I’ve been contemplating for a while now to try and qualify for the New York Marathon next year based on a half-marathon time (the whole lottery thing this year didn’t work out too well for me). For my age group, this would be a 6:20/mile pace (1:23:00 total time). Last Sunday’s Army 10-miler was 6:40/mile – but in 80* heat with very high humidity. Certainly that warm humid thing played into it. I think with cooler weather and a few more weeks I can drop that by 20 seconds a mile. It will take some pain; but no pain – no gain*. My 10K time two weeks ago was 6:29/mile (after doing a swim/bike during an OlyTri). I figure that a 10-miler time has to be in the same ballpark as a half-mary time – at that point everything has stabilized from a pace perspective and it’s only another 19-20 minutes, which would be more nutrition/aerobic focused that legs (since my legs will be doing the distance on Oct 28 in a full marathon).
I’d assume that a November/December half-marathon would be less than 80*. If not – I’m moving to Alaska. Having been to Alaska, I really like it there, well the scenery anyway’s – some of the people are sorta odd ducks.
The next/last race of the ‘race year’ I have is the Marine Corps Marathon at the end of October, so anything after that is fair game. I’m going to do a fun little Jingle Bell 10K on Dec 9th here in DC – just for fun, and to cleanly try and break the 40:00 10K barrier (damn you 12 seconds last time). At some point I need to get in about a two week ‘cool down/rest’ before the end of the calendar year. I’ve been training constantly and consistently since Christmas of last year.
Oh…anyway’s – back to the point of my post. Suggestions for a half-mary before the end of the year – without flying anywhere I wouldn’t otherwise be traveling to. Drives up to 5 or so hours would be fine. Has to be after Nov 2nd (7 days post-Marathon). Can’t be on Turkey day weekend unless it’s somewhere within 60 minutes of Waterbury, Connecticut (where I’m spending Thanksgiving). Something of scale is preferable – I tend to thrive/enjoy a bit on all of the energy.
Options I’ve found, which after extensive Googling isn’t many:
Nov 9th – Outer Banks Half-Marathon/Marathon (5 hours away)
Nov 18th – Philly Half-Marathon/Marathon (3 hours away)
From a recovery and drive standpoint, the Philly Half seems to be the best option – but maybe all you folks have some other alternatives or suggestions. I have heard from a friend that the Philly course is flat and fast – so that would be positive.
Of course, I could just simply sit back, relax and prepare for Turkeydom. And deal with the qualifying time between now and June. Which is appealing…
*Yes, I know that’s not entirely true…base is key..blah.blah.blah.
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that’s freaky fast!
find a half-mary and Q!!
Hey, did you find anything in DC during October? i found your blog cause I’m trying to find one, but haven’t had luck so far. :(
Good luck in your training!
I ended up doing the Philly half in mid/late November.
However, for October – I’d highly suggest the Baltimore Half. It’s a great race paired with not only a full mary, but also some smaller races as well. Very well supported. I did it two years ago and had a blast.
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