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Bill_Sev
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Joined: 21 Sep 2004
Posts: 727
Location: Marietta, GA
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 Posted: 09/24/04 - 22:24 Post subject: Targeting a Marthon for early spring '05
By the end of this year I will have run 2 half marathons and would like to push my training into marathon mode. Any advice on whats a good marathon to run for a first timer?
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Cappy
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Joined: 16 May 2002
Posts: 27368
Location: Spreadsheetylvania
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Posted: 09/25/04 - 03:43 Post subject:
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GaRebelRunner
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Joined: 26 Sep 2003
Posts: 1097
Location: Tucker, GA
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Posted: 09/25/04 - 08:28 Post subject:
The Oklahoma City Marathon the last Sunday in April is an excellent first time experience. Very well organized, plenty of support on the course and relatively flat for us Atlanta area runners. The only drawback is sometimes the winds coming off Lake Hefner around the 14 - 16 mile mark can be strong. I usually run this race each year and will be doing the marathon in 2005.
Closer to home in February there is the Mercedes Marthon in Birmingham or the Myrtle Beach Marathon in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, both in February, which can be cool in Birmingham. Mercedes has excellent support but does have some hills to contend with. Myrtle Beach is flat by anyone's standards. And althought it technically runs by the ocena, you will rarely see it along the course as hotels will block your view. But it is a well managed race.
In early April there is a small and hilly marathon in Macon. Also lots of hills. The Nashville Country Music Marathon, held the last Saturday in April is also popular with Atlanta runners but I have heard reports their hills are even worse than Atlanta. But most runners have enjoyed the course. I've never ran Nashville partly because it interferes with OKC and party because it is expensive IMHO.
Try this website: marathon guide
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Bill_Sev
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Joined: 21 Sep 2004
Posts: 727
Location: Marietta, GA
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Posted: 09/25/04 - 10:50 Post subject:
Thanks Cappy and Reb.........Any recommendations on training programs? I've seen stuff from Galloway and Higdon....Any preferences?
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Cappy
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Location: Spreadsheetylvania
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Posted: 09/25/04 - 10:53 Post subject:
| Bill_Sev wrote: | | Thanks Cappy and Reb.........Any recommendations on training programs? I've seen stuff from Galloway and Higdon....Any preferences? |
I got Higdon's book on Marathon's and it was very helpful. I used his beginner plan, but modified it slightly to fit my schedule. A lot of good information in there. I recommend it.
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GaRebelRunner
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Joined: 26 Sep 2003
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Location: Tucker, GA
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Posted: 09/25/04 - 13:27 Post subject:
I have used both Galloway and Higdon. I do have faster times in my marathons when I use theGalloway walk breaks (3:50). But I run half my marathon without the breaks - it just depends, although my times will be 10-15 minutes slower. For all my races from 1/2 marathon to 5k races I don't use the walk breaks and am sure in those races my times are faster without them. But once I get over mile 18 or so in a race without the walk breaks my legs give me fits. It doesn't hurt to experiment with both of them and see which one works better for you.
For your first marathon I would recommend Galloway. If you find the walk breaks don't help you or you simply don't like them you can still use Galloway's plan without the walk breaks. I tend to mix and match my training schedule depending on which race I'm training for.
You can preview Galloway's and Higdon's books at any Barnes & Nobles without buying them and just read a couple chapters while enjoying a coffee or other drink.
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Cappy
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Joined: 16 May 2002
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Location: Spreadsheetylvania
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Posted: 09/25/04 - 13:33 Post subject:
I have Higdon's book that I can send you if you want it.
PM if you are interested
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runaroundsue
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Joined: 18 Sep 2002
Posts: 6629
Location: supporting GREENer pastures
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Posted: 09/30/04 - 10:28 Post subject:
Austin, TX!!!!
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jrjo
Gone Fishin
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16451
Location: Lake Wobegon, MN
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Posted: 09/30/04 - 10:40 Post subject:
I've ran Napa which is the first weekend in March. A real nice getaway!
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jrjo
Gone Fishin
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16451
Location: Lake Wobegon, MN
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Posted: 09/30/04 - 10:47 Post subject:
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GaRebelRunner
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Joined: 26 Sep 2003
Posts: 1097
Location: Tucker, GA
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Posted: 09/30/04 - 22:32 Post subject:
Whidby Island does look interesting.
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