Thanks to everyone who voted in the poll and posted comments below. As expected people are heading in lots of different directions. The same thing happened in the winter, but once we made a decision on a race, everyone followed along and we ended up taking a big crowd to the Myrtle Beach Marathon and had a great time. Based on that experience and the poll results, I am going to make a recommendation. . . Those looking for a fall marathon or a half marathon should run at the Outer Banks. Here are my reasons:
- Fall marathons are supposed to be fun. Take an extended weekend and enjoy the trip.
- Most of us have not run OBX, so it is a new race
- The course is flat, and good for first timers
- Six people voted to say they were interested in the full or the half.
- Runners could use the Medoc 10-miler as a training race (shameless plug).
The City of Oaks is another great option, but no one voted for the marathon in the poll. Richmond is still my personal favorite and they added a half this year, but most of you seem to be looking for a change.
I can create a training plan for people to follow. You can of course customize to meet your needs, but this will give everyone a similar approach and make the weekend runs, and any speed training much easier to manage.
So what do you say RMEC? Who is in?
As of now, I plan on running the OBX full...
ReplyDeleteI'll plan to do the OBX Half. Depending on how my training goes, I may "upgrade" to the full.
ReplyDeleteI know there are lurkers to the site who never post. Please don't be shy. If you plan to run, speak up (even if you are not a RMEC member yet). We would love to have you come out and join the group. Training with a team is the PERFECT way get through your first marathon.
ReplyDeleteJoin the RMEC. We will provide a plan, the routes, the fluids, the teamwork, the tips, and the motivation. . . you provide the commitment and the effort.
I have already heard of two people who are not yet in the RMEC who are planning to run OBX, plus two more who are in RMEC that are as well.
For those who want to use the Galloway (Run/Walk) approach, we can create a plan for you as well. Frank, Ursula, Patti and others have used this approach with great results. Frank has the Galloway book that I could use as a reference to create a base plan to work from if there is interest.
Come on guys. . . Lets get running!
I'll train with the team for a yet to be determined fall Half.
ReplyDeleteRuss
I will probably return to the OBX race again this fall as well, not sure about the distance but will be there for one or the other. Its not completely flat, large hill over the waterway at mile 9(for 1/2) or 22 for the full.
ReplyDeletetracy H
I'm planning to run a couple of 1/2's in the fall. Probably City of Oaks and Rocky Mount......also the 10 miler at Medoc.
ReplyDeleteLarry
If I may add a shameless plug, there is another fall alternative that was not on your list: the Ridge to Bridge Marathon (Morganton, NC), October 25, 2008. http://www.my-bmrc.org
ReplyDeleteIt's a small one, and may well be full by the first week in June.
My take on the race is going to be biased (I'm the RD); for objective opinions please visit Marathonguide.com and search for Ridge to Bridge.
Wherever you choose, I hope you have a great time. I really enjoy the group events in which our members travel together en masse. That's what it's all about, no?
Best wishes,
David Lee
Brown Mountain Running Club
Morganton, NC