Family Day Race

Not much to report right now. I am now tapering for the upcoming Philadelphia marathon on November 23rd. In fact, I feel a little under the weather today and I've been kinda of stir crazy all week. Poor Hubs!

Last year, the Ontario Premier announced a new statutory Ontario holiday, Family Day, which is the third Monday in February. Read: Day off with pay and no obligations!

Sooooo this presents a perfect opportunity to sneak into the land of my American blogger friends and do what else: Run a Marathon.

Last year Hubs and I ran the Last Chance for Boston Marathon in Columbus Ohio. Basically its 26 mile laps around a business park in the outskirts of Columbus. Not exactly exciting, but its a driveable distance, well run, and flat as a pancake. Other advantages were a water station every mile, so no need to carry water or food, and pacing is easy. Here is a picture of Hubs and I at that race last year. (BTW-lots of non-hopeful Boston people run this as well - I didn't expect to qualify and ran a decent 4:26, not bad for the training I did)








Now as good as a winter warm up marathon this is, I would like to try some thing different. Right now I really have my sights set on this race. I think it would be fun, and if anyone has run it, or know someone who has, feedback is welcome! Drawbacks is that its about 16 hours so I would probably fly, and Hubs hates flying. In fact he's upset as it is that we are flying to Philadelphia this year.

Other Options

Austin Marathon. I've read that its a hilly course, while I don't mind hills, I am still trying to bring my marathon time under 4 hours, so why work from a disadvantage? Sounds like a good event though.

Lost Dutchman Marathon. This course looks STUNNING. I really like the idea of travelling to Arizona, I've never been there before, but again the course looks challenging, but what an experience! Here is one past racer's recount from marathon guide, that sends chills through my body when I read it:

This was so much fun. The expo was small but complete. The shirt was cotton but it has one of the nicest designs, front and back. On race morning, when the shuttle bus dropped us off at the start area, it was clear and chilly and there were about 70 little campfires burning... with carpet pads next to them to stretch out on. The start is right at the base of the Superstition Mountains and it is amazing to see the sun rise and light up the mountains. The race started on time, the aid stations were well stocked, the volunteers were just super and the finisher's medal is as neat as the Rock 'n Roll medals... maybe better. If you ever need a break from winter, come to Arizona in February and run the Lost Dutchman.

This is how I fill my spare time, dreaming about the next marathon. Obsession, no!! Passion? Absolutely!
Have a great weekend and thanks for reading!