A look ahead...planning the 2007 race calendar...gimmie some help!
So I’m already trying to plan the first half of my 2007 race calendar...and I gotta tell you...it’s making me all willy nilly. Especially because most of this coincides with March Madness—my second favorite time of year where I ride the couch for endless hours at a time, screaming at the television because some college show-off missed a “gimmie point.” Ahhh...how I love the NCAA tourney.
There are just too many races I want to run...and not enough funds or weekends to do them all in. Maybe all my corporate sponsors will come out of the woodwork after I take home the prize purse later this month? Psha...
Anyhoo...I’m only allowing myself to look at races up until June...that’s all. I don’t even want to start thinking about the back half of the year!
So here’s where I’m at so far...I’d truly love feedback if you’ve run any of these races in the past or have heard things about them one way or the other...because lets face it...I’m codependent on you RBFers. And since I’m a libra I am awful at making decisions.
Locked in:
TBD: Shamrock Shuffle 8k. The race that can’t be missed. It kicks off the running season in Chicago. However I have NO CLUE when it is this year. Hrmm...
4.15.07: Brew to Brew Relay, 44m – 5 person relay from Kansas City, MO to Lawrence, KS. You run from Boulevard Brewery to Free State Brewery. Running for Beer. I mean really...does it get any better than that?! Others in tow: Mike, Jason & Leah, and Taylor. Annnd, we’ll be rooting for another fellow RBFer who might be taking the Brew to Brew on as his first ultra *coughdicecough*
6.8-9.07: The Great Midwest Relay, 190m – 12 person relay from Madison to Milwaukee to Chicago. It’ll be a nice ole fashion game of “how many runners can you fit into one tiny van?” We’ll have ourselves one smelly clown car...possibly with a keg in the back (I am SOOOO down with this suggestion, kids). Plus you get to run through the night, and let’s be frank...who WOULDN’T want that 3am run in the middle of the woods? ;) Have we finalized a team name yet people?
Races in Contention (some in part to peer pressure!! – these are the ones I’d love to hear from you kids on):
3.4.07: Sarasota Marathon/Half Marathon, Sarasota, FL; how hot is it in FL in March? Hrmm...? Bonus perk according to Leah...we’d all have a super rockin’ time training together through the winter...and we’d all have post-run breakfasts. ...assuming I could keep up with speedy 1 and speedy 2.
3.25.07: Georgia Marathon/Half Marathon, Atlanta, GA; Inaugural Race...are there any benefits to being a participant in an inaugural run? Anyhoo...this sucker is sponsored by ING...so it should be good.
4.28.07: Country Music Marathon/Half Marathon, Nashville, TN; We have friends and family in town...so that’d be free lodging and great company. Plus I :heart: Tennessee...I grew up there ya know. And it’s an elite racing event...they put on a pretty good job in Phoenix this past year, despite the course being mediocre. We could fly there on Southwest Airlines, too. Yay for cheap flights!
5.5.07: Indy-Mini Half...I don’t know much about the city, but a friend told me that running on the speedway is actually kinda sucky (hot and too long). I thought it would be kinda cool. Thoughts? Also...I've heard that people preach to you while you run...say wha?! The plus on this one is that we could drive there...only 3-4 hours away.
5.6.07: Vancouver Marathon/Half Marathon...it’s Canada. My motherland (yes, I was born up there...but in Ontario). And it’d be a fun place to be...at least it is in my mind. Plus I’d love to say I ran in another country. But if I wanted to run in another country why not go to Dublin (my dream marathon) or Paris or somewhere really flipping cool? Not that vancouver isn't...hmm. That’d be one long flight though.
And then there's the decision of whether or not to enter the NYC Marathon lottery. There's a committment before you can even determine if you'll be able to run it or not.
Of the above 5 listed, we’d likely only do one of them. MAYBE two, assuming one of them is a half. Then again, we’re not signing anything until after we’ve both survived the Chicago Marathon.
I cannot believe I am even considering a spring marathon right now. Throughout the entire summer I’ve been saying that I’m going to just stick to half marys for a while. Eh...I lied. Although much of this is going to depend on my foot, too. CARA has not yet put out the local calendar with all the fun, fabulous 5k and 8k races sprinkled around. So I imagine one or two of those suckers will get added to the list as well.
So, fellow campers, what is your two cents?
There are just too many races I want to run...and not enough funds or weekends to do them all in. Maybe all my corporate sponsors will come out of the woodwork after I take home the prize purse later this month? Psha...
Anyhoo...I’m only allowing myself to look at races up until June...that’s all. I don’t even want to start thinking about the back half of the year!
