Qualifying for the Boston Marathon has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. For many runners, earning a spot in this prestigious race represents the pinnacle of their athletic journey. For me, it’s been a journey full of unexpected challenges, incredible perseverance, and the unwavering determination to push forward—no matter what. Although my path to Boston hasn’t yet ended in qualification, my story is far from over, and my resolve to qualify in 2026 is stronger than ever.

The Beginning: Training Amidst Setbacks

I kicked off my marathon training in November 2023 with excitement and determination. My goal was clear: qualify for the Boston Marathon. But just as my training was picking up, life threw me a curveball—I broke my collarbone.

This was a major setback. Not only was I facing an injury that could keep me sidelined for weeks, but I was also right in the middle of an important build phase of training. After undergoing surgery to repair my collarbone, I had to figure out how to stay committed to my goal of qualifying for Boston while recovering.

Rather than letting the injury stop me in my tracks, I chose to focus on what I could do. Incredibly, just four days after surgery, I ran a personal best half marathon time of 1:29. While this wasn’t a marathon, it was still a huge accomplishment and a powerful reminder that I could keep moving forward, even after a significant injury.

The Role of My Coach Jodi O’Shea: Speed Work and Strategy

A huge part of my success in returning to training after my injury is thanks to my coach, Jodi O’Shea, a local high school cross country coach. Jodi’s experience and expertise in speed workouts were critical in helping me build the speed and endurance necessary to reach my Boston Marathon qualifying goal.

With Jodi’s guidance, I focused on improving my speed and endurance through structured workouts—intervals, tempo runs, and hill repeats—designed to help me get faster and stronger. Even as I was recovering from my collarbone injury, Jodi’s coaching ensured that my training was both challenging and effective. She also helped me refine my race strategy, so I could approach each race with confidence and focus.

Her support kept me on track and helped me stay committed to my goal of qualifying for Boston, despite the setbacks.

A Breakthrough in June 2024: A Near Miss

In June 2024, after months of hard work, I ran a marathon in 3:04, just four minutes shy of the 3:05 qualifying time for my age group (35-39). While it was an incredible achievement—especially considering the challenges I faced earlier in the year—it wasn’t enough to meet the qualifying standard set by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA).

That close miss was frustrating, but it also served as a reminder of how far I had come. I had proven to myself that, despite everything, I was capable of running at an elite level. But the journey wasn’t over yet, and I was determined to improve.

Attempting to Improve: A 3:03 in September 2024

Fueled by the desire to improve, I entered another marathon in September 2024, determined to qualify. This time, I ran a personal best of 3:03, shaving a minute off my previous time. While it was an incredible improvement, it still didn’t meet the Boston qualifying standard due to the new adjustments made by the BAA in 2024, which required times to be three minutes faster for all age groups.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2024 qualifying standards:

Age Group	Men’s Qualifying Time	Women’s Qualifying Time
18-34	3:00	3:30
35-39	3:05	3:35
40-44	3:10	3:40
45-49	3:20	3:50
50-54	3:25	3:55
55-59	3:35	4:05
60-64	3:50	4:20
65-69	4:05	4:35
70-74	4:20	4:50
75-79	4:35	5:05
80+	4:50	5:20

For my age group, 35-39, the qualifying time was 3:05, and while I had gotten within a minute of that in June, I still wasn’t there. My 3:03 in September showed progress, but it was still not enough to meet the new standards.

A Determined Path Forward: The Road to 2026

While the near-misses were frustrating, they only strengthened my resolve. I could have easily let these setbacks discourage me, but instead, I’ve chosen to view them as stepping stones. Qualifying for the Boston Marathon is still my dream, and I’m not giving up. I’ve set my sights on 2026, and I’m more determined than ever to make it happen.

I know that the road to Boston will take hard work, patience, and persistence. But the lessons I’ve learned so far—how to handle setbacks, how to stay focused, and how to continue improving even when things don’t go as planned—are all vital pieces of the puzzle.

The Role of My Coach Jodi O’Shea Moving Forward

Looking ahead to 2026, I know that Jodi will continue to be a crucial part of my journey. With her guidance and support, we’ll continue to fine-tune my training, focus on my speed, and improve my race-day strategy. I trust her expertise, and I know that together we can refine my approach and get me ready for the ultimate challenge.

Whether it’s more focused speed workouts, endurance training, or tackling the mental and physical aspects of marathon racing, I’m confident that we’ll work together to ensure that I’m ready to give it my all when 2026 rolls around.

Looking Ahead: The Boston Marathon Awaits

While I haven’t yet qualified for the Boston Marathon, my journey is far from over. In fact, I’m just getting started. The Boston Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a symbol of everything that runners work toward. And no matter how many times I fall short or how many hurdles I face, I’m determined to earn my spot at that starting line.

For anyone who’s ever faced setbacks, whether in running or in life, my story is a reminder that persistence and resilience are key. The path to Boston may not be a straight line, but it’s one I’m willing to take. With Jodi’s support and my unwavering commitment, I’ll keep working toward my goal—and in 2026, I’ll be ready to qualify.

The journey isn’t over. It’s only just beginning.