Friday, November 7, 2008

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!

27 comments:

Jess said...

I want "family day" here in America!

Sonia said...

No more family day for me since I moved back to Qc! Oh well... hard to complain when I still haven't found an actual job ;-)

Both marathons sounds great. Isn't there a new winter marathon in Ottawa this year, right in the worse of winter that you could torture yourself with? LOL

RoadBunner said...

Sounds like you're a certified Maniac now! Haha.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! They all sound different and enticing and all that. :)

I've been eyeing Arizona for a while too... we opted for home renos.

I've got a friend running Philly this year too. I loved the Distance run in2007, great place.

Marlene said...

I agree, it's all passion! (And maybe a little addiction!)

I LOVE the sound of the one AZ...that would be an AMAZING experience. Myrtle Beach looks appealing too, though.

Sounds like good use of a holiday to me, either way.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

i love that you and hubs run together and travel together to run in different places... fell better soon!

Unknown said...

I'm glad I can tell my wife that I'm not the only one who researches races in their spare time.

I tell I do it to maybe plan a vacation around one sometime. We need to do that or that excuse is going to get old.

Hope you feel better soon.

Julianne said...

You are so addicted! I love it!!

Run Mommy said...

You are addicted..I like Arizona. Aren't you trying to cover all the states and provinces? I would be a little worried about the temp but nice to try something new!

BeachRunner said...

Traveling, running and holidays. Woo. Three of my favorite things.

Denise said...

I just realized you're not from Philly...great you're coming in for the race, though. What about the New Orleans Mardi Gras marathon? I'm doing the half so I can have more time for fun!!

joyRuN said...

I LIKE family day!

I hope your hub likes Philly :) Maybe I'll sic my family on him. Then he'll be superduper happy to see you cross the finish ;P

Amy - the gazelle said...

the AZ race sounds awesome! It makes me tempted, even though there's no way I could do a marathon in Feb!

Cindy said...

nothing wrong with a race addiction, i'm the same way. i like to have several lined up. good luck with your taper!

Unknown said...

Like you, I am preparing for the Philadelphia Marathon.

Enjoy the book that Lily on the Road will be handing to you.

You can check my blog at seetedrun.blogspot.com

Enjoy the book!

Lily on the Road said...

Prod, Prod, Prod, Marci,

Ted and I want to get the book back on the road again please....

;^)

Marcy said...

ROFLMAO! Already plotting more marathons, are we?

Tanya said...

Haha, wish there was a national family day. We don't get it here in B.C. I'm a young runner and i'm aiming for marathons one day. Right now all i do is the 10k Sun Run. Lovin' your blog, check out mine!

http://beingtanya.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

I actually thought about doing the Myrtle Beach marathon too, but decided against it. Good luck on finding "the race." :)

Aron said...

LOVE that you are planning the next one :)

i dont have your email, but if you respond to this comment or leave your email on my blog, i'll email you back about pfitz!

Chic Runner said...

Arizona is amazing! :) That sounds like a great race! There are some great races out in CA too, you should check them out. Hope you feel better soon, and that picture is so cute of you both!

Vava said...

Man, your options all seem like a lot of fun! I am so jealous of all this planning since my work and family commitments, not to mention the cost, prevent me from any racing that is outside the driving area, and where I may be able to crash with family or friends. Whatever you choose I look forward to reading about it!

Runner Leana said...

Oh, the Lost Dutchman sounds really neat! We have Family Day here in Alberta too, third Monday in February as well!

Anonymous said...

oooh voting for AUSTIN.

love,

An Austinite

Laura said...

I really want to run Austin, but I think Boyfriend wouldn't be happy if I went away on Valentine's Day weekend. Maybe I'll work on convincing him that
a) Austin is the most romantic city in the world
b) The best Valentine's Day present he could get me would be a trip to do a marathon with no complaining :)

KeithRunsUltras said...

You've got to do The Lost Dutchman. I did it this past February and after 21 Marathons this is one of my top 2. I have grown to like the smaller races and this is a prime example of the more personal touch a small race can give. The beauty of the desert and the Superstition Mountains is quite unbelievable. I took a drive up the Apache Trail after the race and it was spectacular. Who could resist running a in a place called Apache Junction?

KeithRunsUltras said...

Hi Marci, sorry its taken so long to get back to you. I stayed at the Sleep Inn in Mesa. Mall across the road and lots of restauraunts around. By the way my picture is from the race, see the mountains behind. Congrats on Philly.
Keith