2011 will make up for the light Marathon running done this year as I have scheduled for myself five 26.2-mile races. Two are very familiar, and three will be all-new. (One of them should be obvious.) Here they are, in chronological order:
Hyannis Marathon
Sunday, February 27, 10AM
Hyannis, Massachusetts
Number of times raced: 3
Best Finishing Time: 3:32:03 (2009)
Course Map
In spite of wild weather on the Cape in late February, I just can't stay away from the first place I ever ran a Marathon distance. The terrain is mostly flat and the scenery is pleasant with the right balance of supporters and open places. Winter Marathon running guarantees that you won't overheat outdoors as the temps almost never break 50 degrees.
Last year's run was not completely disastrous but I suffered through most of the second half of the race. Stricken with fever and fatigue, it took me nearly 2 dismal hours to get through the last 12 miles of the race and I finished around the 3:45 mark.
Boston Marathon
Monday, April 18, 10AM
Hopkinton to Boston, Massachusetts
Course Map
"Finally made it, Ma. Top of the world."
I can't describe enough how good it feels to finally be marking this date in my Calendar for racing purposes. Every step of the way here has been marked with challenges and I'll likely continue with more challenges before setting foot in Hopkinton. There will be a lot of factors that will affect my performance here - unpredictable weather, lodging conditions the night before, ability to weave through runners, distractions from the huge crowds of spectators - but my biggest goal is to enjoy the experience. This is one of the most coveted races in the world and I'm finally a part of it.
Sugarloaf Marathon
Sunday, May 15, 7AM
Eustis to Kingfield, ME (Route 27)
Number of Times Raced: 3
Best Finishing Time: 3:08:21 (2010)
Course Map
Like Hyannis, I can't stay away from this one - though for a slightly different set of reasons. Not only is this one of the best courses for me to run, it is the one that qualified me for Boston. There's something about the terrain and weather that makes it nearly perfect.
This year, the goal will be set more aggressively: finish in under 3 hours. If I have a chance in any 2011 course it'll be here.
MDI Marathon
Sunday, October 16, 8AM
Bar Harbor to Southwest Harbor, Maine
Course Map
This is a race I've set my sights for since I started running Marathons regularly. This is easily the toughest of the 5 courses to run this year, but I am really looking forward to it. I really do not have a goal set (yet) other than to finish and enjoy the scenery.
 |
| Elevation Map and Comparison to Boston |
Philadelphia Marathon
Sunday, November 20, 7AM
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Course Map
There is a lot of time to study and strategize this course so there aren't many details yet. The biggest reason for this run is not necessarily for the Marathon itself but for what I'll be doing after I reach the finish line. The hint is in the picture below:
 |
| Da-daaa-duuuuuuuuuuuun... da-daaa-duuuuuuuuuuuuun... |
...I think it'll be a great way to wrap up the Marathon year.
