Up-Coming Races & Race Reports

Congrats MALAMI518! Way to persevere! Im sure it wasn't easy, but you will always remember this experience and it will remind you of how strong you are.

Thanks, Kevin! It was the first year for Herald of Victory marathon in Binghamton, NY. They really did an awesome job of organizing it and keeping us safe, especially since it was a first time event. The course was extremely well-marked which was good because it was a complex one, and there were tons of volunteers who really made the whole thing fantastic despite the weather.

I ran the half in Buffalo last year. I'd love to do it again or maybe even a full there. I also want to do this one again next year, though, and I think they'll conflict.

MALAMI518 - That's quite an accomplishment, finishing your a marathon in weather like that. I was thinking Buffalo till you mentioned a bridge at mile 8, but I guess that weather was all across upstate NY last Sunday. I sure felt it on my little 6 mile recreational run that afternoon.

Edited by: MOBYCARP at: 6/3/2016 (13:31)

I ran my second marathon on Sunday. I am so much slower than all of you and ran even slower than I expected, but I am still happy that I finished. I swore that it was my last marathon through the end of training, through pretty much the entire race, and for about a half a day afterwards. I think maybe, probably, one more... Though I haven't made any plans for when or where that one more will be.

I ran a half on May 1st. It was cold enough at the start that many of us needed gloves, and it rained the entire time. I was freezing at the end and shivered so hard until I finally got into a hot shower. I ran an 8K on May 15th in three long-sleeved layers and was still cold. I ran a 5K on May 21st when it was comfortably 55-degrees and overcast. Those races also pretty much sum up the training conditions that I had going into the marathon.

Temperatures started rising during taper week. I was getting nervous about acclimating to the higher temperatures, but I also knew that I had to follow the training plan which meant not a lot of running. I started obsessing about the weather. It was supposed to be hot with showers and thunderstorms. I was freaking out about the heat and worried about the thunderstorms canceling the race but figured the showers would help and at least it would be overcast.

Race day dawned. It was 67-degrees and partly cloudy two and a half hours before the start. By gun time, it was 72-degrees and sunny. That sun never left us. It just kept blazing away. I don't know the hourly forecast, but I do know that it was 90-degrees, full sun, and humid by the time I finally finished.

I seriously wanted to quit at mile 5. But the only thing I wanted more was to finish what I'd started. I'd started out way too fast. There was a bridge crossing that was going to re-open to traffic at mile 8, and runners would be pulled from the course when that happened. Now, I knew that even at the pace I should have been running, I'd make that crossing without concern. But my rational mind wasn't fully in control, and I had several nightmares about missing the bridge. Fortunately, a gel consumed between miles 5 and 6 helped.

I seriously wanted to quit around mile 10. (Slightly past time for another gel...) I wasn't sure whether I wanted to cheer or cry at the half-way point. Now, I know that usually 20-26 are some of the hardest miles, but around mile 20 was when I finally knew without a doubt that I was going to make it. I didn't care about time. I didn't care if I walked the rest of it. But I was going to finish!

Thank goodness that the organizers added extra water stops. There were 22 stops--one almost every mile. I used every single one of them in addition to carrying my own water...some for a little too long. I don't usually require much water. I've run half marathons and long runs without taking any. Thank goodness some of those water stops had ice as well as water. Thank goodness for homeowners along the route with hoses and squirt guns. Thank goodness for spectators who brought bags of ice. Thank goodness for the man around mile 15 who had a sponge in ice water and put it down the back of my neck. I wouldn't have made it without them!

I was slow. I was whiny. I was drained. But I was stubborn enough to finish what I started. And that felt pretty darn good.

Edited by: MALAMI518 at: 6/3/2016 (09:39)

how many plan on doing the walking marathon in Wheeling WV (it just happened this past weekend)? I know I can't do it yet (it is grueling), but am working towards it.

Thanks for sharing your experience Kevin! Many of us will never get to experience it ourselves.

Boston was kind of an overwhelming experience. It took me a while to write about it, it took 3 blogs, and it took longer for me to realize I should post something here.

The Boston Blogs:

Prelude
www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_jo
ur
nal_individual.asp?blog_id=6146771

The race
www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_jo
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nal_individual.asp?blog_id=6147383

The mental games
www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_jo
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nal_individual.asp?blog_id=6147521

Then I went and ran a half 6 days later, which was a Bad Idea.

