marathon pace

go 7:00 pace for as long as possible.

Worst thing that could happen is you can only do 16 or so.

If that happens then you'll have knowledge that you didn't have before.

Ok sounds reasonable.. I ran a 3:08 solo practice marathon about a month ago for what it's worth. My marathon is a month away. Hopin for some cool temps to bring that time down a tad. First and foremost is a BQ time which is a sub 3:10, just debating on whether I should crush it or not. Being my first marathon I'm not sure its smart to be that ballsy.. Any input?

As the other poster said, hover around 7:00 through at least 18-19 miles. If you feel strong, than speed up a little from there. Your 5k and half marathon indicate something around 3:03 (7 min pace) so see how that goes.

It depends on your long term goals. Do you care more about getting a BQ or running as fast you possibly can at that time? You say "first and foremost is a BQ time," but you've already run a solo BQ time and you're asking about it so I think you're more interested in a fast time. However, there is always the possibility of crashing if you try to go too hard, so you need to think about it and make a decision.

You can BQ. No problem. Just go out at and keep a pace that would guarantee a time at least three minutes under that so you can be sure you make it through the registration process. Solo efforts don't count as qualifiers at Boston. If you really want to run Boston, this is the route to take. Otherwise, why do you care? Go for the time you seem like you can run right now. If your endurance is good and the weather is prime, shoot for 3 hours on the dot and, if possible, run with a pace group or someone you know who is capable of that time. Kick it in at the end for a sub-3 if you have the legs.

Data point here.

1:26 half

38:high 10k

Topped about 50 mpw on my 3rd marathon and ran 3:16 (high).

Went out in 7:10s and was on 3:10 pace until final 4-5 miles (I slowed to 8s which was better than my previous 2 in which I completely cramped!).

In your case I'd say as the other posters above that going out in 7:00s is the way to go.

Have you really run a 3:08 in practice? That's insane and would indicate sub 3...

According to your other times and mileage however, 3:03 to 3:05 sounds pretty attainable.

Was your 1:26 in Nashville in Apr by any chance?

If you can do 3:08 unrested, in warmer weather, aim for sub 3:05 at least.

Keep in mind Boston entry times don't mean you get entry.. be 10 minutes below to guarantee entry.

But also throw more data points in, recent halts, and race halfs and longer races in training.

Good luck.

Yea it was like 3:08:3x . 1:26 not Nashville. I have been averaging 50-55mpw w/ an occasional 60.