For the first time in a long time, I have things that I actually want to talk (write) about on this blog. Not going to guarantee that they are interesting things, but things none the less! Since I don’t want this blog post to be very long (I have the attention span of a 5 year old, and you might have already stopped reading), so let’s do one topic per day.
TOPIC ONE: Operation Fall Marathon
I have not officially decided on what Fall Marathon I will be running yet. Until a couple of weeks ago, I was 100% committed to the Chicago Marathon. I bought my bib in Feb(?) when they went up for grabs because I thought it would be a fun race to run. Now as I am actually starting to plan a trip out to Chicago, I am realizing just how expensive it is going to be. To be honest, I’m not completely sold on the idea of spending $750+ (hotel, airfare, bib) to go to CHICAGO (no offense Chicago peeps).
So with that, I am currently debating the following three Marathons:
(1) Chicago – 10/7
(2) Wineglass Marathon – 9/30
(3) Hartford Marathon – 10/13
Good News: I still have some time to decide.
However, let the marathon training begin! Dorothy has willingly taken me as a client again for the Fall. And I am excited to have a Coach again. She won’t officially start coaching me until next Monday, so this week I decided to take my training into my own hands…and do whatever I want!
Which meant I went to track and I tried to keep up with Meggie.
Let’s just say I was not ready for a tempo run. Looking back at my spring training schedule I realized I hadn’t done a tempo run in 8 weeks. And Day 1 of Fall Marathon training (after running a total of 3 times in the last month) I decide to go do a tempo run. Real Smart, Jocelyn. This is what happens when I try to train myself…
I did NOT keep up with Meggie, and I have a lot of work to do in the next four months, but I’m actually excited! I’m sure there will be a lot of time spent at this track over the summer…so if you want to stalk me you know where to find me.
Here is a little video of the Megster running her little heart out:
Are you running a Fall Marathon? Are you traveling for the Marathon? Have you ever travelled far for a Marathon?
{ 32 comments }
I’m shocked about Chicago! But I totally hear you, haha. I’ve never really been sold on Chicago the city either. To be fair, I’ve never been outside of its airport, but there’s never been anything about it that made me really want to come out and visit it (like Nashville).
The only marathon I’ve traveled for was the great Country Music Full fail in 2010 haha. Right now the only one I’m considering traveling for is the Newport Marathon in Oregon– small town where I went to high school, my dad still lives there (free room!) and the race director (my high school cross country coach) promises it’s a fast course.
Also I don’t know why my twitter handle linked to my blog…but whatever, haha
I like the twitter handle link! Also Chicago isn’t 100% out. Your sister is somehow very convincing….
Chicago is AWESOME. Just saying! The city is so much fun and the views along the lake are so pretty. I absolutely love it there and I think that marathon would be perfect. (If you don’t go can I buy your bib? Is that allowed? Haha). Trust me you would have fun. Plus, you can usually find great deals online if you search…if you’re okay with flying from Newark they usually have some affordable flights.
I was debating Hartford too, but then I went back there a couple weeks ago and realized how lackluster that city is. The little downtown area is cute but that’s like, 2 miles. I can’t imagine running 26.2 miles in that area.
Anyway…just my opinions
I appreciate your opinions! Since I can’t make a decision to save my life!!
I debated on doing Chicago this yr but it was the cost that deterred me. I’m doing Detroit in October and I’m really looking forward to it! I’ve never traveled anywhere for a race that I had to get a hotel room for. But I’m hoping to do San Diego next year
My mommy is doing Wineglass and is trying to convince me to come with her!! I know someone who would gladly transfer their MCM bib to you if you wanted to do that one – just saying
I WILL DO THE WINEGLASS MARATHON WITH YOU
I vote for Hartford! It is a GREAT course for a PR – fairly similar to New Jersey in that it’s mostly flat with just a few bumps. I’ll gladly come run that one with you.
I’ll also gladly come run Wineglass, but that is NOT a PR course for most people…
I thought that Wineglass was PR-able! It seems like its mostly downhill??
Retracting my earlier comment – it looks like they’ve changed the course! Let’s do that one
I traveled a grand half-mile from my apartment to the start line for my first marathon a week ago. It was awesome to be able to train on the course, then be able to go back and collapse after the marathon.
I want to run the Hartford Marathon, it is on my birthday. Running 26(.2) miles on my 26th birthday would be awesome. Too bad it is across the country.
I’m sure there is another marathon on the other side of the country!
I’m surprised you aren’t going to run Chicago! It’s completely understandable though, I’m sure the prices for everything are insane! I was planning on running it in 2013 because I have friends moving there, but I heard they may not move anymore, so now I’m not sure, since there will be no free room to stay at. There are so many awesome races to do though, it’s hard to decide which one to do.
Oh, also, what track is that?
East River. Want to join the track party?
I’m currently training for the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco. I’m excited about having to travel for a race simply because you never know if it’s going to be hot as death in Texas. My first full was in November in San Antonio and the temperatures were like 86. It was terrible.
Go get that Tiffany’s necklace!!
I’ve traveled to Maui for the Maui Marathon way back in 2001. Granted, I ran that race with TNT so I didn’t have to pay for 100% of my travel costs. Outside of that, my longest travel was to the Eugene Marathon last year.
I would LOVE to be running a fall marathon, but I was injured when all the registrations opened so I missed out on most of them. I’m running again now and still considering something if I can find a bib (MCM) or a race that’s still open! Your list looks like fun options!
I’m running Chicago this year!! Luckily my sister lives there so I have a free place to stay! I’m just praying for decent weather………
Your track party sounds fun. Certainly sounds more fun than the words “hard reps”
Look forward to reading your plans! I am hoping to contagiously catch some training enthusiasm.
I have never been to Chicago but always wanted to. But if you’re going to be spending $750 you could go to all kinds of cool places. Worth day dreaming about…I mean planning
Toronto Marathon is huge (the biggest in Canada) and is Oct. 16. I’m doing it, I think. Either that or Hamilton Marathon (down hill), Nov 4. Or both????
Love seeing that we are both gearing up for Fall Marathons now. I’m pumped! Happy training.
I totally understand not wanting to pay that much for Chicago. I kinda feel the same way..which is why I haven’t signed up. That and I don’t love big marathons. I have traveled far but to place that to me are worth it. I have had thoughts of throwing my name into the wineglass entry. Should probably decide soon because it WILL sell out soon. I actually think it is close to. Mohawk Hudson the other one I was looking at sold out.
I wish I could transfer my NYC bib. I don’t think I want to run it anymore.
I was looking at Mohawk Hudson too but I didn’t realize that it sold out already!
Why do my arms look weird when I run?! Should I ask the twitterverse?
“When in doubt, ask Twitter.” Actually that should probably NEVER be a saying.
I vote you run MCM with me.
I have negative feelings about wineglass and chicago.
MCM has just been thrown in the pool! Someone offered me their bib. Dreams might come true Bestie.
I ran Chicago last year. I absolutely LOVED it. I know traveling for a marathon can be a pain and expensive, but I really thought it was worth it. The course was great and the spectators were unbelievable (then again, if you’re used to NYC, who knows haha).
I’m running NYC with a charity this year, I’m really excited!
Can’t wait to cheer for you at NYC!!
I did Wineglass last year and LOVED IT. 18 minute PR, small race, awesome town, great post race, awesome medal. DO IT.
i’m racing the states so from Atlanta, my furthest i guess is Seattle? I’m up to 15 states so far. I am hoping to get a coach in the fall.