So excited for you Kevin! Cant wait to hear how it goes. I know you will do great.

good luck! I can't wait to read all about the experience.

Imminent! Boston Marathon, Monday, April 18. The 10-day forecast is out, and if it doesn't change there should be near-perfect running weather at gun time, maybe getting a shade warm by the time I finish.

Upcoming! 2016 Skidaway Island Marathon & Half Marathon this weekend in Savanna Georgia

Scotia waterfront marathon, 3:18:54, First half 1:38:26, Second half 1:40:28. I lost a minute in the second half because I had to use a porta potty - watch what you eat when you carb load.

Ran my first marathon yesterday at Buffalo. Made some rookie mistakes, but managed a good result anyway. Finished in 3:21:01, for 125th overall and 4th in my age group. Wrote a fairly long blog about it yesterday:

www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_jo
ur
nal_individual.asp?blog_id=5933618

Edited by: MOBYCARP at: 5/25/2015 (14:12)

Pointing at my first marathon, Buffalo on 5/24. Had to put an estimated finish time on the entry form, and I put a guess of 3:30, because that works out to an 8:00 pace and I target 8:30 for long runs.

I completed my first marathon on Sunday...Brighton. Absolutely smashed my expectations and came in at 4:42. Felt great until mile 22...bring on the next one :)

My second marathon is coming up in 3 weeks. 26.2 with Donna, The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer on 2/15/15!

My first marathon will be the Rock N Roll DC in March. They've got a great youtube video of the course, complete with elevation tracking. Is that usual for marathons these days?

What's up, New York City Marathon 2014? I'm excited to be running my second marathon in a month, but I've been feeling tired in my runs this week, and my 2 mile repeats yesterday felt hard. Am I undertrained? Do I dial back my expectations? Or do I stick with my goal of PR'ing (and running faster than last year)?

I'm not liking the forecast.and the temperature drop and high winds for Sunday/race day. 25 mph headwinds...

I finished my first marathon last Sunday!
I trained with an alternative schedule from a sports fysiologist, never running more than 14km at once, so I was a bit nervous if it would work.
And it did, although I did get really tired around 30km, so the last 12km were difficult and I slowed down so didn't meet my target time.

Anyway, having the experience now of running a marathon, and all that comes with it as to mental fatigue, blisters and getting nauseous because of the gel food, I am ready to sign up for another one in the Spring of next year, as I am sure I can do it quicker that time!

Congratulations! so glad to hear your marathon went well. I will be running my first in October.

I ran my first marathon yesterday! I finished the Frank Maier Marathon in Juneau, Alaska, in 04:36:34. I was bummed that I just missed my goal of finishing in 4:30, but I'm so pleased that I finished nevertheless. It was perfect weather, cloudy and misty, and I felt strong until about mile 22. I struggled in the last four miles, but an awesome friend of mine came and ran that portion with me and she got me through the finish long strong. I was so glad to choose a first marathon at home, because so many of my friends came out to support me! I was so moved. Also, the scenery here is unreal, which goes without saying. We ran along the ocean with a view of the glacier and bald eagles fishing on the shore. It was gorgeous and inspiring. I am so pleased with my experience and can't wait to do it again!

I look forward to reading your report. Good luck!

I will be running my very first marathon in Amsterdam on 19 October, really looking forward to getting in shape for that.

I live in the Netherlands, so it makes sense to do a local marathon first. That way I am not distracted by jet lag or anything. Also, I was born in Amsterdam and lived and worked there for quite a while, always nice to be back!

Running Chicago in October as well! First marathon for me!

I'm doing that as a half. The full is awesome - you start at the Art Museum, run down to Penn's Landing, through the historic section, pass the Liberty Bell, through Fairmount Park (gorgeous!) then along Boat House Row before heading up to Manayunk and back. I think you'll really enjoy it!

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I just registered for the Frank Maier Marathon in beautiful Juneau, Alaska, on July 26, 2014! I registered my hubby for the half-marathon. This will be the first time we don't run the same distance in a race, but he says he's proud of me for setting big goals. I'm excited and almost ready!

See ya' in Savannah!

I signed up for Rock and Roll Savannah 1/2 marathon today -to be held 11/8
7k this weekend
On board for the fall: Marine Corp 1/2, Thanksgiving 1/2 and Jacksonville Bank 1/2
First marathon 2/1/15

I just signed up for the Bass Pro Conservation Marathon in Springfield, MO, on November 2nd. Although it'll be my fifth marathon, it'll be the first one that I'll run in five years.

