Tag Archives: Distance Running

Rock N Roll New Orleans 2012 (Marathon Number 7, State Number 6–Louisiana)

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I’m still trying to catch up with race recaps for the races I’ve completed in the past.  Earlier posts covered the Atlanta Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, the Virginia Creeper Marathon, the Nashville Country Music Marathon, the Baltimore Marathon, and the Harrisburg Marathon.  Next up…  my recap and review for the Rock N Roll (Mardi Gras) New Orleans Marathon!

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Website: Rock ‘N Roll New Orleans Marathon.

Location:  New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Time of Year: Sunday in February.

Size: 12,000 runners across events, including a half marathon.

Weather and What I Wore:  It was great running weather–clear skies, not windy, comfortable temperature.  I wore too-short shorts (which came back to haunt me, and necessitated handfuls of Vaseline as a I neared the end of the race), a short sleeved tech tee, and a hat.  I started with a long sleeved tee on top but ended up with it tied around my waist for most of the run.

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Getting Back to “Normal” After a Marathon

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After a marathon, it is totally understandable that your body needs a break.  And you might find yourself really hungry and supersluggish for days after your race.  That’s fine.  Sleep in.  Eat what your body is asking for.

But sometimes we go beyond that, and for days and even weeks after a race.

At some point, we need to say,

“OK body, time to look ahead, not behind.”

So how do we get back to “normal” after months of training (and eating accordingly), then carb loading, then running 26.2 miles, and then trying to recover from it all?

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Why Running to Work is the Best Commute Ever, and How To Do It

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I will start by saying there is an entire blog devoted to this topic, and the blogger there covers this issue very, very well.  In fact, I read several of his posts before adopting the run commuter lifestyle.  So here you go:  The Run Commuter.

But I will add my few cents here.

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I started running to work about six months ago when I changed jobs.  My new office is 2.5 miles from my home, and there is not a particularly direct way to get there using the public transportation options.  In fact, I am not even sure if I could save time by using public transportation.  And it would certainly cost more than running.  Biking was another option, but I am less comfortable with city biking, and I would have to lock up my bike in a dungeon each morning and unlock it each night.  That sounded like a lot of time taken up by logistics for such a short ride.

I figured that if it took me about 30 minute to run to my new job, that was a reasonable commute time–very similar to my walk to my old job, and about what many people drive or Metro from nearby suburbs.  And of course I knew I was physically capable run the 2.5 miles (whether I would WANT to would be another question…).  Here are the main benefits I’ve identified:

  1. I get a minimum workout each day.  Most days, I have a nice, quick jog for 2.5 miles to work, and then I walk home in the evening.  I burn close to 500 calories just getting to and from work.  I can extend my morning run if I want, but even the shorter run has impacted my fitness.  I can tell that my legs are looking more toned, and my race time is back under 4 hours.  I still try to do some other workout about 4 days a week, including a long run if I am in training, Pilates, yoga, lifting at the gym, or Orangetheory.
  2. Instead of causing me stress, my commute helps me mentally prepare for work in the morning and decompress at the end of the day.  I come home at night having left the stress on the sidewalk.
  3. Running saves a lot of money compared to taking a bus or Metro.  I’ve only had to take an Uber a few times, usually during serious evening rain storms this past summer or if I am stuck at work super late.  The only cost of running was the initial investment in the backpack, plus getting shoes slightly more often.
  4. Good for the environment.  Keep your Prius; I’ve got LEGS.

But there is some planning that goes into becoming a run commuter. Continue reading →

Rock N Roll Nashville/Country Music Marathon (Marathon Number 4, State Number 3–Tennessee)

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Country Music Marathon, 2011

Website: (Now Called) St. Jude Rock N Roll Nashville Marathon.

Size: 30,000 runners across all events (full, half, 5K).

Time of Year/Weather/What I Wore: Saturday at the end of April.  My weekend was quite warm, so be prepared.  I was nervous about overheating but drank ample water and sports drinks, and I ate ice and put it down my sports bra.  It was fine.

Race Logistics: This race is easily accessible via air, being in big city Nashville.  Just fly in if needed and Uber about as necessary.  Start and finish are conveniently located downtown.  There are lots of hotels nearby and lots of restaurants and attractions within walking distance of the race and the hotels.  It is nice that the race was on a Saturday, so runners could go out on Saturday night and relax around town on Sunday before heading out.

