[sistergoldenhair]

I'm starting to think and look on marathonguide.com about fall marathons. My preferences are flat (I like hills but there are no hills to train on where I live), not huge in terms of field, fast BQ-friendly course, and as easy and inexpensive as possible to travel to.<br><br>
Right now I'm considering:
<ul><li>Self-Transcendence (Nyack NY) 8/24 -- the flat loop course actually appeals to me and so does the race "philosophy," but that's the week classes start and it's on a Friday, so I'd be traveling Thursday and miss work. Also a long drive.</li>
<li>Baltimore 10/13 -- looks hilly though</li>
<li>Marine Corps 10/28 -- done this one. not crazy about the huge field or last 6 miles of the course.</li>
<li>Marshall University 11/4 -- flat flat flat but a long drive to Huntington WV</li>
<li>Richmond 11/10 -- also looks to have some hills but right now I'm leaning toward it. Close in location and looks very well-organized.</li>
<li>Philly 11/18 -- didn't love the course or organization, but I love the city of Philly and did well in last year's race.</li>
<li>Kiawah Island SC 12/8 -- has been recommended by a few people except there are few spectators. I don't think this would bother me as I pretty much ignore spectators unless they are someone I know.</li>
</ul>
I'd welcome any experience people have had with these, and other suggestions!

 

[sistergoldenhair]

Steamtown looks like a great race, but I'm not sure I could properly prepare for the hills from where I am.<br><br>
kruss, I'll take a look at AC, too.

 

[sistergoldenhair]

How is a treadmill going to help me prepare for steep downhills?

 

[sistergoldenhair]

Is Harrisburg hilly?<br><br>
fox-runr, in a way Philly makes sense since I know the course, but it was such a long trip and there were some organizational issues last year. Not sure I want to go back!

 

[sistergoldenhair]

I looked at Harrisburg and I'm not sure how the hills in the park late in the race and part-trail would be to my advantage (other than lovely course, but that is not my priority at this time).<br><br>
The search continues ...<br><br>
I will drive to Richmond in the next week or two and check out the course. The location and "feel" of the race really appeal to me. If the course is not to my liking, probably decide between Huntington, Philly, or Kiawah.<br><br>
I wish there were some hills around here!

 

[sistergoldenhair]

I think training for Team Slug 50K will put me in fine shape for a great marathon performance in November-December. I have to see what my coach thinks though!<br><br>
Liam, that would definitely add to Philly's appeal! What I didn't like about it was the last lonely 10 miles of the course. If I had a buddy to run with at that point, I think it would be much more enjoyable.<br><br>
Again, I really like running hills, but want to prepare as well as possible to tackle them in a race.

 

[sistergoldenhair]

I'll absolutely stay in touch with you on this, GRR. Next week I should have time to drive there. If I choose Richmond, 3:45 will also be my time goal, so we can be virtual training buddies.<br><br>
Voodoo -- I'll look into Columbus.<br><br>
Wu, srlopez, and others -- I appreciate the very useful information and may follow up via e-mail. I think Niagra & Albany are a bit farther than I'd like to travel.

 

[sistergoldenhair]

Who has done Lakefront in Milwaukee? fox-runr? How flat or rolling is that course?<br><br>
That one, Marshall University, and Columbus are back on my radar screen. I was hoping not to travel so far, but it could be worth it for a faster course. Wednesday I'm heading to Richmond to drive the course which I expect will help a lot.

 

[sistergoldenhair]

So who has anything to say about Twin Cities?<br><br>
Speak now or forever hold your peace, because it is going to close any day.<br><br>
Eternally indecisive,<br>
SGH