Conquering Goals: Qualifying for the Boston Marathon

Revel Mt. Charleston Finisher medal with the Boston Marathon Qualifying Tag

Personalized video created by the race

By: Justin Ferguson

Achieving a goal is a journey that often demands unwavering determination and unyielding effort. As a passionate runner, I've always dreamed of standing at the starting line of the prestigious Boston Marathon, knowing that I had earned my spot through qualifying with a remarkable time. Although I have run Boston twice before on charity spots, the desire to earn my place through qualifying always lingered in the back of my mind. On April 1, 2023, the day finally arrived when I conquered my goal by running a 3:08 race, and it was an experience unlike any other.

The path to qualifying for Boston led me to the Revel Mt. Charleston race, set amidst the breathtaking landscapes outside of Las Vegas. As I began my descent down the mountain, I was captivated by the majestic beauty around me, but I knew I had to be mindful not to get carried away. Saving a bit of energy for the end was crucial as the course would flatten out, and I would face a challenging uphill section near the finish.

Preparing for this unique race involved specific training to condition my body for the downhill portions. Many runners focus on uphill training, but the pounding your legs endure while running downhill requires a different set of skills. My training regimen included strengthening exercises and technique drills to reduce the risk of injury and optimize my performance.

The race day itself was an extraordinary adventure. Starting at the top of the mountain amidst snow-covered peaks was a surreal experience. The biting cold only fueled my excitement, knowing that I would eventually finish in the blazing desert heat. It was a testament to the resilience of all the runners on that course, battling through the extremes of weather to achieve their goals.

One aspect that needs to be mentioned was how incredibly well-organized the Revel Mt. Charleston race was. From registration to race logistics, everything ran smoothly, allowing runners to focus solely on their performance and the exhilarating journey ahead.

Crossing that finish line with a 3:08 time filled me with immense joy and accomplishment. Qualifying for the Boston Marathon has been a dream nurtured over years of hard work, and finally, it had come true. The sense of achievement was unparalleled, knowing that I had earned my spot on that iconic starting line.

This journey back to the Boston starting line, this time as qualifier, reminded me that goals are not just achieved; they are conquered through dedication, perseverance, and the courage to push beyond your limits. The road may be challenging, but the rewards are worth every step. As I now prepare to run Boston once more, I carry with me the fulfillment of knowing that I earned my place, that I am not just a participant but a true qualifier, and that is a feeling like no other.

Justin Ferguson is an avid runner

Embracing the Heat and Fatigue: Pushing Through a Run During Marathon Training

Embracing the Heat and Fatigue: Pushing Through a Run During Marathon Training

By: Justin Ferguson 

Marathon training is a grueling journey that challenges both the body and mind. It tests your endurance, resilience, and commitment. As runners, we strive to push our limits and embrace the difficult moments, even when the conditions are less than ideal. This includes those scorching hot days when exhaustion threatens to derail our progress. But remember, marathon training is not always going to be easy, even for those of us who have run many races and trained for years.

Recently, during one of my training runs, I found myself battling the sweltering heat and overwhelming fatigue. Despite knowing the importance of hydration and proper nutrition, I had neglected to take care of these crucial aspects. As a result, I was forced to stop and take a much-needed break. It was a humbling experience, reminding me of the importance of listening to my body and respecting its limits.

However, this setback served as a valuable lesson. It reminded me that overcoming challenges is an integral part of marathon training. It's not just about the physical strength but also the mental fortitude required to persevere through tough circumstances. Running in unfavorable conditions and acknowledging our vulnerabilities ultimately makes us stronger.

While marathon training demands dedication and perseverance, it's crucial to remember that setbacks and struggles are an inherent part of the process. Embracing the difficulty of running in extreme heat and fatigue teaches us resilience, mental strength, and the ability to adapt to adverse situations. It's essential to prioritize proper hydration and nutrition to ensure optimal performance and prevent burnout.

So, the next time you find yourself facing a challenging run, push through and remind yourself that it's okay to struggle. Embrace the discomfort, learn from it, and use it as fuel to become a better, more resilient runner. Remember, marathon training is a journey, and it's the obstacles we overcome that truly define our strength and determination.

All of us will have the great runs where we feel unstoppable, but we also all have those challenging days that make us stronger.  

The Marathon Experience: Unleashing the Power Within

By: Justin Ferguson

In 2007 I ran my first marathon; I then took a hiatus from races until 2013, but since then I have run races all over North America, averaging 1.5 marathons a year. I am often asked, how do you do it and/or why do you do it.

