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10 Replies Last post: Jul 10, 2007 9:42 AM by timlooney019

LittleA

82 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Jul 9, 2007 9:53 AM

Michigan long run options? Marathons?

I'm discovering that running long, in prep for this 50K, can cause one to lose one's mind. Yes, I love the freedom of the long run, but after 3-4 hours alone, I start talking non-sense to myself. Also, preparing food/water/gatorade is hard work over a long distance without help. Therefore, I'm looking for marathons in Michigan to use as long runs. Tim Looney...I know you're a Michigan guy. Any suggestions on how I can accomplish these runs? I'm in mid-Michigan (Mt. Pleasant area) - and I'm aware of the Grand Island run coming up, but I dragged my feet and missed the cut off. Any other suggestions for marathons or long run options? Thanks much. alison

ultradawg

15 posts since
Apr 15, 2006

1. Jul 9, 2007 2:05 PM

in response to: LittleA

Re: Michigan long run options? Marathons?

I also live and run ultras in and around michigan and am doing the grand isle as a long run for dwd & north country trail. which/when 50k are you doing?? another suggestion is to break your long run up into 2 days, 2 hours sat. 2 hours sun. type of training. i use this method for all my ultras.

------------------
"let us run with patience the race that is set before us"

JasonRobillard

32 posts since
Nov 11, 2005

2. Jul 9, 2007 3:03 PM

in response to: LittleA

Re: Michigan long run options? Marathons?

I live in the Grand Rapids area. There are a few other marathons and ultras besides Grand Isle, DWD, and NCT. Here's a partial list:

Detroit Marathon (http://www.detroitfreepressmarathon.com/) ,
Grand Rapids Marathon (http://www.grandrapidsmarathon.com/),
Bayshore Marathon (http://www.bayshoremarathon.org/),
Martian Marathon (http://www.martianmarathon.com/),
The trail Marathon (http://www.trailmarathon.com/),
Great Lakes Relay (http://www.greatlakesrelay.com/)

There are a few other marathons and ultras in nearby states (Ice Age 50, Kettle Morraine, Burning River, McNaughton, etc.). I use the calendars on michiganrunner.com, active.com, marathonguide.com, and ultrarunning.com to find most races.

As far as places to run, I'm only familiar with the West Michigan area, Marquette area (Go 'Cats!), and the tip of the mitt area.

JasonRobillard

32 posts since
Nov 11, 2005

3. Jul 9, 2007 4:34 PM

in response to: LittleA

Re: Michigan long run options? Marathons?

A few more tips I use for long run planning... I bought a hydration pack, it is great for long runs! It has greatly extended my range. It also has room for some food (or gels), my cell phone, some e-caps, and other assorted junk. I plan the runs around drinking fountains (found in parks, near public restrooms, etc.) and gas stations (to buy gatorade and food if needed. If I'm really motivated to plan (and I don't have access to water), I'll leave a drop bag with water and food along the route.

Any luck doing hill training in Mt. Pleasant?

A friend of mine used to run up and down the stairs in the towers on CMU's campus.

LittleA

82 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Jul 9, 2007 7:01 PM

in response to: LittleA

Re: Michigan long run options? Marathons?

Ah, it would have helped to say I'm training for the DWD 50K, so I'm looking for runs in July and Aug. Well, actually I have plans for a 50 miler soon after, so my long run quest will continue in the winter as well. As for hills in Mt. P.....um, hills???? What are hills??? There is one big hill in Deerfield Park, so when I need some hill training I run up, and then down, and up, and then down, and up........... I ran in Traverse City this weekend, so I got my fill of hills for a few days anyway. Thanks for the tips. alison

p.s. good idea on the back to back's too....my friend keeps telling me to do that but I think I MIGHT be lazy

JasonRobillard

32 posts since
Nov 11, 2005

5. Jul 9, 2007 9:23 PM

in response to: LittleA

Re: Michigan long run options? Marathons?

July and August aren't good times for long races in Michigan, the Grand Island race is all I know of. The North Country Run has two training runs on July 7th and August 11th (http://www.stridersrun.com/races.htm) on the Big M trails in Manistee. This would probably give you the opportunity to get a few pointers from other ultra runners in the area.

ultradawg

15 posts since
Apr 15, 2006

6. Jul 10, 2007 7:07 AM

in response to: LittleA

Re: Michigan long run options? Marathons?

the hydration pack idea is a great one. i got a nathan pack and love it. it has pockets on the shoulder harness and chest for all kinds of quick easy to get to goodies. if you get the chance yankee springs deep lake loop is a good trail run with lots of hills and single track. i use this to get ready for the dwd 50m. you could also contact the closest ski bump to you and ask to run their hills, bittersweet has allowed me to do this.

------------------
"let us run with patience the race that is set before us"

JasonRobillard

32 posts since
Nov 11, 2005

7. Jul 10, 2007 8:18 AM

in response to: LittleA

Re: Michigan long run options? Marathons?

I use a Nathan, too (HLP 20). It really works well, it may be the best running-related purchase I've made.

Good idea about the ski hills!

timlooney019

361 posts since
Nov 1, 2002

8. Jul 10, 2007 9:23 AM

in response to: LittleA

Re: Michigan long run options? Marathons?

I don't have much to add other than what was mentioned. I ran the training run on Big M this past weekend and plan to run the August one (August 11). This is the training run for the North Country Trail Run that Jason mentioned.

Do you get the weekly email I send out? I try to keep up with all things trail in Michigan and compile it in a weekly email.

If you want to add yourself visit my blog and sign up there.

A group of us are meeting on Saturday morning to run on the Poto. You are more than welcome to join us.

------------------
?Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.? -
T.S. Eliot as quoted in the participants guide for the Western States Endurance Run.

timlooney[/URL" target="_blank">

my WS100 blog[/URL" target="_blank">

drojewski

56 posts since
Dec 5, 2007

9. Jul 10, 2007 9:32 AM

in response to: LittleA

Re: Michigan long run options? Marathons?

You might want to look into the Tahqua Trail run 25k on Aug 25 in Paradise, MI. I know this isn't a marathon distance but, it is a trail run and it's hilly. It's an inaugural event. The last time I looked they still had plenty of room and it's put on by the same people that put on the Grand Island Marathon. I'm also prepping for DWD. See you there!!!!!

timlooney019

361 posts since
Nov 1, 2002

10. Jul 10, 2007 9:42 AM

in response to: LittleA

Re: Michigan long run options? Marathons?

LittleA - contact me via email ASAP if you still want to run Grand Island. email addy should be in my profile.

------------------
?Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.? -
T.S. Eliot as quoted in the participants guide for the Western States Endurance Run.

timlooney[/URL" target="_blank">

my WS100 blog[/URL" target="_blank">

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Jul 9, 2007 9:53 AM

Michigan long run options? Marathons?

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