Mar 4, 2013

Marathon #3

I think I have found the marathon that I will be running this year. I have decided to sign up for the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon formerly known as Ojai 2 Ocean. It is a small course that is capped at 1500 runners and has an early start of 6:00am which I really like. The marathon takes place on May 26th over the Memorial Day weekend which works for me since I will have Monday off. I have about 12 weeks to prepare but I think I have been keeping up enough to pick it up from here.  I will be busy coming up with a 12-week training plan which will allow me to get at least two 20 mile runs in before race day.
So what are my goals? Of course I want to complete the race without injury. I would also love to complete this race in under 4 hours. I will be happy with a 3:59:59 (9:09 pace) to be 100% honest with you. I thought about running with a pacer but the only pace teams available are 3:55 (8:57 pace-maybe too fast?) and then 4:10 (9:32 pace-maybe not quite fast enough?) so I am not sure about that plan. The course is mainly downhill so I will have a little bit of help getting to the finish. It is a point-to-point race which I have never ran before. Not that it matters, but I am used to starting and finishing in the same location. 
Other than that decent climb from Miles 3-5, the first 18 of 20 miles have a net down hill of over 700 feet, which is supposed to make you run faster but not hurt the knees. We will see about that. Downhill courses can be hard on the body (quads, calves, knees) so I am not sure how my body will hold up on this type of course. The last six miles, which I find to be the most difficult miles of the marathon, are pancake flat, which is also a plus for me. I know that I will have to control my pace going downhill which can make or break this race. I am sure that it is very easy to crash and burn in the early stages if you are not careful.

They say that the third time is a charm so hopefully I can run this marathon in under 4 hours. I am excited to challenge myself and see if I can meet this goal because I once I do, I will commit to training for that elusive BQ. One step at a time I will get there. 

Have you ever ran  Mountains 2 Beach Marathon (formerly Ojai 2 Ocean) or a similar course
Any advice or training tips on how to survive this type of course?

14 comments:

  1. This one looks fun! I love small races and downhill! I wanted to try St George that has a similar elevation chart. But this one will be better because the altitude isn't so high. Good luck with the training plan!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I looked at a couple of races in Utah and since I am not used to the elevation I was a little nervous to sign up. I hope the downhill helps me pull off a PR!

      Delete
  2. That course map looks perfect! When I ran Myrtle Beach I had the same pacing problem - there was nothing for the time I was aiming for. You will do great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Vanessa! I have thought about running Myrtle Beach for the past couple of years since my sister live in SC. You really make me want to run it after you pulled off that amazing PR! Congratulations!!

      Delete
  3. Looks awesome!!! You need to fly out here and help me get a sub FIVE! hehe!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One day we will have to run a marathon together Michelle! You can totally run a marathon in under 5 hours! You are a strong and amazing woman!

      Delete
  4. Wow - love the elevation profile of this one!!!! Best of luck to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Jen! I am hoping it helps me coast to the finish!

      Delete
  5. This looks like a PERFECT course to get you that sub-4! I am so excited for you - can't wait to follow along with the intense few weeks of training and cheering you on the whole way! Go Sandyyyyy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Megan! I am excited but nervous of course! I don't think I will ever be able to run a marathon feeling 100% confident! It is such a scary and difficult event for me but I love it in a strange way!

      Delete
  6. This looks like a great race - love the downhill!! Where is it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is in Ojai,California which is on the way to Santa Barbara. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a great race but it seems like the minute I sign up for a marathon I jinx myself!

      Delete
  7. That sounds like a great marathon to BQ at! I've heard that's a beautiful area of CA so I'm sure the course is great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The course profile looks great but I need to make sure I am ready for it. I am sure it is hard on the knees but I am ready to take my chances! I am not quite ready for the BQ yet but a sub 4 would be great!

      Delete