Shamrock Marathon...too soon?

Peter · Jan 24, 2008

...Need advice. 
I ran my first marathon on Dec. 8, 2007 without any training plan and running only one 20 miler prior to the race. I just have a good running base, that's all. I've never followed any training plans. I wanted my first marathon to be fun and didn't put any pressure on myself to finish fast. 
I was looking at the <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/Primary_Navigation/registration.htm" target="_blank">Shamrock Marathon</a> in Virginia Beach on March 15 and I would plan on ramping up my mileage in February in preparation. Is this a realistic goal for me or is it too soon for me to run another? 
I would like to run for a PR this time around...and this is a pancake flat course with temps that should be on the cool side. This would probably be my last option to run a marathon this spring otherwise I would need to wait for the fall/winter. 
Oh, did I mention that there all the stew and beer you can consume at the finish line? <img alt="surprised.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/surprised.gif">ccasion5: <img alt="idea.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/idea.gif"> Hmmm....maybe this is a no-brainer... <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

JJJessee · Jan 24, 2008

Go for it. 
Throw a coupla 20s and Tempo or 2 on the training fire 
and don't forget to wear something green. 
jjj

ksrunr · Jan 24, 2008

Peter - you've got almost 16 weeks before the Shamrock. Go for it. You didn't beat yourself up on the last one. I'd say you're good to go.

VictorN · Jan 24, 2008

I count 7 1/2 weeks between now and Shamrock. As long as you aren't nursing any serious injuries due to your last marathon, I think you'll be fine. Keep the mileage up and maybe go for a short taper. 
Victor

ksrunr · Jan 24, 2008

Victor is right. I was thinking 16 weeks between the 2 races. Still, you haven't abused yourself since then. Still go for it.

choovie · Jan 24, 2008

Hey Peter, I ran the HM last year and will do so again this year. Maybe I'll see you there! The beer and stew were delish <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

FlyingFinn · Jan 24, 2008

Peter, Peter, hill eater...go for it. 
Daily you post...."(fill in the blank) miles with hills." And this is pancake flat? 
You are in good shape now. Do it.

rosecoloredglasses · Jan 24, 2008

Too flat! 
Peter, you can surely run this and it is not too soon, but I think this course is TOO flat. Plan your running accordingly. (How does one do that?) 
AND. 
The HALF is FULL. (they've already reached their 7,000 limit) <a href="http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?CHECKSSO=1&EVENT_ID=1422897&RESET=0" target="_blank">http://www.active.com/event_detail.c...422897&RESET=0</a> 
Choovie! Have you registered? I hope so!

choovie · Jan 24, 2008

Yep, MrC and I are both registered for the HM but he may have to drop back to the 8k on Sat. 
Will you be there? 
<sorry for the hijak peter>

Dennis · Jan 25, 2008

Peter - good luck in your decision. Probably you'll know best if you'll be ready to run 26.2 by mid March. 
My son will be running the HM, I'll be jogging the Marathon. If you see a big guy in a blue shirt cramping up at mile 23 and struggling the last 3 miles - say Hi.

Peter · Jan 25, 2008

<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> 
Hmm...I get to actually meet CHoovie, Rosey & Dennis...I may have to go just to see if you folks are real and not my imagination...LOL 
BTW, for those of you that have been there, what was the weather like last year?

Sans Souci · Jan 25, 2008

Okay, this made me laugh, Dennis. Not that it would be funny to see you cramping, but the "say Hi" ... snork! 
Stay positive and keep up the great training! 
Sounds fun. Enjoy, Peter.

rosecoloredglasses · Jan 25, 2008

The weather is soooooo unpredictable... if I am remembering correctly... in 2006 it was pretty cold (I wore long sleeves and a skirt) And, I think Choovie was pretty comfortable last year, so it probably wasn't too warm (she's from Montana, she likes it frosty cold). But, it is crazy around here, one day it can be 70 F and the next, 28 F. We aren't running it this year and probably won't make it down to watch. But this will be our second annual dinner with the choovers if a trip up the road is all right with them...

Peter · Jan 25, 2008

Hi Rose, 
Actually that sounds pretty good to me, I can deal with that. It's the 20F starts that I hate. 
I just ran a Mapquest on the drive & it's about 6 hours from here...it won't take me that long...<img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"> 
Any reasonable motels in the area and how the parking on race day? 
Thanks..

rosecoloredglasses · Jan 25, 2008

Yikes! No. No reasonable hotels and the hotels often have ridiculous 3-nights mandatory stays! Parking should be fine, though. I can't remember exactly but I think we parked at the Virginia Beach Pavillion convention center. 
Not sure what to tell you about lodging. I'd recommend staying on that side of the tunnel, but... if you can't find anything reasonable, you could stay in Hampton and get up early and drive in.

choovie · Jan 25, 2008

Peter, I got a good tip from Rasmussen... We're staying at the Four Sails in Va Beach for the nights my work won't cover. It's a time share and rooms become available as owners release the dates. It is much cheaper than the Hilton where I'm staying the other nights for the conference. The location is great too. <a href="http://www.foursails.com/" target="_blank">http://www.foursails.com/</a>

rasmussenmp · Jan 25, 2008

Weather is very unpredictable. 2007 was about 32 degrees at the start with a very strong north wind (15mph steady, gusts to 30mph). 2006 was alittle warmer (mid 30's) with a strong north wind. 2005 was is the low 40's at the start warming to almost 50, with very little wind. 
Winds - if your running the 1/2, you will be into a north wind for about 3 miles, then it will be at your side for abot 4 miles, then pushing you all the way to the finish. Its good because you can easily draft the first few miles and not get hit by the wind. 
If your running the full, you have about 6 miles with the north wind to push you, then about 9 miles into it. This can be very tough with no drafting partners. Then 4 miles as a side wind and the rest with the wind. 
Good luck. I've done the full three times (all different courses). The half once (first year they offered it) and the 8k three or four time. My 1/2 PR was is 2006 and that stiff north wind. My wife's PR was also that race.

lamerunner · Jan 25, 2008

Good luck. I am registered for the half. I had a devil of a time getting a hotel but I managed, just for Saturday. My mother lives in Va beach but about 12 miles from the beach and I guess from what she says it is very hard to get in there early am. 
If i get ambitious I could switch to the full... I ran the full in 1978,79 and 88. Very flat, often windy. Temps usually fine.

choovie · Jan 25, 2008

We should try to organize some sort of official Boomer meet up. 
I thought the weather was perfect for the HM; although, it did get pretty windy after I finished. I don't remember any wind at the start but then I am pretty used to running in some wind. The HM starts an hour before the marathon and the starting temps were probably in the 20s. I wore shorts, L/S shirt under a S/S one, ear protection and gloves. The last 3 miles I felt overdressed. I am far more concerned about warm temps than chilly temps! 60 would be the kiss of death for me after running in the cold all winter. 
MrC ran the 8k the day before and it was really cold and windy but he didn't seem to mind. The spectators had it worse than the participants -- I know I FROZE waiting for him to finish. 
I enjoyed the course and the atmosphere is festive with lots of people wearing Shamrock attire and in partying moods. There was a great party afterwards and a couple of beer stations on the course if you so desire. It also had the nicest expo I've ever been to (limited knowledge). The Hilton is right at the finish line if you can swing a room there.

Peter · Jan 27, 2008

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. It sounds like it would be a lot of fun. 
I'll see how my training goes in the next couple of weeks before I make a committment to register for the race. 
In anticipation of possibly going, I've reserved a room for Saturday & Sunday nights in Virginia Beach...so I've got a place to stay at this point.

Shamrock Marathon...too soon?

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