This week’s question comes from MCM Mama who is working on running a marathon in all 50 states:
We’ve all discussed why we run, but why do you RACE and how do you choose which races to run?
Do you look for certain distances, swag, location, start time, or something else? Tell me how you decide where and when to race. Also, I’m currently on a quest to run a race in every state. Please tell me–and others about a particular race you’ve run that is not to be missed.
First I like to commit to a variety of distances: I start the year with a half marathon or 2 in spring, then a spring marathon. After that I do a handful of 5 and 10k’s in early summer, before marathon training ramps up again. I definitely do a late summer “tune-up” 1/2 marathon, followed by a fall marathon and for this weather is a big factor–meaning not too hot please! The second factor is hills–as in no thank you.
For my shorter races I stay as local as possible.
For the half marathons I have a lot of nice local ones I enjoy but I will travel. I enjoyed the Inaugural Madison 1/2 this year and definitely recommend the Indy Mini–running on the Indy Race Track was very cool!
I am toying with Gasparilla 1/2 in Florida early next year–that pirate theme appeals to me, although the potential heat/humidity do not.
As far as marathons go: I chose Chicago, Grand Rapids and Columbus for their weather, relative flatness and BQ-ability.
Chicago: I need to have a rematch in Chicago one of these years because it was freakishly hot when I ran it in 2007. The expo and crowds are amazing!
Grand Rapids is a fantastic little race and I have such a sweet spot for it as it was the scene of my first BQ. I highly recommend that one. Scenic course, good swag and the best race Director ever!
Boston what can I say? It was the bomb. Totally looking forward to going again next year!
Columbus was nice, great crowds, scenic course, but since I ran it poorly I have a “meh” attitude toward it.
Other marathons on my bucket list:
Marine Corps
Nike Women’s
NYC
and I’d love to get overseas and do London or Paris or anything for that matter!
what is NYI??? the NYC marathon?
i totally book marked grand rapids and joined their mailing list!!! lol!!! hey heyy! boston in 09?!?! how soon can i sign up, how do i show i qualified??
Lacey yes I meant NYC–apparently the marathon has left me somewhat braindead.
As for Boston 2010, go to their website under registration. They'll ask you where you qualified then they'll go and verify your time. Sign up the sooner the better!
You're the second person to recommend Grand Rapids. I'm still trying to decided on a 2010 marathon (my first). Do I do Chicago or Grand Rapids??
My husband ran the Gasparilla Full in 2007 and had a great time. It was unseasonably cold – 50 degrees (40 at the start) and 25mph winds, but he still really liked it. The expo was great. For his race, there wasn't a lot of spectator support, though (but that was due to the weather more than anything). Tampa is a great town! I've done the 5k there twice (2006 and 2007) and had a great time both years.
First –ha, I mis-type my name all the time 🙂
Second — congrats on your BQ!!!
Third — great list. I would love to run NYC and the Nike women's marathon, too. Both would just be awesome, I'm sure!
I'm still kicking myself for not running the Madison 1/2 this year. I was even in Wisconsin that weekend.
I'm definitely going to have to check out Grand Rapids. I'll never qualify for Boston, mostly because I don't plan to run many more marathons, but I'm looking for one more good one to run.
MCM Mama