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Now What To Do???

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jon c
nkrichards
Seth Harrison
Dave Wolfe
Chris M
JohnP
Kenny B.
mul21
Mark B
fostever
mountandog
Ben Z
Julie
John Kilpatrick
Bob
dot520
Jerry
Michele "1L" Keane
Nick Morris
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Post  Nick Morris Mon Nov 26, 2012 10:15 am

So, as many of you know, I recently just completed my fifth marathon training cycle. As a result, I found myself 29 seconds short of a BQ time. Now, moving forward, I ask myself "Now what to do?" I have a couple options available to me. I can go about as I normally would with routine winter maintenance or I can maintain a nice base level and train for a spring marathon in hopes of capturing the coveted BQ.

If I choose the later, I will be treading through unfamiliar territory, as I have never trained for a spring marathon. And if I choose to train for a spring race, which race to a run? I still want to run a course that is fast and somewhere where the temperature is not too warm.

It looks like I will have to conduct a little research to see what is available in early May/late April...
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Post  Michele "1L" Keane Mon Nov 26, 2012 10:39 am

I would recommend the Flying Pig in Cincy. Although it has hills in the first half (up to mile 9, if I remember correctly), the rest of the course is flat or even downhill, and I thought it to be very fast. Even my running friend from Florida ran a PR there, and it is pancake flat in Florida. It is the first Sunday in May.

Cleveland is around May 17th, and it is a fairly flat albeit boring course. You can also get warm weather (like last year) and wind off the lake. The plus is that you can stay with me, and I am only 20 min from downtown with traffic.

Earlier in the Spring there is a small marathon in Athens, OH that many people chose to run as it is flat and on a bike path. It is out and back from the Ohio Un campus, but many Ohioans use it as a BQ race.

Madison has a marathon as well and I did like the course. The year I ran it was 78F at the start which was disheartening, but it was still a well supported race.

Skip Kentucky Derby or Country Music as neither or them are PR courses.
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Post  Jerry Mon Nov 26, 2012 11:32 am

Jerry had done research for you, Eugene, which has probably largest sub 3 field during the time frame except Boston of cause. lol!
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Post  dot520 Sat Dec 01, 2012 11:10 am

I would second Athens if you're looking for a flat course, smaller field and getting the job done. No hoopla, hardly any spectators on the rail trail multi use course but for a serious effort I can see a BQ. Once you get onto the rail trail there aren't really any turns and it's out and back (I think the course is still that way, I did it back in 2002 I think). You wouldn't really have to worry too much about warm weather but rain could be a factor.
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Post  Bob Sat Dec 01, 2012 5:51 pm

I got my BQ in Traverse City at Bayshore. Love that course. Not totally flat, but not really "hilly". Some rollers throughout to give your muscles a change, but not enough to beat you up. It's an out and back, run along Lake Michigan, and if it's a clear day, you'll have a nice view for most of the race.
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Post  Nick Morris Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:30 pm

Hey guys, checking back in to say that I am thinking the spring is going to belong to me Smile Still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do, but I have a little bit of time. As far as this past weekend, I took advantage of the awesome weather that global warming has brought us Smile Friday evening I got in a great night run and this morning I got in an unbelievable run through the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. I wish the winters were always like todays 60 degree high. Just gorgeous!!!
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Post  John Kilpatrick Mon Dec 03, 2012 10:55 am

Hi Nick - I keep throwing this out there, but a fast and pancake-flat course is the March 3rd Albany Marathon (Georgia). I wouldn't say it is pretty, but it is fast - usual crowd is 600-700 people. I know it is more than a little out of the way, but flat and usually good weather...

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Post  Julie Mon Dec 03, 2012 11:17 am

OKC is the last weekend of April, Lincoln is the first weekend of May. Lincoln has some rolling hills but nothing too terrible. I haven't run OKC and I know it can be windy but I've heard it's good, too.

Oh, and I know winter training is hard but my PR actually is from an April marathon with a really bad winter so I think it's completely possible to have good spring marathons.
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Post  Jerry Mon Dec 03, 2012 11:47 am

Julie wrote:OKC is the last weekend of April, Lincoln is the first weekend of May. Lincoln has some rolling hills but nothing too terrible. I haven't run OKC and I know it can be windy but I've heard it's good, too.

Oh, and I know winter training is hard but my PR actually is from an April marathon with a really bad winter so I think it's completely possible to have good spring marathons.

Nick, if you come to OKC, let me know, I can go pace you for a sub 3. That is of cause if you have it. lol!
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Post  Ben Z Mon Dec 03, 2012 3:43 pm

I vote for Bayshore. One of my all-time favorite races.

I also did the Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon this past year in Minnesota. Flat, fast and cool. The 'trail' is actually a paved bike path. Perfect timing for you too at May 11, 2013 next year.
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Post  mountandog Mon Dec 03, 2012 5:36 pm

I have three recommendations:

1) Martain Marathon in Dearborn, MI > flat and is the same weekend as BOS so you can go along the same schedule as some of us. Out and back course.

2) The Qualifier in Midland, MI, now called the Great Lakes I think. It is designed to be just that a qualifier. It is flat to slightly downhill, starts at 7am to be cool, goes generally W to E to take advantage of the prevailing winds. Did it last year but it was unseasonable warm for mid-May. Well run by the Crim organization. Not the most exciting race, but definitely fast.

