Hey, does anyone know of a good, fast half marathon in February? Ridiculously, I’m going to attempt to qualify for the Pikes Peak Ascent, and have to do it before March 11th. There’s a good one in Seattle the week prior, but I’d hate to only have one chance and potentially blow it. I don’t need a very fast time, but I’m not sure how long my feet will last. Going to try a 7 miler tomorrow, with lots of Motrin. Just need to make it through not on my hands and knees!
I found one in Maui (yes!), however I’m not sure how fast a course is, and if it’s all on road, which would be bad. I hope I like the answer they give me.
I would not do a half in Maui. Most races there are run on the major road connecting Lahaina with the airport; it goes along the coastline, so there is no vegetation, and right after the sun is up, you will have to run under the scorching sun. Check marathonguide for reviews and elevation profile for your specific race.
I’m just trying to get through the blisters. I don’t plan on using it often, but just for the race and checking it out to see if it works for me. I don’t want to get to a point where the blisters hurt so much I can’t continue…and even if they end up painful and red afterwards, they’re just blisters.
I looked online, it said Maui in the morning should be mid sixties, and the race starts at 6:30. It does have elevation gain/loss of 1345, so I don’t know if that’s considered very much. Austin is in Feb, is that a good, fast one? I’m also hoping to not have to run on the street, also, hoping for something that has dirt.
You aren’t going to find many easy trail half marathons. Mid 60s would be considered very warm for a half marathon. I believe Austin is considered a good race, but it might be sold out by now. You really should be running10 mile runs by now for a February race.
Well, maybe I should be looking for some other races. There is one at Seward Park in Seattle coming up, and I’m assuming that’s on dirt, however I’m still trying to find out how hilly it is.
I’m not really so worried about not doing long distances now, I’m not worried about lack of conditioning. My limiting factor is my feet. All I need to do is a 2+25 half, but if my feet cause too much pain, I don’t know if I can keep going.
I massively overpronate and have bunions. No matter what I seem to do, I get blisters on my bunions from the way I run, which gets worse the further I go. I have tried everything, including blister cream, moleskin, blister resistant socks, orthotics, bunion protectors, probably ten different pairs of shoes, though I am going to try Motrin and two pairs of socks tomorrow.
Gonna check out that Surf City one, Gertrude. I’d like to combine a vacation if I’m going to travel for a race, that’s for sure! Okay, just checked it out, looks very interesting. However, those people in the pictures look really hot, wouldn’t think it would be that bad in Feb, in the morning. And running on the road. But probably better than Hawaii!
You guys are really impressive, running in the freezing cold and snow. Much of my exercise has been at home/indoors this week. I’ve been sick, H is now sick, and kid has mono. fortunatle he doesn’t have school for a couple more weeks. He does have a phone interview for an internship next week, But hopefully he can sound more energetic than he feels.
“I looked online, it said Maui in the morning should be mid sixties, and the race starts at 6:30. It does have elevation gain/loss of 1345, so I don’t know if that’s considered very much.”
That is a pretty late start. The sun is up around 6-ish, and there is no shade on that route (if that’s the standard road they use). Even 70 degrees in full sun will feel like you are running through an oven, IMO. You feet will get sweaty, so it will be bad for blisters. 1345 is a lot of hills…
I just had a thought… Have you considered modifying some shoes with mesh uppers… cut holes where the bunions are. Sort of a homemade running sandal.
Thanks, Bunsen! I told my husband I was going to try cutting open an old pair of shoes next to see how that worked, that article gives a nice example.
I don’t lace the bottom row of my shoes, and have tried the technique of leaving the inner, lower side open, but that didn’t seem to help. I have a new pair of dhoes that I’m getting the toe box stretched, right now. I have t given up hope, still trying things.
Well, the snow arrived here - awoke at 4:30 to slick snow covered roads, so our group run was called off. Too dangerous. Will have to get to the gym today and fight for some space. I ordered Gary Taubes’ new book and am looking forward to reading it this weekend; Times had a good review today.
Did some strength training before work yesterday. Couldn’t walk the pup due to the weather in the morning. Hoped to walk after work but didn’t get home till late . I’ll probably be in the office all day today as well (the January life of an accountant) so we’ll see what I can do today. Couple that with the take-out we get at work, and I’m not a happy camper. But it’ll get better eventually…
Thanks for the half marathon suggestions! The one in Austin looks perfect, nice downhill, but a couple of weeks too early. I can fix my schedule for Feb, for Jan it’s probably too late. That Rogue River run looks interesting too. But I think we might go for that Huntington Beach one…I can get a trip out there, get paid, a free hotel and airfare, and maybe make a little vacation into it with my husband. Not like I’m cheap and want to go on a work paid vacation… (but I’m cheap and want to go on a work paid vacation). Obviously not a serious runner, just want something easy to get a halfway decent time!
. I’ll probably be in the office all day today as well (the January life of an accountant) so we’ll see what I can do today. Couple that with the take-out we get at work, and I’m not a happy camper. But it’ll get better eventually…
Obviously not a serious runner, just want something easy to get a halfway decent time!