I'm signed up to run CIM on Dec 4th in Sacramento. I'm 49 and need a 3:30 to qualify for Boston in 2018. I ran a 3:26 last year, but I've been running slower since with a 3:30 at LA in March, a 3:40 at Santa Rosa in August, and a 3:52 at NYC 2 weeks ago.
I'm trying to decide between 2 plans:
1. Run the 1st half of CIM with the 3:30 pace group, and then pick up the pace for the 2nd half and hopefully catch (or pass) the 3:28 pace group. This will allow be to qualify for Boston by 2 minutes or more, and cause me a negative split, which gets me free shoes from Strava/ New Balance in their contect that ends Nov. 4th.
2. Run the 1st half of CIM with the 4:30 pace group, and then pick up the pace somewhat in the 2nd half. As long as I finish in 4:29 or less, I'd get the free shoes.
I've run Boston in 2008 and 2014, so it's not exactly on my bucket list. Just more of bragging rights. Of course, winning free shoes is pretty good bragging rights to. (I'm thinking I'd pick the $400 shoes:
http://www.newbalance.com/pd/new-balance-2040v3-leather/M2040-V3FG.html#color=Black
)
Right now I'm leaning to option 2. With just 4 weeks between NYC and CIM, I'm not sure if I could go sub 3:30. Also, although I did do a 3:26 last year on CIM's fast course, I'm not so sure I could do that again, given my track record over the last yesr.