I'm signed up for the Space Coast in November and the Dopey at WDW in January.

I'm running the Chicago Marathon on 10/12. Anyone else?

Congrats JAFMOM19! That is awesome!

I just ran the Modesto Marathon last weekend and re-qualifed for Boston (third in my age group)! I highly recommend this race to anyone looking to qualify for Boston because it is an extremely flat, fast course. The weather is dry and temps were in the high forties to low sixties. The course starts downtown but is largely on rural roads, going through orchards and farmland. It was very well run and an overall great experience!

Congratulations Rachel. I ran LA also. The heat was crazy! But I survived! Thanks for the great tips. Next up for me is SLO Half at the end of April.

I signed up for the Pikes Peak Ascent this week and I am totally excited! I had signed up for it in 2011 and completely bailed on my runner friends that were also doing it the night before (total loss of self-confidence and freakout). Now I feel ready to tackle it. It is in August :)

Safely increase mileage 10% per week. Long runs on the weekend with 2-3 days per week of maintenance runs. Cheeck out Hal Higdon training or Jeff Galloway.

I am doing the LA Marathon tomorrow! My second full marathon!

Hey All!
I just registered for my first marathon this November (Road to Hope in Hamilton, Ontario). Will be running 30k Around the Bay on March 30th for the second time. I feel prepared for that athletically. Any tips on marathon training and safely increasing mileage greatly appreciated!

Hi all -- Just signed up to run the Mankato Marathon on October 20, my first marathon as my birthday present to myself for turning 59. New to this team and looking forward to learning from the mavins : ) But for now, there's a long run out there with my name on it....

Anyone running Des Moines Marathon Oct 20?

Morning all ...

I have a deal for anyone interested in running the Marine Corps Marathon (which sold out in less than three hours) ... I am getting ready to initiate a transfer on the website. Due to my husband's illness, I do not have the time to train for the event.

If anyone is interested, please send me a SPMail.

Thanks ... The Duck

Good luck marathon dad I am training for my first marathon in January. Up to a 14 mile long run so far.

I am running my first full in October.its the tricity in Minneapolis

Great job heathery a pr is always rewarding. Training for a marathon has its benefits.

Hi everyone, just did a short run today, a 5k but had a PR from last week! 34 mins last week to 31 mins this week! I guess all the running I am doing to train for this marathon is really starting to pay off!

www.nytimes.com/2013/05/19/sports/to
p-
16-year-old-runner-has-a-long-to-do-R>list.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Not sure where to post this but quite an inspirational runner 16 year old female ran a 2:58 for her first marathon.

Ran the Eugene Marathon today. Perfect weather - a little cloudy but no rain, then the sun came out and heated things up to the upper 50s/low 60s. Great crowd - lots of energy and lots of tributes to Boston, which were great to see. The crowd was pretty big and there were a lot of places where everybody was running super close together, which I'm not used to from the smaller races I usually run. Still, it was nice to have plenty of folks around to run with, some of which were near me for the whole thing.

There was plenty of water and Gatorade, some Clif Shot stations as well as some banana stations along the course, and there seemed to be an adequate number of toilets. First aid stations along the course kept offering vaseline, and the few runners I saw who succumbed to health problems seemed to be getting very attentive care (I hope they are all right).

The finish line was in Hayward Field, and running on to such a famous track to finish was quite a trip. There was plenty of food and the finisher's medals are HUGE. I wish things weren't quite as spread out at the end since I was footsore but had to do some walking to find my gear bag and the shuttle bus stop, but that's really my only complaint.

As for me, it was my first marathon, so my goal was to do 4 hours or a tiny bit faster and I ended up doing 3:59:24. I'm happy with that!

Ran Illinois Marathon today in Champaign IL I am pretty bummed. Missed my BQ by two minutes. Ran 3:57.
Well at least is was a 17 minute PR.

Edited by: RUNNERKDB at: 4/27/2013 (20:00)

Great!!! I did Dick Beardsley's camp in 2009 and we did the 1/2 marathon as part of it. It was fun.

My first Boston on Monday...can't wait!

Hi Runners! I'm new to this forum and am excited (and kind of exhausted) to say that I'm running the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City on May 25th. My first full! Glad to be here!

