Hey Doug,
Now that you aren't running Chicago what is your focus? You know besides just getting healthy. I'm just curious as to what some of my fellow New Jersey runners are focusing on. Thanks for the update and good luck with the injuries.
Hey Doug,
Now that you aren't running Chicago what is your focus? You know besides just getting healthy. I'm just curious as to what some of my fellow New Jersey runners are focusing on. Thanks for the update and good luck with the injuries.
As you indicated, my initial focus is just what all other injured runners focus on... getting healthy.
But, in my more optimistic moments I think about the Las Vegas Marathon in Feb 2003... But I really liked running Gate River, so I might focus on getting in shape and running a PR there in March.
Thanks for asking.
DougC
Hey! I have a guy talking about running the Las Vegas marathon next Feb. Is this a fast course? Got good weather? All that right stuff?
Grateful for some "front-line" information from anyone who has run there.
Hadd,
You're kidding, right? Las Vegas? Fast course? The answer is a resonding YES. I'll let someone who has actually run the course provide more details, but Vegas has a reputation as a very fast course with very good weather. It is point to point, slightly uphill until mile 8 and then gradual downhill for over 10 miles, I believe. Net elevation drop, but within the limits imposed by USATF or IAAF or whoever.
Anyone who has actually run the course want to chime in?
Thanks Doug. It really wasn't meant to sound like a dumb question. Never been anywhere near the place, nor talked to anyone who has run there.
My guy just needs to be there for some work-related stuff and instead of aiming for a Spring European marathon, as had been the plan, somebody informed him there will be a marathon right outside his hotel... It'll be his first time in America. So we'll just move everything forward.
Thanks for the link. The course elevation certainly LOOKS impressive. The "weather" part of the question was really to do with wind. Is it ever windy? Like a prevailing wind that is behind you 9 times out of 10, but in that 10th year it turns into an SOB of a headwind...
Hadd,
It was not a dumb question... I'm just telling ya LV is one of the top 3 fastest marathons in the US. You could throw in Tucson, Steamtown, and Boston with a tailwind. I've never heard anyone complain about the wind at LV, but then again, it's not a hugely popular marathon. You could check out the comments at
and see if any of the "reviewers" complain about the wind.
Later,
DougC
I ran LV in 2002. True, very slightly up 'til 7-8 with 1 or 2 significant ups, but nothing to fret over. Then downhill to almost 20. Slightly downhill / flat after that. Quite a few turns in the last 10K or so. Before sunrise, sitting on the bus, someone said it was 23 degrees (F) outside. Warmed up once the sun came out, but it was great. Crisp and clear. Fast ?? Fast ?? Does a bear ... ???
OK, I got it now. Thanks. Sounds like it's a plan for Feb next.
One question... Steamtown...
Umm, would you have a translation for a citizen of the world outside the US? One word ought to do it.
Steamtown is in eastern Pennsylvania. Fast downhill course (point to point), but has a reputation for being tough on the quads because of the early steep downhill portion. Small marathon, about 1000 runners with the winner usually around 2:20 - 2:25.