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Virginia Creeper Marathon 2011 & 2012 (Marathons Number 3 and 8, State Number 2–Virginia)

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Ahh the old Creeper.  This race is near and dear to my heart because I absolutely love the town where it takes place.  If you are looking for a small race, a Virginia race, a race that is gentle on your joints, or a little weekend getaway in March–THIS IS IT FOLKS.

Virginia Creeper Trail Marathon 2011 & 2012

Race Website:  Creeper Trail Marathon.

Size: 100 runners.  Full marathon only.

Month: March

Location:  The race starts and ends in Abingdon, Virginia, a historic town nestled in the far southwest corner of Virginia, near Bristol, Tennessee.
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Logistics:  The closest airport to Abingdon is the Tri-Cities Regional Airport in Tennessee.  Roanoke Airport is also relatively close.  Abingdon is a 6 hour drive from DC. If you fly in, you will likely need to rent a car to get to Abingdon from the airport and around town.  There is little public transportation.  There are several campsites, cabins, and bed and breakfasts in the Abingdon area (including Damascus, Virginia).  There are also a few not-as-fancy hotels and one very nice hotel.  Once in Abingdon, day-of logistics are very easy because of the race’s small size.  Packet pick up is the morning of the race.  Note that most restaurants and shops in Abingdon are closed on Sundays.  Two very notable exceptions for yummy post-race food: Heartwood and Harvest Table (closes at 2:30).

Weather/What I Wore:  Abingdon is a beautiful town, and the Creeper is a lovely trail.  Unfortunately, this is not the absolute best time of year to visit.  Each time I ran this marathon, I had cloudy weather, and in 2012, it was rainy.  You will likely need to bundle up for the start of this marathon, but it is easy to shed layers as you pass the main spectator area a few times during your run.

Course/Terrain:  The vast majority of this race takes place on the Creeper Trail, through a series of out-and-backs.  The course is very flat, on a gravel and dirt path.  There are some rocks, twigs, and roots, but I’ve been fine running in road shoes.  Generally the runners of this race are very supportive, but most of the trail is not suitable for spectators, so there will be some solitary and quiet moments.  This is probably not the best race for a first marathon unless you have a running buddy.

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Speed:  This race is flat and moderately fast.  The footing may slow you down a bit if it has recently rained.  My first time, it took me 4:05, a PR at the time, but I beat that time a few weeks later by 10 minutes at the Country Music Marathon in Nashville.  The second (rainy) time I ran the Creeper, it took me 4:01, 17 minutes slower than what I had just run at the Rock N Roll New Orleans Marathon.

Race Amenities:  This is a very low-key, no-frills event.  There are ample water stops, but do not expect free GU and a brass band for entertainment.  No t-shirt or medal, but finishers are given a nice paperweight.

Overall:  Like It.  Why not Love? Mainly because of its out and back structure (which makes it a little boring) and the fact that it is in March and not a prettier month.

Marine Corps Marathon Recap (Marathons Number 2 and 9, State Number 2–Virginia)

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The vast majority of this race is in DC but it technically counts for Virginia because it begins and ends there…  plus DC isn’t a state.  Next up on blasts from marathons past…

Marine Corps Marathon, 2008 & 2012

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The ABCs of Marathon Nutrition

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I am not a nutritionist.  But I’ve been running for a while, and I’ve tried a lot of different things during my training, races, and recovery.  Here are my best tips for marathon nutrition (or nutrition for any race or athletic event!), with links to some other reading that might be helpful.

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A is for Alcohol.  Yes, I abstain from alcohol during training and taper.  Because I just don’t need it, and it’s not helping me improve my performance.  That said, a cool beer to celebrate post-race or a glass of wine that evening can be a fabulous and well-deserved reward.

B is for (Chipotle) Burrito Bol and BGR (Veggie) Burger.  These are my favorite post-long-run lunch options.  They aren’t greasy and are the perfect portion size.  Think you can go to brunch and eat whatever you want post-run?  Think again.  By the time you are done that OJ and halfway through that stack of pancakes, you’ve probably eaten about the number of calories you burned, but you haven’t had much protein, fiber, or other nutrients that will help you recover and keep you feeling full.  I try to resist sugary and fried foods for my post-run meals.

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Freedom’s Run Marathon 2015 (Marathon Number 14, State Number 9–West Virginia)

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Website:  Freedom’s Run Marathon

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2015.

Location: Start at Harper’s Ferry National Park, end at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV.  Although I think this is OK as a WV race, note that most of the course is on the MD side of the river.

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