, which will require cross-training combined with other cardiovascular activities, such as swimming or biking. Do you feel worse when you run shorter distances but at a faster rate? Then you need to work on your speed by combining your runs with track, speed workouts and strength training.

If you haven’t done so already, it’s best to run at least one marathon before competing in the Boston Marathon. Nothing will prepare you better for the crème-de-la-crème event than running the same distance on a smaller scale. Check out some of your local marathon races and register for one that is at least a month away. You’ll be able to get a better feel for what the Boston Marathon will be like because you’ll know how many people to expect, how to enter/exit a water stop, and how to get through the crowds. Above all, it’ll help you indicate the times that you need to pace yourself prior to qualifying for the event.

When you go out for your qualifying race, the adrenaline and excitement will push you to want to go faster the first few miles. However, you need to fight that urge to save your energy for when you “hit a wall”, which tends to be the last twenty to twenty-five miles. Also, don’t let the mental math get in the way. Don’t focus too hard on your mile splits and the times that you’re average because that could end up causing more discouragement instead of inspiration. You want to stay focused on the end result: qualifying for the race so you can’t let mental games affect that.

When choosing your qualifying race, think about the course you’ll be running, the temperature it will be outside, and other factors that may affect the outcome. It’s a good idea to choose a flat course in your favorite running season to give yourself a slight edge. http://www.the-fitness-motivator.com/qualify-for-the-boston-marathon.html Most race coordinators will post the average conditions from previous years so use that as a way to decide which race will help you achieve your final goal of entering into a Boston Marathon.

In the end, it’s all about picking the right qualifying race, training the right way, and keeping focused on the end result instead of the grueling tasks it will take to get there. With a little bit of insight and a lot of heart, the Boston Marathon isn’t as intangible as it may seem.

Keep in mind that you have up to eighteen months prior to the event to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Also, many people don’t qualify the first time they enter so don’t get discouraged by the process. Part of the reason that the Boston Marathon is considered the Holy Grail Run for most runners is because of its exclusivity. If you want to be a part of that elusive group, then don’t give up.

The Boston Marathon will take place on April 19, 2010.http://www.bostonmarathon.org/BostonMarathon/114thMarathon.asp

1. Push Rim Wheelchair Start: 9:22 a.m.
2. Elite Women Start: 9:32 a.m.
3. Elite Men & Wave 1 Start: 10:00 a.m.
4. Wave 2 Start: 10:30 a.m. .