In the TOP FIVE marathons that send the MOST number of qualifiers to Boston. (Source from 2011)
Something about the end of the year makes me want to run a “fast” race. I tried it last year with Fresno in November in my attempt to run a “flat” course. I really had nothing on my radar for the end of this year and had zero marathons registered for the remainder of 2013… which is strange. Well, that was quickly remedied.
I’m running CIM
If you live in the Bay Area and want to run a fast race, CIM always seems to be the one that runners mention. There are other races that are considered “fast” and by all accounts have a better course elevation, but for some reason, this one is the one that we all end up doing. I ran it back on 2009 and set a 5-minute PR (4:40) at the time, but dealt with major leg cramps the last few miles.
(CIM 2009) Long sleeves and pants? Oh, I had a lot to learn. Can someone say heel strike?
In my circle of running friends, we all sort of shrug about this race… we run it, but we’re never really excited about it and it’s sort of a “fine, let’s go run CIM” kinda mentality. In 2009 when we all ran it (16+ runners) it was windy and cold as heck. Last year (which I don’t think any of us ran) it was torrential down-pour and portions of the course were ankle-deep in water. Remember when I ran that 50 mile race in the mud and rain? Well, CIM was the next day and it rained MORE.
The other thing about this race is that it is pitched as a “fast course” and if you aren’t prepared for rolling hills, you may be surprised. It has a net-downhill profile, but if you look at it, there are some ups and downs mixed in there. In theory, this could help keep your pace consistent, but running up is still running up. This course has a high % of BQ finishers and draws a lot of fast runners… so I guess I’m choosing the right race. I’ll be running with (at least) 3 people from my training group, so I’m looking forward to it.
Either way, time to get FAST.
I haven’t set a goal yet… ok, I have, I want sub 3:30. That would be 19 minutes off my marathon PR. That’s ambitious, but I’ve got 4 months to get ready. Remember my #August200 challenge? Well, expect be to become a running machine. I’ve taken a month and a half off from racing and these legs are itching to get back out there. I’ll share my fall schedule later in the month and layout my training plan. The good thing is that I’m running 16 miles this weekend, so my base is already there… just need to get faster.
Okay, teach me how to run a marathon “fast.” GO!
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Weve got a fast, flat course in NH that has had torrential winds, cold and downpours every year it’s been run. Is it that description that causes that?? As far as becoming fast, I’m looking at you for tips!
Good luck! I hope the weather cooperates with ya this time.
That’s on my to-run list and besides the awful freak weather last year, I have only heard good things. Wishing you the best on your fast ;)
Good luck!! I will take any get faster tips as well1
I love the look of that course elevation! CIM sounds like a good one for first timers…maybe one day I’ll be ready for a full ;)
I can’t believe that you didn’t have any marathons scheduled for the remainder of 2013. Good luck with training. I have a feeling that you’ll nail your goal.
I’m looking forward to CIM, being it will be my first marathon and a new adventure for me. I’m just worried about training properly etc. haven’t run in nearly a month due to injury :( once I can start training, my goal is to just finish in the allotted time. Haha. Without injury.
This looks like SUCH a fun marathon to run – you’ve got it in the bag, easy peasy!
Hmm, fast marathons. There are a lot of contradicting views on how to get there- but no matter what you add in, it will help (speed/tempo/long distance pace runs). LOVE setting big goals- I’m excited for you!
no advice here, but good luck!
Perhaps I need to learn to run fast LOL
p.s. My brother may be in San Fran next month! I’d love for you to meet him if he ends up going! :)
Best of luck! When you put your heart into it, I’m sure you’ll reach your goals :)
Looking at that elevation profile, I see plenty of gnarly uphills! Good luck.
I have no advice on fast – just mad cheering skills, so that’s what you get :-)
Looking forward to seeing your training schedule :)
I feel the same way about CIM… but maybe because I did run it in the downpour! But you can totally be fast & knock off those 19 minutes! CIM was my 2nd marathon and I knocked over an hour from the first one in that pouring rain… so you got this!
I don’t know much, but I’m thinking lots of tempo runs are even more important than speed work here. Maybe practice running downhill to get the maximum benefit from those drops! Good luck!
I can’t teach you to run fast, but I will have my fingers crossed for you.
CIM and I have a love hate relationship. I am looking forward to seeing you kick the crap out of my hometown race. Oh wait I haven’t ran a good CIM either in the 7 attempts. In fact I haven’t ran a sub 3:30 at that marathon. Maybe we crush it together.
I’ve heard such good things about that race and the elevation chart looks just right!
Good luck in finding your fast! CIM always seems to have some crummy weather, but I hope that this year is great for you. I live in Sacramento, so I’m hoping to be out there cheering!
I swear by tempo runs and interval work. I trained for Boston on 3 days of running a week. I used the run less run faster program and set a PR at Boston by over 2 minutes. You may not wish to run less than 3 days a week but that book has an abundance of excellent workouts in it that you could incorporate into your training.
Phaedra is spot on, here. Tempo runs and interval work and finishing long runs fast and any long workout @ goal pace is the method you want to take.
I might be there this year, supporting a friend! Still trying to sort out the details, as you know leaving small children is always complicated, but I would love to come and cheer you guys on.
Everyone is so different on how they increase their speed, for me the key to a marathon is doing at least 5, 20 to 22 milers within my training cycle, many people only do one or two, but for my body that’s not enough. I have three key workouts, track, tempo and long for 16 weeks, it has worked for me. Looking forward to following your training and possibly being there to cheer you on to your BQ!
Awesome! I will be out there running it… my first FULL with you (granted I will be WAaaAy behind you… but I will be out there too!)
I was one of the crazy runners out there running CIM last year in that crazy side ways wind, shin deep water and more! It was a blast. I ran the relay.
Excited to run “with” you in December :)