Lots of you right now are probably feeling a small void in your life. It might be a good thing. You have just spent four to five months focusing on a goal. You have now reached that goal, and are wondering what you can do to fill that space that was once filled with marathon training. Hopefully you are still running, but it might not feel the same. This is not uncommon after a marathon. It is especially true after a fall marathon. The days are shorter. The weather is colder. You are not outside as much. It all adds up. I have been asked by lots of you about a late winter or a spring marathon. So that is the point of this post. What comes next for everyone? You are of course welcome to pick your own races, or not race at all, but if you still have that urge (or maybe you just think you can still do better) lets see what people plan to do next. Races are always more fun as a group. Here are some marathon options that all have a half marathon as well. All races are within driving distance: NOTE: Vote in the poll I just added. You are welcome to change your vote based on how others are voting, just don't vote from multiple computers for yourself.
- FL 01/27 ING Miami Marathon: This is a well sponsored fast growing race. The size is slightly smaller than Richmond. The course is flat, and Miami is a nice destination.
- GA 02/02 Tybee Island Marathon: This is a small race with good reviews. The course is a loop course, giving many opportunities to see your teammates. 1,200 total finishers last year (80% in the half)
- SC 02/16 Myrtle Beach Marathon: A flat beach course, that can be cold and windy. 1,700 marathon finishers and 2,400 half marathon finishers last year. Lower cost and close by.
- FL 02/17 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer: A new race that has been heavily promoted. Expect a big crowd. Has a really cool looking course map (check it out), with two miles on the sand. Looks like fun.
- GA 03/01 Snickers Energy Bar Marathon: 2nd year for this small race. Year one had great reviews. 500 total finishers, with easy access from the hotels.
- VA 03/16 Shamrock Marathon: A popular spring race at Virginia Beach. If you like the beach, it is close and affordable. Shares some roads as the RnR Half. Can be cold.
- DC 03/29 National Marathon: Has become a great alternative to the Marine Corp. Scenic course with less crowds (about 5,000 total). They have a team competition too. Fun stuff for the family to do in DC.
There are other races that you can consider as well, but I thought these were good options. Each race above is a link to the race website. Having a half marathon on each race makes it so we really could take a crowd and have a good time.
I was going to do a poll for this, but I think using comments is better. Please post a comment if you plan to run something. If you are willing to go with more than one choice, let us know what they are. This post is open to comments from EVERYONE. Even if you are reading the blog for the first time. Just be sure to include your name so we know who you are.
You can't slow down now! You all have a half marathon just two weeks away. Don't get lazy. Come out and run with the group. I have selected a 9 mile route for this weekend. I know some of you may do more, but if you are running the First Carolina State Bank Half, you should at least be doing nine. This is the distance that was planned based on the Hal Higdon Training Plan. If you want to do more, add on after getting a drink at the Teeter.
Philly: The day after many of use did the Turkey Trot, Patti was running her second fall marathon. After a blazing hot Chicago, Patti was hopping for 
