๐ŸŽฏ How big a deal is a BQ?


โ€‹

Hi runners, ๐Ÿ‘‹๐Ÿผ

Katelyn here with newsletter #460!

โ€‹
โ€‹
Today was a big one on the podcast โ€” we dug into some of the most iconic milestones in running: the elusive Boston Qualifier, the legendary 4-minute mile, and the nearly mythic sub-2-hour marathon.
โ€‹
To accompany our discussion, weโ€™ve got a nice batch of guides to fuel your goals โ€” plus a special feature from Boston Marathon champion Amby Burfoot on what not to do on race day.

Letโ€™s get into it ๐Ÿ‘‡

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Boston, Bannister, Kipchoge: What's the biggest milestone in running? Iconic goals, legendary performances, and what it takes to chase them.

๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ How not to run The Boston Marathon course: Boston champ Amby Burfoot shares classic mistakes and smart tips.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ The best marathons for beginners: Flat, fun, and first-timer friendly โ€” your perfect debut might be here.

โšก How to run a 4-minute mile: Breaking down the barrier: what it takes to chase the ultimate mile.

๐ŸŽฏ 96 exciting running goal ideas for your next training cycle: From first 5Ks to big PRs โ€” find a goal that fires you up for your next block.

๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Big Changes from Brooks: The Glycerin 22 is a reinvention of trusted everyday trainer. And the upgrade is stunning, according to our shoe expert Alex Cyr.

Happy running! ๐Ÿƒ๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธโญ

Katelyn Tocci
Managing Editor
Head Coach

Whatโ€™s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

Whatโ€™s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Boston, Bannister or Kipchoge: We Debate the Biggest Running Milestonesโ€‹

In this episode, Katelyn, Alex, and Michael debate some of runningโ€™s biggest milestones โ€” from elite feats like the sub-2 marathon ๐Ÿ•’ to personal goals like a first BQ ๐ŸŽฏ or breaking 4 in the mile โšก.

Whether you're chasing history or your own PR ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ, these iconic barriers have something to say.

Letโ€™s see who makes the strongest case ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ๐Ÿ”ฅ.

Or listen and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts:

Whatโ€™s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

Whatโ€™s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

๐Ÿšซ How Not To Run The Boston Marathon Courseโ€‹

In this special feature, Boston Marathon champion Amby Burfoot reflects on how, despite running the race more than two dozen times, he completely blew it last year ๐Ÿคฆโ€โ™‚๏ธ.

With a solid plan and decades of experience ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ…, he still ran like a rookie ๐Ÿ’ฅ.

Learn from his missteps so you donโ€™t make the same ones โ€” plus, get expert race-day advice from one of the best Boston coaches out there ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ”ฅ.

Whatโ€™s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

Whatโ€™s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ The 8 Best Marathons For Beginners In The USโ€‹

Running your first marathon is a huge milestone ๐ŸŽ‰ โ€” but it doesnโ€™t have to be overwhelming ๐Ÿ˜ฐ.

From flat courses to supportive crowds, these races are designed to set you up for success โœ….

Whether you're chasing a finish line moment or just hoping to survive those final 6 miles ๐Ÿ’ช, this guide will help you choose the right first 26.2.

Whatโ€™s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

Whatโ€™s A Good Marathon Time? Average Marathon Times By Age, Sex + Ability

โšก How To Run A 4-Minute Mile: Speed, Strength, + Workoutsโ€‹

Think you're fast? Try holding 15 mph for 4 minutes straight ๐Ÿƒ๐Ÿ’จ.

The sub-4 mile is one of the most iconic barriers in running โ€” and this guide breaks down what it really takes ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’ช.

From Bannister to todayโ€™s teen prodigies, hereโ€™s how to chase the mile of a lifetime.

๐ŸŽฏ Running Goals: 96 Exciting Goal Ideas For Your Next Training Cycleโ€‹

Whether you're chasing your first 5K ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ, dreaming of an ultramarathon ๐Ÿ”๏ธ, or just trying to build a consistent habit ๐Ÿ“†, this list is packed with inspiring goals to fire up your next training cycle.

From finish lines to time goals to mindset shifts, weโ€™ve got something to spark every runnerโ€™s next big move.

๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Brooks Glycerin 22 Review: A Breakthrough Shoe?โ€‹

Senior Editor Alex tests and reviews the Glycerin 22, a new and improved daily running shoe by Brooks. This edition of the Glycerin is made with a new type of foam and better spring technology, which allows for comfy and smooth easy runs.

In the video, Alex explains why the Glycerin 22 represents a breakthrough for Brooks, when he most likes to wear it, and why he is calling it the most improved running shoe of 2025.

Feedback? Hit reply and start a conversation with our team.

:: Advertise on this newsletter ::

Broadsea Media Ltd, Main Street, Fraserburgh, UK
โ€‹
Only send me max 3 emails per week ยท Unsubscribe totally ยท Preferencesโ€‹

Marathon Handbook

Join over 160,000 runners: expert running tips, the latest news, shoe and gear reviews - and the occasional running meme.

Read more from Marathon Handbook

Hereโ€™s your free but abridged version of this weekโ€™s โ€œRun Long, Run Healthyโ€ newsletter. Subscribe below to receive the complete, full-text edition with the newest and most authoritative scientific articles on training, nutrition, shoes, injury prevention, and motivation. Get more from the latest in running sports science: Run Long, Run Healthy Premium for as little as $3/month Why High-Carb Nutrition Is the Key to Adapting to Summer Heat Hot-weather training can be brutal, especially before...

Running News : Training Tips : Training Plans : Shoes+Gear : YouTube : Podcast Hi runners, ๐Ÿ‘‹๐Ÿผ Katelyn here with newsletter #495! The 5K and 10K season is officially hereโ€”and with the summer months heating up, itโ€™s the perfect time to sharpen your speed and take aim at a shiny new PR. Our team gathered to share our favorite 5K workouts and the exact strategies we use to train speed. Plus, weโ€™ve loaded this newsletter with helpful training guides, free plans for all levels, and essential tips...

, Running News : Training Tips : Training Plans : Shoes+Gear : YouTube : Podcast Hi runners, Jessy here with newsletter #494! ๐ŸŽ‰ Happy Wednesday! Here's what I have for you today: ๐Ÿฆ„ WATCH: A Fireside Chat with Bill Rodgers, Amby Burfoot, Frank Shorter (Exclusive) โŒ After leading the race through 100 miles, ultrarunning star Courtney Dauwalter pulled out of Cocodona 250 Tuesday morning in Prescott. โš–๏ธ Gaining weight despite being consistent with your running? Here are 4 reasons why you may not...