Looking for a PR course sometime in April or May - shooting for a sub 2:40 (after a recent 2:45) - have narrowed the list down to Vermont City, Vancouver, Eugene, or Poconos.
Vancouver has a new course - anyone know if it's fast? No idea on the Poconos - but I hear it's speedy, and Vermont City and Eugene seem like they have good feedback - but have never been to either.
What would your choice be - or is there some race that I am missing?
Thanks - runnebraska
avenue of the giants
double out and back
ca state champ marathon
may 6th
good weather, shaded (redwoods)
I chose Pocono's for the fast course. Several friends have done it and say it's a good one. Just make sure you train for some downhill.
Why not Boston?
I ran Vermont City once, it is where I first qualified for Boston. It is reasonably fast, but there is one large hill and a few rollers. A steep downhill around mile 18 really hurt me though and instantly reduced my pace around 15-20s per mile for the remainder of the race. Burlington is a pretty cool city as well. I don't know anything about the other races you listed, sorry.
nelsonm wrote:
Why not Boston?
This would make more sense to me too.
ecin wrote:
nelsonm wrote:Why not Boston?
This would make more sense to me too.
Only if he is thinking next year at this point. I'm assuming he's looking for this April/May.
looking at your name I'd recommend Lincoln. Then I would remember that the race directors are some of the worst people I have met in my life, then there is the rest of the State not far behind. corn f*ckers
theave.org is a good course. Race day temps typically start in the high 40s and finish in the high 60s. Logistics are good.
the first out has a gain of about 250' elevation, and then back you lose that same elevation. The second out and back is really gentle setting up a good finish (as long as you race the front half well).
The only problem with the course is you would most likely be running on your own. Less than ten runners usually finish in the 2:30-2:45 time slow.
Thanks for the feedback! You are correct, I am from outside of Lincoln, so I don't really want to run the same roads that I am always running on training routes. Hadn't considered The Ave - will def look into it.
One more to throw out - any good vibes from either Madison or Cleveland?
Was hoping that I would hear more love for Poconos!
~ runnebraska
You mentioned Eugene.
It's a potentially fast course (mostly flat).
Unfortunately, a significant portion of it is a concrete bike path. Might hurt afterwards.
Several good microbrew options post-race.
Ottawa is probably the fastest. Flat course, strong field and generally good weather. Vermont city can be fast if you run the hills easy you will be rewarded with a fast last few miles on a slightly downhill bike path on the lake. Cleveland is not very fast, does not have a strong field and can be windy. Know nothing about Poconos or Madison. I think Green Bay has a faster course if you are looking at Wisconsin.
Toledo Glass City
Um, ever heard of the Pine Line Marathon in WI?
http://www.halfmarathonclub.com/Wisconsin_Half_Marathon_Races.html
Anyone here ever run the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon? I would think that it is flat at least.
bayshore
what about gansett?
runnebraska wrote:
Looking for a PR course sometime in April or May - shooting for a sub 2:40 (after a recent 2:45) - have narrowed the list down to Vermont City, Vancouver, Eugene, or Poconos.
Vancouver has a new course - anyone know if it's fast? No idea on the Poconos - but I hear it's speedy, and Vermont City and Eugene seem like they have good feedback - but have never been to either.
What would your choice be - or is there some race that I am missing?
Thanks - runnebraska
Poconos is going to give you the best chance at 2:40 out of that group.
robocop wrote:
runnebraska wrote:Looking for a PR course sometime in April or May - shooting for a sub 2:40 (after a recent 2:45) - have narrowed the list down to Vermont City, Vancouver, Eugene, or Poconos.
Vancouver has a new course - anyone know if it's fast? No idea on the Poconos - but I hear it's speedy, and Vermont City and Eugene seem like they have good feedback - but have never been to either.
What would your choice be - or is there some race that I am missing?
Thanks - runnebraska
Poconos is going to give you the best chance at 2:40 out of that group.
I just checked out the Poconos website. Is the course as downhill as it appears on the elevation chart?
http://www.poconomarathon.org/courseinfo.htmlWait until June 2nd, then run Newport in Oregon. It's very flat and fast.