I must say—y’all are very interested in my first marathon! In all actuality, I’ve been researching a ton of different options for awhile. I was hoping to run the race in February but my options were slim to none. Plus, the more I thought about it, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to do my first marathon out-of-state. Foreign bed? Weird hotel room? Minimal sleep? Bad food? Not a recipe for success! So, when I saw an email from The Colorado Marathon roll through my inbox last week, I acted impulsively….and registered on the spot!
I first ran this course in May, 2012 when I ran the half marathon. It was a beautiful downhill course and I really enjoyed running it. The route starts way up in the Poudre Canyon and runs along the river for at least the first 20-22 miles. Then, the course cuts out and heads into downtown Fort Collins for the finish. As y’all can see from the elevation map, it is definitely a net downhill!
I wasn’t too sure how I felt about an entirely downhill course, especially since I’ve heard the first elevation drop can be pretty demanding on the quads. However, I loved the feel of this race when I ran the half and totally enjoyed the small-town environment that FoCo provided for the race. Plus, the whole thing only cost me $33! And no, that’s not a typo. Awhile back, I won a giveaway over at Trails 2 Brews. The prize was $100 towards any race registration, thanks to BMX Athletics. The entire registration for the full came to $133, but with that kind of discount, I could hardly pass it up, no?!
Obviously, I have a ton of time to prepare for this run since the race isn’t until May, 2014. However, something tells me that I am going to need all that time because I am absolutely NOT in any kind of shape to run 26.2 right now! I have the GTIS half in August followed by the Xterra trail half at the end of September, but I’m barely even in running shape for those races either. I’ve been looking at signing up for the San Diego Half Marathon in March, if only to ensure that I continue training like I should. Plus, I’m sure I could convince Will to fly back with me so he can visit his family. It would be like a win-win!
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Any tips for this whole marathon thing? The distance is pretty freaking intimidating!
15 Comments
I’m thinking about this race, too! I’ve heard it’s beautiful. And I think it’s awesome that you’ve got so much time to prepare; you’ll have lots of time to get a solid base built to reduce your injury risk. My advice — for when it gets closer — is to get a training plan and stick to it as much as possible, as much for your mental sanity as anything. I used a Hal Higdon plan for my first; his plans are great for getting you to the start injury-free and strong enough to make it to the finish. Good luck!
The Equinox Half in September is really great. It starts at the Mish up the Poudre Canyon and runs 13 miles down it. Marathons seem daunting, but as long as you do the long runs you will be fine. Just find a training that works for you.
This sounds like an awesome race! A downhill course? Awesome! Just be careful on the huge hill you were talking about. I think you are going to do great! Especially since you have plenty of time to get adequate training in! Focus on slowing down your pace for those long runs and you will do great!
You oh rascal you!! I knew you’d end up staying close to home!! 🙂
Ha, I really wasn’t planning on it– it just happened!
I ran Colorado as my first marathon in 2011 – I LOVED it. It’s such a beautiful course, so you’re distracted for the first 15 or so miles. Definitely foam roll those quads afterwards! 🙂
I remember that! What did you think? Any tips for me?
Wow, you have so much dedication to take on a race almost a year out! I love running and run all year long but my training focus would struggle with that kind of time-frame. I’m super impressed! Go get it girl!
I don’t know if dedication is the right word…I suspect I’ll forget about it till like January 🙂
I love it! I think it will be a great first race! I’ve never run a downhill race, but it doesn’t sound too bad to me 🙂 There is a group of us that might run the Myrtle Beach half/full in Feb – let me know if you are interested, it’s pancake flat!
Alyssa recommended that course too! Pancake flat is not a bad thing!
Yeaahhhh buddy! Get it gurl. You’ve got tons of time to train; it ain’t no thang! Plus, that is a ridiculously gorgeous course (well I can only vouch for the first 13.1 b/c I did the Ft. Collins Equinox Half). So awesome! Cheers to your first marathon!!
Yay!!! Exciting 🙂 Oh man, I just registered for my fall marathon and am strugglig to get my butt in gear. I’ll get there! Look forward to hearing about your training, etc.!
That’s exciting! Good luck!!! I want to run one, but haven’t committed yet!!!
I’ve never run a full, but consistently having races on the calendar (that are paid for) always keeps me working out and running!