Runner's World Editor Tackles Bayshore In "Moonshot" Bid For Boston

Nearly 8,000 runners from 45 states will hit the pavement on Old Mission Peninsula Saturday morning to compete in the Bayshore – 2,500 of whom will attempt to run the full 26.2-mile marathon. For many participants, the stakes are high: as a Boston Marathon qualifying race, the Bayshore will determine whether or not they’ll advance to one of the most prestigious athletic events in the country.

Chasing his own “moonshot” Boston qualifying time at the Bayshore this weekend is Runner’s World editor-in-chief David Willey. For the past several months, Willey – working with the same team of Nike scientists and coaches who attempted to break the two-hour marathon record this month – has chronicled his journey to the Bayshore in monthly editor letters in Runner’s World and updates on the magazine’s website and podcast. Ahead of his high-profile appearance at the Bayshore, Willey spoke with The Ticker about his training regimen for the race, his ties to Michigan and why he chose the Bayshore, and his advice for fellow runners hitting Old Mission Peninsula Saturday.

The Ticker: How long have you been trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon? Why is the race such a Holy Grail for runners?
David Willey: It’s been about 10 years. I ran my PR (personal record) marathon in 2007 and missed by just a few minutes. I thought, "OK, this is promising. I can do this." And then I only got slower on each successive try. I just got further and further away! (laughs) They say (the Boston Marathon) is the oldest continuously run marathon. It’s got this unbelievable tradition behind it, but you also have to earn your way there. It’s a real badge of honor, so it goes on a lot of dedicated runners’ life lists. more