So here’s where I’m at so far...I’d truly love feedback if you’ve run any of these races in the past or have heard things about them one way or the other...because lets face it...I’m codependent on you RBFers. And since I’m a libra I am awful at making decisions.
Locked in:
TBD: Shamrock Shuffle 8k. The race that can’t be missed. It kicks off the running season in Chicago. However I have NO CLUE when it is this year. Hrmm...
4.15.07: Brew to Brew Relay, 44m – 5 person relay from Kansas City, MO to Lawrence, KS. You run from Boulevard Brewery to Free State Brewery. Running for Beer. I mean really...does it get any better than that?! Others in tow: Mike, Jason & Leah, and Taylor. Annnd, we’ll be rooting for another fellow RBFer who might be taking the Brew to Brew on as his first ultra *coughdicecough*
6.8-9.07: The Great Midwest Relay, 190m – 12 person relay from Madison to Milwaukee to Chicago. It’ll be a nice ole fashion game of “how many runners can you fit into one tiny van?” We’ll have ourselves one smelly clown car...possibly with a keg in the back (I am SOOOO down with this suggestion, kids). Plus you get to run through the night, and let’s be frank...who WOULDN’T want that 3am run in the middle of the woods? ;) Have we finalized a team name yet people?
Races in Contention (some in part to peer pressure!! – these are the ones I’d love to hear from you kids on):
3.4.07: Sarasota Marathon/Half Marathon, Sarasota, FL; how hot is it in FL in March? Hrmm...? Bonus perk according to Leah...we’d all have a super rockin’ time training together through the winter...and we’d all have post-run breakfasts. ...assuming I could keep up with speedy 1 and speedy 2.
3.25.07: Georgia Marathon/Half Marathon, Atlanta, GA; Inaugural Race...are there any benefits to being a participant in an inaugural run? Anyhoo...this sucker is sponsored by ING...so it should be good.
4.28.07: Country Music Marathon/Half Marathon, Nashville, TN; We have friends and family in town...so that’d be free lodging and great company. Plus I :heart: Tennessee...I grew up there ya know. And it’s an elite racing event...they put on a pretty good job in Phoenix this past year, despite the course being mediocre. We could fly there on Southwest Airlines, too. Yay for cheap flights!
5.5.07: Indy-Mini Half...I don’t know much about the city, but a friend told me that running on the speedway is actually kinda sucky (hot and too long). I thought it would be kinda cool. Thoughts? Also...I've heard that people preach to you while you run...say wha?! The plus on this one is that we could drive there...only 3-4 hours away.
5.6.07: Vancouver Marathon/Half Marathon...it’s Canada. My motherland (yes, I was born up there...but in Ontario). And it’d be a fun place to be...at least it is in my mind. Plus I’d love to say I ran in another country. But if I wanted to run in another country why not go to Dublin (my dream marathon) or Paris or somewhere really flipping cool? Not that vancouver isn't...hmm. That’d be one long flight though.
And then there's the decision of whether or not to enter the NYC Marathon lottery. There's a committment before you can even determine if you'll be able to run it or not.
Of the above 5 listed, we’d likely only do one of them. MAYBE two, assuming one of them is a half. Then again, we’re not signing anything until after we’ve both survived the Chicago Marathon.
I cannot believe I am even considering a spring marathon right now. Throughout the entire summer I’ve been saying that I’m going to just stick to half marys for a while. Eh...I lied. Although much of this is going to depend on my foot, too. CARA has not yet put out the local calendar with all the fun, fabulous 5k and 8k races sprinkled around. So I imagine one or two of those suckers will get added to the list as well.
So, fellow campers, what is your two cents?
posted by Iron Jayhawk at 9:41 AM
22 Camper Comments:
They all sound like good races.
I've never heard anything bad about Indy and I plan on signing up myself before they sell out.
I'm Vancouver would be a rewarding experience.
The only one I can comment on is Indy since I ran it last year. I have nothing negative to say about the race per se. It was well organized and went smoothly - good water stops, lots of supporters along the route. It does suck big time running around the track. It is long and hot and very crowded. They keep you off the grasss, so you are all crammed on the track and it slows you down a lot. No spectators are allowed in, so there are very few people cheering you. Just a few groups of cheerleaders, etc that have special permission to be in there. Plus it is a race that allows walkers, so you are constantly weaving around them. I thought as I got farther along in the race I would finally get past them but I never did. Of course, maybe that just says something about my slow running time! It was a good race, but not one I'm anxious to do again. But it is close by so that's a bonus.
I ran Indy this year as my first half-marathon and had an absolute blast! I signed up for 2007 the day registration opened...