Garden Spot Village Marathon - New Holland, PA - Saturday April 6.

Great Abaco Fun Fitness weekend (www.GAFFW.com) March 22 - 24. This is one mile open swim on Friday, sprint/olympic triathlon on Saturday, 5k Fun Run/Walk on Sunday. I'll do the sprint triathlon and then hopefully the 5k.

Running the Asics LA Marathon on Sunday. My first full!

Off to Shamrock Marathon - March 18

I'm running the Gettysburg North-South Marathon on April 28th.

Shamrock Marathon - March 17, 2013 in Virginia Beach, VA

I have registered for a half marathon on May 3rd and the Color Run in Minneapolis so far. I am waiting for our son and his fiance to set their wedding date and then I will add to the race calendar.

So far: March 23, Allstate NY Half-Marathon
May 5, Long Island 5K
Possible Foam Run in June
July 6, The Color Run, Brooklyn
October, Half-Marathon
NYS Parks Summer Run Series

Contemplating training for a full marathon for the beginning of next year, but I am still undecided :)

~Ashleigh

Running Nagoya Half on March 10th.

Wanted to run Nagoya Women's International but it's a full marathon. So I'll run the half this year and work up to the full next year. Ran a 7, 8 and 9 mile run so far. 9 MILES?? My longest run yet. Still amazed at that. From my house to imperial palace and two loops around the palace and back home... 9 miles. I remember when biking there and 1 loop around the palace and home again was an amazing feat. I need to keep more active on SparkPeople. It would help me keep my motivation for the last 20 lbs of weight loss and be lighter on my feet.

Been a member of this board for a while but never post. Hope to be here more often.

on 1/23 I registered for the Marine Corps 17.75K ... which will give me a golden ticket to the Marine Corps Marathon in October.

So...uhm... yeah.. I'm planning on the MCM in Oct as my first full marathon.

(Also running the Marine Corps Historic Half marathon in May)

ZOMG freakout! (heehee..nah, I think I'll be ready in time for Oct)

Cinericia - The Pig has a great reputation for being a good fun event. That is on my "want to do" list. Good luck and enjoy.

Just signed up for my first marathon. The Flying Pig in Cincinnati on May 5. Four months seemed so much longer before I hit that "submit" button! Official training kicks off on Saturday.

Yeah, I don't think they missed any hills and for good measure the finish was uphill. But met the challenge and feel better for it.

Sweetneey - MS Blues was tough. I almost responded to your post - poo poo'ing that the course will be hilly in MS. Glad I didn't, those rolling hills were tough. I think I prefer shorter/steeper hills like in San Francisco than those constant rolling hills.

Arizona Rock 'n Roll marathon on January 20th. We leave for Arizona on Friday the 18th. Hopefully the weather cooperates. We fly back on Monday the 21st :D I am super excited!!! It would be fun to meet up with any other Sparkers- let me know if you are going to be there.

Mississippi Blues marathon on Sat. Jan. 5 - getting nervous. Between traveling and wondering whether you're ready - I am antsy.

Anyone running the Illinois Marathon April 27 in Champaign IL.Hoping for my BQ there!

thanks, Indy I should be there on Friday. Best of luck my dear. It seems like the course is hilly, so I'm apprehensive about my stamina to do all those hills?????

Merry Christmas

Sweetneey - I'm doing Mississippi Blues too. I've heard great reviews.
FYI it is on the 5th (Sat) not the 6th. Hopefully, it was just a typo but would hate for you to have made plans for the 6th and miss the race.

Mississippi Blues Marathon - Jan 6 - Life lasts.

Good for your JenniferFee. WHAT A FEELING.

I did the Dallas Marathon on 12/9/12. ran in 6 hours and 11 minutes. Not bad for first time, wanted under 6, but it was very hot and humid so I will take it.

Completed Rehoboth Beach Seaside Marathon in DE. 6:54. The people in Delaware are really fit. Most must have finished like in 5:30 cos I was on the roadby myself could not see any one in front of me. But the volunteers were excellent, patient and supportive. I AM

I'll be hitting the road tomorrow in DE

Mardi Gras Rock n Roll Marathon- New Orleans
February 24, 2013- My SECOND

Jacksonville Bank Marathon Dec. 16th! My 3rd!

Rehoboth Beach marathon - December 8 - Getting nervous - need to finish in 7 hours.