Boston or Bust: Training for a BQ at 36 While Raising Five Kids, Climbing Rocks, and Practicing Law

I’ve come close—painfully close—to qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Twice. Two full marathons, two near misses, and too many post-race “what ifs.” But I’m not done. Not even close.

I’m 36 years old. A full-time attorney. A husband. A father to five wildly energetic boys. And when I’m not juggling family or work, I’m probably halfway up a rock wall.

So yeah—finding time to train for a marathon? It takes creativity, grit, and a whole lot of early alarms.

But this isn’t about squeezing in runs between meetings and soccer practices. This time, it’s different. I’m not just chasing Boston—I’m earning it.

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The Mindset Shift: From Dreaming to Executing

This isn’t about proving I can qualify for Boston. It’s about proving I will.

I’ve learned that it’s not about running more miles—it’s about running the right miles. With intention. With purpose. With balance.

I’ve already built the base. I’ve already made the mistakes. Now it’s time to train smarter, recover better, and race with a plan.

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My 16-Week Boston Qualifying Training Plan (Built for Real Life)

This plan isn’t built for someone with unlimited free time. It’s built for me—and maybe for you too. Someone who has a full-time job, a family, and a life beyond running shoes and Strava splits.

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Weeks 1–4: Rebuilding the Base Without Burning Out

• Mileage: 35–45 miles/week
• Focus: Easy aerobic runs, injury prevention, dialing in routines
• Workouts:
  • Long runs (10–13 miles on weekends before the house wakes up)
  • Weekly tempo runs (usually mid-morning or during lunch breaks)
  • Hill workouts (thank you, climbing legs)

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Weeks 5–8: Building Strength and Speed

• Mileage: 45–55 miles/week
• Focus: Threshold work, stamina, developing race-specific strength
• Workouts:
  • Progression long runs with marathon pace finishes
  • Tempo runs + short intervals (e.g., 3-mile tempo + 4x800m)
  • Medium-long runs (8–10 miles) wherever I can fit them

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Weeks 9–12: Marathon Simulation Mode

• Mileage: 60–65 miles/week (peak)
• Focus: Simulate race day, nail pacing, build confidence
• Workouts:
  • Marathon pace runs (10–12 miles steady)
  • Long runs with strong finishes (16–20 miles, last 4–6 at goal pace)
  • Tune-up race (10K or half marathon to test fitness and race strategy)

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Weeks 13–16: The Taper

• Mileage: Decrease from 50 to 25 miles/week
• Focus: Sharpen, recover, trust the work
• Workouts:
  • Shorter runs with strides
  • Mental rehearsal
  • Fueling practice and logistics dial-in

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The Hidden Work: What Keeps Me on Track

Strength Work

Twice a week. Core, glutes, hamstrings. Short, focused, effective. I often double this with rock climbing—my form of “active meditation.”

Fueling & Nutrition

No more skipping mid-run gels or winging hydration. I treat every long run like a dress rehearsal. My body needs the fuel—and I’ve learned the hard way what happens when I ignore it.

The Mental Game

Quiet long runs before sunrise. No music. Just focus. I visualize the final 10K, lean into discomfort, and remind myself that I’ve been close before—and I know how to go further.

Family Support

I couldn’t do this without my wife—she’s the MVP behind every mile. And my five boys? They already think I’m a superhero. I plan to prove them right.

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What I Learned from Missing the Mark

• First time: Went out too fast. Pacing error.
• Second time: Cramped hard at mile 21. Poor fueling.

So now I:

• Stick to my pacing strategy no matter how good I feel early on
• Train my fueling consistently
• Respect recovery as much as workouts

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Final Thoughts: I’m All In

At 36, with a full-time career, a house full of kids, and a passion for climbing, I’m not trying to “fit running in.”

I’m making it work—because this goal matters.

I’ve missed the mark before, but this is the year I get it done.

Boston or bust. Third time’s the charm.

Peter Hibbard is an Attorney from Moses Lake, Washington. Peter is a husband and father of five boys. He has practiced as a lawyer for over 8 years, primarily in Moses Lake, WA in criminal law.