New women's marathon OTQ standards announced last week

[Bonnie]

I have been waiting for someone else to post these, but no one did, so here I am.  Seeing how there are several women on the blog with Olympic marathon trials qualifier as their goal over the next couple of years.

http://www.usatf.org/events/2012/OlympicTrials-Marathon-Women/entry/qualifyingStandards.asp

Summary:

Women still have A (2:39) and B (2:46) standards; also, 1/2 marathon (1:15) and 10K (track, 33:00) times are eligible (B standard).   

Qualifying window is a shorter than the men's, with the window starting January 1, 2010 until 30 days before the OT or the USA marathon championships (October 4, 2009).

[Paul Petersen]

Interesting. It's also worth noting that the aided courses with a drop beyond that of Boston (3.25 m/km) are prohibited, just like in the men's standards. Women can also qualify at the U.S. Championships in Twin Cities next year before the main window opens. Looks like the men's U.S. championships will be the New York Marathon.

[Michelle Lowry]

I was totally looking all over usatf for this last week, and I left a voicemail for some poor guy asking about it on Christmas Eve.  It is a relief to have the info before my next marathon, even though I now know I can't qualify there.  BUT, I can practice qualifying    I am also glad they only twisted the screw by one minute (and the downhill prohibition, but we knew the latter was coming, and could only hand wring about the severity of the former).

Thanks for posting.

[Bonnie]

I was happy to see the B standard still within your grasp! 

Practice makes perfect 

[Paul Petersen]

I was happy to see the B standard still within your grasp! 

"A" standard is in your grasp too...just keep reaching.

[Superfly]

Good luck Michelle in your "practice" run down there. I'm sure you'll do great. Hopefully the conditions are good and it will give you a real gauge of where your at and what you need to work on for the "real" deal.

[Bonnie]

Whoops ... of course you are right Paul, I am more linear in my way of thinking (e.g., first B then A).

[Michelle Lowry]

Awwhh, you guys!  Nothing like a nice cheerleading section, and people I have to report back to who actually know the difference between a 2:45 and a 2:55 for me. 

My workout today gave me some confidence and a look of hopefully things to come.  I think Bonnie is right, though, B first, the hopefully someday A.  I would be thrilled with a 2:46 at PF Changs.  It would be awesome!  Ok, I guess I better go eat an apple or something.