Running a marathon is not merely an athletic pursuit; it's a transformative journey that pushes the boundaries of human potential. Beyond the physical challenge, the marathon offers rewards that extend far beyond the finish line. Below are a few compelling reasons why you should lace up your running shoes and embark on this remarkable adventure.

Firstly, running a marathon tests your mental resilience. It demands unwavering determination, self-discipline, and the ability to overcome obstacles. The training process itself builds mental fortitude as you learn to push through pain, self-doubt, and the voice that says "quit." By conquering these mental barriers, you emerge with a newfound belief in your own capabilities, which you can carry over to other aspects of life.

Secondly, a marathon is an opportunity to embrace personal growth. The months of training require commitment, sacrifice, and a dedication to self-improvement. Along the way, you discover strength you never knew existed and develop a deeper understanding of your physical and mental capabilities. Crossing that finish line ignites an indescribable sense of achievement and pride, reminding you that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.

Moreover, running a marathon fosters a sense of community. The marathon brings together people from all walks of life, united by a common goal. The camaraderie, support, and encouragement from fellow runners and spectators create an atmosphere of shared triumph. Crossing the finish line is not just a personal victory; it is a celebration of collective achievement.  Often in races I am hyper focused, but there is always a bond with the other runners on the route, pushing themselves as I am.

Lastly, a marathon allows you to appreciate the beauty of the journey itself. As you train and prepare for the race, you witness your body transforming, your stamina improving, and your mind growing stronger. You become attuned to the rhythm of your breath and the rhythm of the world around you. Running through diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene countryside, you gain a new perspective and an intimate connection with the world.

Running a marathon is more than a physical feat; it is a transformative experience that will challenge, inspire, and empower you. If you have ever wondered can I do this, take that first step, embrace the unknown, and embark on a journey that will forever change your perception of what is possible.

Why I Run Marathons

Justin Ferguson crossing the finish line in the 2015 Boston Marathon

By: Justin Ferguson

I could probably do multiple posts on why I run marathons (and likely will), spanning many different reasons and never fully describe all the reasons I run them but below I will go into a few that spring to mind.

In an article by Chris Simon that ran in the Newmarket Era in the lead-up to the 2015 Boston Marathon, I am quoted as saying: "'What keeps me going is signing up for the next race,' he [Ferguson] said." This still begs the questions, Why run?

Years ago when I started running, the reason was simple, to lose weight, and to be healthier, which was good enough for awhile but I am the type of person who wants to continuously set new goals and achieve them.  When I heard a friend was able to complete a marathon, I set out to do the same, which I did, 4 months later.  After-which I took a hiatus from marathoning until in 2012; I was re-inspired by the tales of another friend who had just finished her first one.  That set the wheels in motion for my renewed love of marathon running.

Over the last couple of years I have trained for and ran four marathons (2013 Toronto Waterfront, 2014 Boston, 2014 Marine Corps, 2015 Boston), the last three for charity - twice for Wake Up Narcolepsy in conjunction with Sick Kids Hospital, and once for the Prostate Care Foundation.  Being able to run for charity is certainly a key factor in why I run races today, to be able to support a cause, gives me the motivation I need on the days I don't want to train, and certainly at those times during the race when I question why I am doing this.

Having the privilege to run marathons is just that, a privilege, we never know when our bodies will say enough is enough or perhaps we will get sick, or perhaps we will no longer be able to persevere through the gruelling training and the race itself.  It is estimated that only about 0.5% [half a percentage] of the U.S. population runs a marathon in any given year, obviously everybody has their reasoning for doing or not doing one but to be part of that elite company is a privilege.  

On top of these factors though, running marathons has taught me so much about myself including, how to persevere, set goals and achieve them, push my body past its limit, and how to overcome.  These are elements that I am able to use in my daily life and for that I am thankful.  However, most importantly it has confirmed my natural belief that anything is possible.  For these reasons, I keep running marathons.

Further, running marathons has allowed me to see why studies find marathon runners make better CEOs; it teaches discipline, perseverance, goal setting, etc. Laura Entis of Entrepreneur.com wrote a story called: Marathon Runners Make Better CEOs, Study Finds.  In the article Laura outlines how, "Companies helmed by marathon runners, the study found, were 5 percent more valuable than those led by non-"fit" executives even after controlling for CEO, firm and governance characteristics, past performance and firm fixed effects."  

Despite all these reasons why I run marathons, one that I did not mention but I will end with, is I run because I can and because I enjoy it.

Justin Ferguson is the Principal of Cosmos Strategies, the Founder of aSmarterWay.life, an avid marathoner, a supporter of charities, including: Wake Up Narcolepsy and Sick Kids Hospital, and a believer that anything is possible.