And now, I must curse you for mentioning Brew To Brew - now I'm thinking about doing it solo next year :)
All I know is that I want to come running with you, you pick the fun stuff! :>)
i love the indy course. the track can be a bit long, but it's not that bad. the first time i ran indy (2004) it was really hot out and i didn't know what i was doing and that was the first race i had run so it was really long. However, when i ran it this year I was mentally prepared for the track and it's really not that bad. in the end it's only 2 miles on the track which isn't that bad. I didn't have the problem with walkers, as you are assigned a bin number at the start and you should be away frmo people that are slower than you. I passed people throughout the entire track and didn't have a problem of getting around then.
the finish of indy is also really organized and nice wide open spaces. I would say go sarasota and indy.
I have been told that Nashville is hilly .. and not all that fun. But that's just what I've heard.
I OWE YOU MONEY! SHIT!
ok. writing check riiiiiiight now...
My mini-comeback is going to be the S-NO-W Fun Run (5 miler) in Lake Geneva on January 6th. It's a great time and essential overnighter at the Grand Geneva Resort....party on, Wayne.
Real comeback race will be the Sarasota Half Marathon in March.
I know a guy who has did the Midwest Relay a couple times and really enjoyed it...they actually ran right buy our house on the Ravinia trail...pretty cool.
If your're looking for a challenging 1/2, try the March Madness in Cary...very hilly.
Oh, and of course the Shuffle :)
Wow that is a full plate already without the ones under considerstion. Sounds like fun. I toatally want to do the shuffle, I think I will book that one soon. I saw that Madison to Chicago Relay...I just don't have that many friends. lol. So many fun races, so little time. :)
Hmmm...where do I start! I too, have been contemplating the Country Music Half Marathon next april! And, I MUST say... it is SOOO nice to find another runner out there that is a HUGE fan of NCAA basketball! It IS my favorite time of year... tons of basketball + only a couple months of school left = pure bliss!
I look forward to hearing what you decided to do for your 2007 race calendar!
You are on the ball. I would pick Canada - I hear it is great.
I was thinking about doing the Country Music 1/2 marathon myself. Instead, I am thinking about training (depending on my repeat trip to Phoenix goes) for the Fargo Marathon on May 19, 2007. It will be a VERY close drive for us. It's much better than driving to Duluth for Grandma's like everyone else in MN. Geeez! Plus it's a very fun course from what I have been told.
You must be a real Kansas fan if you're already thinking abuot March Madness during FOOTBALL season! Sorry, I couldn't resist :) You can return the favor when March rolls around.
Yours truly,
Bevo
I am so jealous of all the relay events. They sound like a blast!!
I've never run any of those marathons, as Chicago will be my first. I'm always game for planning a vacation around a marathon destination, though. I'd love to do Vegas or Phoenix someday.
You sure are planning lots of races for a girl with an extra bone in her foot. Might it be a better idea to rest a little, take the running lightly, maybe only plan one or two races of half or full marathon length?
Now, you know what I'm going to say - go Indy Mini!!! :)
I hear that not only are there funny preachers on the side of the course, there are hot (male) cheerleaders in skirts, funny bands, good bands, 1 man bands, clowns, & other various attractions.
2007'll be my first, so I hope I'm not disappointed.
I forgot to mention the free beer that is given out by the speedway bar... mmmmmm after race beer.
I'm always in for the March Madness 1/2 in Cary Il. It's great to do as you can finish and then watch basketball all day and not feel guilty about sitting in front of the tv eating chips, pizza, etc.
Mark
I can only "officially" comment on the Indy Mini as I have run it the last 6 years in a row. It is fun, the track can be boring, but it is cool to run across the historic row of bricks. And the Free Beer at around mile 11...wonderful...
Now I have been to Sarasota and it is beautiful there...probably a cool 50-60 degrees in March... I'd have to ask my sister who lives in nearby Venice...
I do love the sound of those relays too.
HELLO?!?! Bitch...You left out the Cincinnati Flying Pig marathon May 7th, 2006!!! I forgive you though! :-)
Way to look forward! Why not try the Dallas White Rock in Texas in December! Or try the Houston Mega Marathon in January! And don't forget the Cowtown in Ft Worth,Tx in February. Regardless, good luck at Chicago!
Marty
Nashville is NOT hilly! There are some slopes but nothing I would describe as hills. But, it's not as flat as something like Miami which has zero elevation anyway.
I'm thinking about the ING Georgia, too. ING puts on an awesome race and I have a weird thing about trying to do races the first time so I can always say "yeah, we were there the 1st year."
The Flying Pig half was a blast last year. The free race swag was THE BEST of all the larger races we've done.
I hate car racing so I think Indy would be out for me.
AND, have I mentioned I am still SO excited about the relay!!!!!
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