3) Albany, GA like John said. My daughter ran it last year and found it fast, although she was there injured and pacing a friend she had an unexpectedly good time.

My vote would be for the Martian in April, that way if trouble finds you via training, weather or whatever you still have another 6 weeks to find a BQ type opportunity w/o wasting your winter training cycle. Bayshore is a great race, but it's your one and only chance before summer hits.
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Post  mountandog Mon Dec 03, 2012 11:05 pm

Nick - if you come Michigan way I'll try and get my 25 yr old to run with you. He ran a 3:04:++ at Detroit and is looking to improve a couple of minutes. I might be able to talk him into running a spring marathon. He might be a good pacer for you.
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Post  fostever Mon Dec 03, 2012 11:12 pm

You're in Wisconsin, right! Wisconsin Marathon and 1/2 marathon Sat. May 4th 2013, Kenosha. Flat, fast, and scenic. They also have good course support!
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Post  Nick Morris Tue Dec 04, 2012 10:50 am

I got out this morning before work to get a run in , as I think it may be the last time this year that I will get to run outside in shorts. I wish winter wasn't so dark!!

So, I have done a little research and found this marathon in Maine, the second week of May called the Sugarloaf Marathon. Has anyone heard of it??

http://www.sugarloaf.com/EventsActivities/marathon.html

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Post  mountandog Tue Dec 04, 2012 11:47 am

I think Diego has run this one. Maine tends to be hilly. I know Mt Desert Island was hilly as all hell.
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Post  Julie Tue Dec 04, 2012 1:06 pm

My 50 states x3 friend has run it, I can ask him what he thinks.
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Post  Nick Morris Thu Dec 27, 2012 10:54 pm

What to do now Smile

Just checking in...I hope that everyone had a great Christmas!! Mine was extremely white with Winter Storm Draco dumping 15 inches of snow on us. Which, in turn, has made running outside "adventurous". I have been off from work all week, so I have spent some valuable time outside running in my winter gear. I have been consistantly logging 3-6 miles about 4 times a week. Pretty much just enough to maintian fitness, but definitely not enough to really do anything. I am still logging average pace times of 7:20-7:30, but I have gained about 7 pounds or so since my race.

This week was supposed to be my week to research races for the spring and get a schedule put together...So far, all I have done is figured out that the race in Maine is probably out of the question. I found out that the closest airport to the race is two hours away!! I think all of the traveling around is not going to be worth it...so I will continue to look...

I am hoping to do some of that research and figure things out tomorrow (fingers crossed) Smile
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Post  Michele "1L" Keane Fri Dec 28, 2012 12:38 pm

Wow - you got 15 inches in Madison? We only got around 5 (along the lake), but no sidewalks are shoveled, but the walking paths at the local Rec center were plowed (as always - got to love cities that plow "common" areas including parks and walking paths). so yesterday, I ran a 5 miler with 8-20 s pick ups around the path (it is 2 miles) in all my winter gear. I felt like Bumble. Hope you figure out your plans soon and have a Happy New Years.


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Post  Nick Morris Fri Dec 28, 2012 1:43 pm

Michele "1L" Keane wrote:Wow - you got 15 inches in Madison? We only got around 5 (along the lake), but no sidewalks are shoveled, but the walking paths at the local Rec center were plowed (as always - got to love cities that plow "common" areas including parks and walking paths). so yesterday, I ran a 5 miler with 8-20 s pick ups around the path (it is 2 miles) in all my winter gear. I felt like Bubble. Hope you figure out your plans soon and have a Happy New Years.

THANKS!!! You too!!
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Post  Nick Morris Fri Dec 28, 2012 1:54 pm

Here are some photos from my run around the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. It was a little snowy out today...

Now What To Do??? 47192410Now What To Do??? 46213810Now What To Do??? 62102710Now What To Do??? 46226910Now What To Do??? 73626910Now What To Do??? 73668710
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Post  Julie Fri Dec 28, 2012 3:18 pm

Snow is beautiful but I hate driving on it. I haven't run since Monday since I really can't run in the dark on the ice and it's really too cold to take the jogging stroller out during the day. I'll try again Sunday.
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Post  Mark B Fri Dec 28, 2012 5:34 pm

Oo! Gorgeous photos. I'm so jealous. Running on snow is one of those rare treats where I live.

Well, to be honest, it's a rare treat when it's fresh. When it's melted and refrozen? Not so much. Hope you got out while the conditions were right.

Hope your Christmas was merry and that your new year is fan-tastic.
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Post  Michele "1L" Keane Fri Dec 28, 2012 8:55 pm

Beautiful pictures, Nick. I remember that the Arboretum was the highlight of the race when I ran Madison back in 2006. Of course, it was 80+, so the arboretum was cool and beautiful.

I'm running in the Metropark here tomorrow as it is plowed - I'll bring the phone for some shots of the snow.
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Post  dot520 Sat Dec 29, 2012 8:44 am

Beautiful photos! Love to look at snow from inside looking out. I've lived in Indy for 17 years and still don't like it.

Keep looking for your spring goal, you'll find it.
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Post  mountandog Sat Dec 29, 2012 4:48 pm

ran 16 in some fresh powder this morning. loved it except where it got deep. felt like I was spinning my wheels. You narrow down your spring choices yet?
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