x_39_and_holding_x wrote:

I didn't have any other plans that day. . .

 

 

 

 

And this is different from any other day how?

 

 

Mostly just that it's the 15th of November.

I wasn't planning on being there on Friday. . . I was going to drive down Saturday morning so dinner is pretty much out for me.

Not to be a buzzkiller, but there's no packet pickup on race day this year.  I'd offer to get it for you, but I'm still on the fence about running this one.

I'm enticed by the idea of running the half.  I still want that sub-2!  I briefly thought about the marathon as redemption for MCM, but my heart's not in it to run a full again so soon.  If I bombed MCM, why would I be much better at Richmond on 3 weeks' recovery?  However, I think a half could be a doable goal.  I'm running a 5K next Sunday (the 9th) with my son, and that will be my test.  If I can run that at my full potential, then I'll sign up for the half, otherwise I don't want to waste the money.  If I pass on it, I'm going to focus on the Shamrock Half-Marathon in March.

Gotta admit, Richmond is faster for me than MCM.  Last year I ran a 4:45, compared to 4:52 this year at MCM.  It's crazy, Richmond last year was my first marathon and I ran it almost perfectly (pace-wise) for the condition I was in at the time, with a 2:21 first half and a 2:24 second half.  At MCM I was all set to blow Richmond out of the water as I crossed the half-way mark at 2:07.  Then 3 miles later the leg cramps started.  Eventually I no choice but to walk, it was so painful to run and I couldn't even get my calves to release so it looked like I was running in invisible high heels.  Totally screwed it up.  I guess I should have taken it slower and gotten more salt (I also think I might have been derailed by ibuprofen - I took it before the race and have never done that before - apparently it can monkey with your electrolyte balance).

Anyway, I know I have a faster marathon in me, but I just don't feel like I'll be recovered enough by next Saturday - plus I've got a bunch of other stuff to do that weekend before flying out of town Sunday for work.  That's why I figure I'll just shoot for the half and be home by 10:30 Sat morning with some energy left to do whatever else I gotta do.

I thought this was the same as Philly? I'm confused.

Yal want a cheering squad?

I didn't have a yellow pom pom to begin with a had a big orange tub of candy! LOL

I dunno, but if they do transfers and you don't have one, you can have my registration Craig.