How fast do I have to run a marathon

Well, if you want the shoe company to come looking for you, I'd say <2:16. But if you run maybe <2:23, you could start writing/making phone calls and talk your way into some free gear.

Many, if not the majority, of guys gunning for the OQ standard are not "pro" runners (with any type of salary from the sport).

It may be worth it to start aligning yourself with other groups that can support you in some way. Some local running clubs siphon money towards their competition team, and any running store worth their salt will hook up a truly competitive runner. Certain race directors will give you free entry, maybe even a little more.

Greed wrote:

I'd prefer not to hear back from the typical message board trolls.

Good luck with that one!

Get a trials qualifier and you can score some small deals if you have any marketing sense

Greed wrote:

I'd prefer not to hear back from the typical message board trolls.

I'd offer some really pertinent advice, but I prefer not to respond to the typical message board OP troll.

Kyp Lyttyn wrote:

Greed wrote:

I'd prefer not to hear back from the typical message board trolls.

I'd offer some really pertinent advice, but I prefer not to respond to the typical message board OP troll.

And I'd offer my personalized snide commentary on your so-called advice, but my trolling is too superior to your anti-trolling to stoop to your level.

Avarice wrote:

[quote]Kyp Lyttyn wrote:

[quote]Greed wrote:

I'd prefer not to hear back from the typical message board trolls.[quote]

I'd offer some really pertinent advice, but I prefer not to respond to the typical message board OP troll.[quote]

And I'd offer my personalized snide commentary on your so-called advice, but my trolling is too superior to your anti-trolling to stoop to your level.

Then I'd change my name and offer some pointed snide supporting my snide while demeaning yours in a humorous way that would make even you chuckle. But, alas, that's for troll banter, which has been banned from this thread.

"All I am really looking for is gear, a possible travel budget, and maybe a very small salary."

Is that all?

You Peeps are funny.

I get more enjoyment out of the Troll posts anyway.

I guess I would take a travel budget. Don't need gear or money.

If you are pretty and go on a dating show, you just need to be sub 2:14 and you will have your face on every other page in Runner's World.

Otherwise, you should be looking to use a fast marathon debut to get set up with a training group. OT qualifier is a good start.

If you don't want to train with a group and want decent support from a shoe company, you will need to run as close to 2:12 as poossible to show that you are an Olympic team dark horse as well as a potential top 10 finisher at a major marathon.