Who's racing what this fall?

[twinsavsvikingsfan]

I'll go. My goal race is the Grand Rapids marathon on October 29. I just registered for two more this fall in preparation of the marathon. I'm doing a 10 mile race on September 16 and a half marathon on September 30. Hopefully these two races will give me an inkling of what I might be able to run in the marathon.

[BamaDave]

I'm running the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville on December 9th. That's where I PR'd last year and am hoping to PR there again this year! The Huntsville Half is four weeks earlier, perfect timing, so I'm hoping to run that Half-Marathon as well. The only other definite for me is the local big 10K - the Vulcan - in Birmingham in early November. And I may try to run an 11-mile trail run in Chattanooga in early October.

I would like to run more, but most races clash with my daughter's Saturday morning soccer games, and I don't want to miss them... plus, I'm the assistant coach.

After Rocket City, my other goal is to run a 50K trail race sometime during the Winter or early Spring, plus I'll almost certainly run the local Mercedes Marathon in February... though I have wised up that Mercedes is NOT a PR course, and I will simply try for a personal best on the course.

[Rod]

Rochester NY Marathon Sept 17.

[kmwest]

Quantico (VA) Half-Marathon Sept 30 - aiming to win age group

Marine Corps Marathon Oct 29 - aiming to BQ (3:10:59 or better / 7:10 average)

Probably a Turkey Trot when I come back to Indiana for Thanksgiving. Same for any races during Christmas/New Years leave.

[GG300]

I will be running in several upcoming charity 5ks in the next couple of months. We will be starting with the Make a wish run on August 26, Lake Country 5K September 3, Monroe Cheese Chase September 16, Susan Komen 5K September 24, Fall 15K Relay in Madison October 22 and Back to Madison for a 5k Turkey Run on Thanksgiving Morning. I don't think I'll be starting any marathon training at my age but I would like to do some 10K races next year. My first focus will be to run a whole 5K yet this year.

Were all of you always runners or did any of you pick it up later in life? I do enjoy the races but I have to say that training is a drag. I read your logs and I can't fathom running for an hour straight.

[UpNorth]

I've got a 10k coming up which should be fun but my big race will be the NYC marathon on November 5. My goal is to beat Lance Armstrong -- only kidding.

To answer GG: I did indoor and outdoor track in high school but was a sprinter. Since then (over 20 years ago, ha!) I've run off and on but never anything serious. However I love the long runs! When I ditched the ipod and just ran it became a very peaceful and stress reducing activity. BTW how old are you -- I'm 38.

[GG300]

I will be 47 in November the longest run of my life was last week when I ran for 2 miles. I have run a few 5K races but have to throw a few walks in to complete the distance. I fell into this by accident by running in a 1.8 mile beer run earlier this year. Now 2 of my friends (who are both distance runners) keep me occupied with more runs. Like I said I get a kick out of the races but the training seems to drag. Although I do enjoy the sense of accomplishmnet I get when my times or distances get better.

[UpNorth]

GG -- You may find that as you get more comfortable with your runs it'll be more enjoyable. Once you find a comfortable rythym with your breathing and steps you get completely immersed in the activity. For me that "state" is both energizing and relaxing.

Keep it up and you'll be addicted.

[BamaDave]

I have been an on-and-off runner (mostly off) since I was 12 years old as part of the typical weight yo-yo thing. But I never competed in any races until two years ago, just short of my 38th birthday. I've been running regularly for almost four years, by far my longest continuous stretch.

Never say "never." Just two years ago, I was still saying that I would "never" do a marathon. Five months later, I ran my first and have now completed four.

[GG300]

I think I will set my first real distance goal for 15K. I will be running it as a relay this year but if all goes well maybe I can run the same race as an individual event next year. A marathon by my 50th that would be something I never expected. Then again 5 years ago if you would have told me I would be running and working out on a regular basis I would have fallen off my bar stool.

[RobertT]

My 18th marathon in October, Chicago, I think the 14th or 15th time I've run here (it's nice and flat). Also have a couple more tri's this summer.

It's been a good year so far: Did my second half-I a few weeks ago along with a weird 1/3 ironman, also have done a couple of oly lengths and one sprint (nice warm-up).

I'm 55 and I've decided this will be my last full mary. Next year it'll be tri's and golf. Gotta start getting ready for retirement!

Come to think of it, this might be my 19th mary. I've kind of lost count.

[ReadyDad]

Bay State Marathon, Oct. 15 -- 4:15, here I come!

[emartin10]

Wow guys - lots of marathons this fall! I'll be keeping an eye out here, but that Turkey Trot idea sounds good to me!

E