Harry's Blog
Hello, I have been running for About 5 years now! I live up on the Iron Range and do the majority of my runs up here, though I do run in races all over. I have run 8 marathons, and a few Half Marathons! Lately my focus has been on getting in more Half Marathons, because after running my first one in June 2012, I decided I loved the distance! Running is a huge part of my life, and I plan on doing it for many years to come. I love participating in races, they are always such a fun time and you can meet many interesting people at each event. I have met several runners over the years and have heard many interesting stories about their runs, and places they have traveled! Running is a great hobby that I feel most people can do, for me it is about competing with myself, and staying healthy at the same time!
May 17, 2009: Whistlestop mararthon
I think I am going to aim for the whistestop marathon to be my first jump into a marathon. I was wondering if any out there has done this run, and what they think about it? It claims to be good marathon for first timers, and I would like to check it out. So if any one who knows about it and can give my some thoughts on the run. I would like to try the half or full run, but would like see what advice any one out the has for me on the race. Being my first Marathon I would like to do I was wondering if I should do the half or go all out and attemp the full run? Any help or advice would be appreceated. Thanks Harry
Comments
Harry, lots of folks like this course becuase it is relatively flat and is almost entirely on a rails to trails conversion trail = not paved, but instead crushed limestone.
I have run the half there once and it is a beautiful course. I lucked out and the weather was perfect that year.
I think you can sign up for the full but switch to the half as necessary in this race (ie: if training doesn't go just right or whatever).
They do a nice job with this race and there are an amazing number of folks out at the road crossings and aid stations for a race that runs in a very rural area.
The Whistlestop is a nice race, well organized and fairly low key.
I think that there are different strategies for a half and a full marathon.
I did a full for my first marathon. It is easier to get into the full for Grandma's. It would have been less painful to do a half first.