Future: San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon
April 24th, 2007And then there was one.
I'm down to my last scheduled race, and it's the most daunting one yet. June 3rd, 2007 I will be attempting to run my very first marathon. It's possible I may not be able to do it, I have 5 weeks left to train for it, and I'm going to do everything I can to prepare myself.
The Rock 'N Roll Marathon is going to be a big event. Live bands every 1-2 miles on the course, along with cheer squads, and all kinds of crazy things. Plus I'll get to run right past my apartment (unfortunately it's at mile 3-4 so no quick stops to eat).
Course Map:

Elevation Map --Nothing as intense as the La Jolla Half:

I'll follow up with a goals post closer to the marathon, most likely 10 minute pace again, finishing around 4 hours and 45 minutes.
I'll probably also be registering for another marathon later in the year if this one goes well, probably the California International Marathon, which is basically a mild downhill trail-ish course, which I'll be actually training to improve my speed instead of actually just trying to complete the race.
April 24th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
I guess it’s been all fairly gradual: running a few miles a day, running a 10k, running a half-marathon. But when you posted that you’re going to be running a full marathon…well, frankly, I’m not sure we can even be friends anymore. I feel like you’re not the man I used to know.
April 24th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Finally.
April 25th, 2007 at 11:14 am
As a veteran of 16 marathons and a motivational writer and speaker to running groups, let me tell you what I always tell every first timer: No matter how you do, you are going to run a Personal Best! Just look at it that way, and enjoy the journey you have taken to get there. Don’t put any pressure on yourself for a particular time (last I checked, unless you win the whole thing, all the medals look the same). Have fun with it.
If you get a chance, please visit my running web site, Faithful Soles. I have a categorized and searchable Running Blog Database on there and would appreciate it if you would link your blog to it. Good luck in these last few weeks.
April 25th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Wouldn’t you be tempted to stop and listen to the bands if any of them are good?
April 25th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
THats Sweet! the week after your marathon i will be doing my first triathalon with my brothers. the biking portion will be interesting on the fixed gear
April 25th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Awesome, what length is it?
You’re an animal for attempting it on a fixie!
April 25th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
I’m also thinking about doing a triathalon…although I can’t really swim :p
April 25th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
Its a sprint tri: 500m swim; 15 mile bike; 5k run. no goals really, except for 1.don’t drown 2.have a blast.
don’t really have to mention “finishing” as a goal because the finish line happens to be the place where the food and drinks are afterwards. naturally, a place i want to be.
about your marathon, i think the “rock and roll” aspect is really going to help. Not only will it keep you pumped up, but it will keep you looking forward to the next mile.
April 27th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
wow dude, you’re not the roommate i knew in college
hope training goes well, don’t get anymore blisters, ouch!
May 1st, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Best of luck to you! I think you’ll find that it’s harder than you thought, and at the same time, easier. It’s a strange strange feeling.
May 1st, 2007 at 2:22 pm
And oh yeah…make sure you have someone, somewhere, cheering for you, know where they are and encourage them to get to that place early. Nothing like looking for someone who is supposed to be there when they don’t make it. Kinda takes the wind right out of your sails.