What is Next?

Now that 28 of us have crossed the finish line at the Iwo Jima Memorial, many of us are asking, "What's next?" For some of you one marathon a year is enough. For others, one marathon a life is enough. And there are several of you who don't want to see all that training go to waste and you plan to squeeze in more marathons!

I will update this post occasionally as people reply. This is what I know of so far (this is just what people are planning):

• 11/01 New York: Derek, John
• 11/07 OBX Half Marathon: Half: Leigh Anne, Scott, Ryan, Ingrid, Michael S, Sean, Jennifer, Mike V, Laura
• 11/14 Richmond: Full: Amber, John, Jeff H, Abraham, Levi
• 12/12 Thunder Road: Frank, Steve, Dave, Ron
• 01/09 Frosty 50k: Ron
• 01/10 Disney: Amber?, Jon?
• 02/13 Myrtle Beach: Steve, Levi, Jeff H
• 03/06 Umstead: Scott, Michael, Eric?
• 03/13 Roanoke Canal Half: Kim, Larry, Ted, Liz, Cliff, Ralph, Scott, Leigh Ann, Arthur, Matt, Sarah, Ron, Amber, Jon, Kinnie, Eric, Steve, Indie
• 03/21 Shamrock: Michael?, Ryan?, Gerry?
• 04/25 Big Sur: Ron?
• 05/02 Eugene: Michael?, Brian?
• 06/19 Grandma's: Tracy P

Here is my two cents. . . If you want to use the next two weekends as a taper and race again, I highly recommend Richmond. There is already several RMEC runners going. It is one of my favorite races. If you can get by with only one weekend off, you can try OBX. The half is already sold out, but several Rocky Mount runners are going.

Thunder Road is another affordable and drivable option to race. Frank, Dave, and Scott raced it last year and had high praise of the event. It is a "bigger city" event, but does not draw the immense crowds like MCM. Plus you get a nice medal! It also allows ample recovery time for most of you.

If we want to get a big group to do a spring race, our best option is Myrtle Beach. The course is the easiest you will find in my opinion, the weather is normally very favorable, and there is both a half and a full option. Plus you can get cheap hotels with fun for the family in the off season. Shamrock is another flat beach marathon option as well with nice swag.

If you want a challenging marathon, and one you will feel proud to have completed, I strongly suggest the Umstead Marathon. It will sell out within 24-72 hours after it opens for registration on 11/02.

There are some new marathons in North Carolina this March as well, but I really hope the RMEC will support the Roanoke Canal Half Marathon on 03/13/10 if you plan to race in the month of March. However. . . I ultimately want you to pick whichever races get you excited and motivated to stay active!

So lets start the ball rolling now. What half/full marathons are you planning to run? If it is not on the list still post a comment!