I am so excited to start a new series featuring a different runner each week. Every Monday until April, I will be featuring a runner that has qualified and currently training to run the Boston Marathon in April this year.
The Boston Marathon represents something special for many runners. As one of the oldest and most prestigious marathons. Earning the opportunity to even apply for entry is an honor and marks an amount of commitment and sacrifice.
I am excited to give a voice and share the story of a few of these runners. Each story is unique and each journey is filled with moments of success and moments of struggle. My hope is each runner who shares will touch at least one person who is reading this. Gives one person hopes.
I can’t wait to follow, cheer and celebrate these awesome indivuals. Our first featured runner is Mike!
Follow Mike on Instagram
@im_mike_g
How many Marathons have you run previous- 15 marathons, 1st Boston marathon
- Can you first, give us your Boston marathon story.
- I initially qualified for Boston in 2014 for the 2016 Boston Marathon. Although I had over a 3 minute buffer I didn’t think it was enough to get in so when registration came around I didn’t enter my time. The cut for that year was 3min28sec exactly what I had for a buffer and would have gotten in. I spend the next 5 years chasing another BQ failing each time. In 2019 I refocused and trained harder than ever, 6 days a week starting in Jan for a fall marathon to attempt to qualify. When race day rolled around everything fell into place and I BQ’ed with a 5min11sec buffer for 2021. Then Covid hit, the 2020 race was cancelled and 2021 had the largest cut off ever at over 7 min, I was devastated to not get in again. I was fortunate enough to use my 2019 time to get into the 2022 race where I qualified for 2023!
- What does runnign the Boston Marathon mean to you?
- The Boston Marathon is the pinnacle of races for the amateur marathoner. A goal that I would say 95% of us all have. To be able to qualify and run wit some of the best runners around the world. I proved to myself that my BQ i 2014 was not a one time fluke that I could set loft goals and achieve them.
- What do you look forward to most, about running the Boston Marathon?
- The amazing atmosphere around the city all weekend long. Running any marathon is a life changing experience but World Majors, especially Boston just feel different. There’s an electric buzz that you only get at an event of this magnitude, it’s awe inspiring.
- How will you define success, on race day?
- Success on race day is giving my best effort possible. I will set a time goal that I will shoot for but there are so many factors that can affect race day. All I can do is trust my training and give my best effort. If at the end of the day I can say that, then race day was a success.
- Do you have a favorite product, clothing, or tech that you use for racing or training?
- I use Honey Stinger gels, chews and hydration mix for training and on race day.
- Any advice for someone trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon or training for their first Boston Marathon?
- Be patient and be consistent. The only way to become a better runner is to consistently run. Show up every day with the mindset of getting better. The results will come as long as you put in the work.
- What part of the marathon do you find the most challenging?
- Running a marathon is just as much about mental toughness as it is physical. Training your brain to not give up when things get tough late in a race is one of the hardest things to do.
- What has been you favorite race (any distance) up until this point?
- My favorite race is the Chicago Marathon. It was my first marathon, where I ran my first BQ and the one I have run the most times (5).
- Do you have any pre-race routine, riturals or good luck charms?
- My marathon routine starts a week before the race, that is when I begin to fuel and hydrate for race day. I eat a little extra protein and good carbs at each meal while taking in 20-30 oz of water each day. The day before the race I each a larger breakfast and lunch followed by a smaller portion at an early dinner. Race morning I wake up early to shower and stretch. I have a gatorade protein bar 2 hours before the start. I sip on a bottle of water mixed with Honey Stinger prepare hydration mix. Fifteen minutes before the start I eat a pack of Honey Stinger energy chews and finish by drink
- What (or who) inpires you as a runner?
- My family inspires me to be the best I can be, in both my personal and professional life. I started running to lose weight and set a healthy example for my girls. From there it has grown to be a huge part of our lifestyle. I want my girls to know that anything is possible if you are willing to work for it. The love and support I receive from my family means more to me than any medal I could earn at a race.
RunCanvas 
Great interview detail. Mike did well !
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