St. George 2011 roll call

[kccougar]

It's all downhill, how hard can it be.

That's what I was thinking. Just get those shoes with the wheels in the heel and you're set.

[Coach McGuirk]

Bummer. I just checked again, and they have updated the site and now it appears that I have made it. Shit.

and you are still not in, sorry man.

Shit. I was really hoping to get this over with this year.

[SteelBlue]

I'm in. Grabbed a cheap motel this morning, Knight's Inn. I'm excited about this one.

[bluegoose]

I'm in. Grabbed a cheap motel this morning, Knight's Inn. I'm excited about this one.

Knight's Inn?!?!

You're not going to try for the Taj Mahal again like last year? Was it the 2 flights of stairs to get in and out that scared you off?

By the beard of Zeus!!!

[Coach McGuirk]

I more bummed about this than I thought I would be.

[SteelBlue]

Knight's Inn?!?!

You're not going to try for the Taj Mahal again like last year? Was it the 2 flights of stairs to get in and out that scared you off?

By the beard of Zeus!!!

That place was sweet. I will miss that pool.

[ERCougar]

It's all downhill, how hard can it be.

Ha. The course profile for this marathon tricks a lot of people into thinking this is a fast marathon. It's deceptively hilly--yhe Veyo hill is a beast, and there are a bunch of rollers following it. Then when you finally get to lose your elevation, it's too hard downhill to really take advantage of--mostly just beats up your knees.

Scenic? Yes. Easy? No.

[SteelBlue]

Those going this year, did you read that email a couple of days back? One thing that caught my attention was this bit about the race bib chip:

1. The B-Tag Timing Chip:
• The ChronoTrack B-Tag is a disposable UHF RFID tag that stays mounted on the runner’s bib. Do Not remove it from the back of your runner bib. When using the single use ChronoTrack B-Tag, please ensure the following is in order to receive an accurate time.
 Race bib is clearly visible on the front of the torso
 Race bib is unaltered and unmodified (Do not fold or wrinkle)
 Race bib is pinned in all four corners
 Race bib is not covered (jackets, runner belts, water bottles, etc.)

I guess one can strip the jacket just before crossing the start line and then put it back on. I just remember being very, very cold at the start in 2009. I had a disposable sweatshirt over my number until about mile 4 or 5 I think.

[Pheidippides]

Those going this year, did you read that email a couple of days back? One thing that caught my attention was this bit about the race bib chip:



I guess one can strip the jacket just before crossing the start line and then put it back on. I just remember being very, very cold at the start in 2009. I had a disposable sweatshirt over my number until about mile 4 or 5 I think.

I've used B-chips in my last two major races. I want to say that I had a sweatshirt on the first one and got timed properly, but I can't recall. I may have opened it - I typically have a zip up sweatshirt from walmart for cold races.

[cowboy]

Those going this year, did you read that email a couple of days back? One thing that caught my attention was this bit about the race bib chip:



I guess one can strip the jacket just before crossing the start line and then put it back on. I just remember being very, very cold at the start in 2009. I had a disposable sweatshirt over my number until about mile 4 or 5 I think.

The only times that matter are start and finish, so why don't you just pull your sweatshirt off right before you cross the start and then put it back on? I used the bib chip in Indianapolis in May and only had it pinned on two corners and it read just fine. They seem to work pretty well.

[Borg]

All,

I would like to try my first marathon in 2012. Which one do you suggest would be a good one for a newbie runner, 1st time marathon runner?

[Pheidippides]

All,

I would like to try my first marathon in 2012. Which one do you suggest would be a good one for a newbie runner, 1st time marathon runner?

What are you looking for? Big race? Small cozy event?

My first was a big city race, and I'm very glad. It was a large production with tens of thousands of people, which made the day seem that much more special. Your first marathon is, if you'll pardon the comparison, like your first time having sex. It won't be your best speed (although in the opposite direction). Heck, it might be a disaster. But it will be a special memory you'll never forget.

[Borg]

What are you looking for? Big race? Small cozy event?

My first was a big city race, and I'm very glad. It was a large production with tens of thousands of people, which made the day seem that much more special. Your first marathon is, if you'll pardon the comparison, like your first time having sex. It won't be your best speed (although in the opposite direction). Heck, it might be a disaster. But it will be a special memory you'll never forget.

nik -
That's kinda my thinking as well. The bigger the better. If it was a small cozy affair, I'd feel kinda bad eeking my way all alone at the very back. Want to ensure that there are others suffering along with me so we can commiserate together! For me, I think if/should I complete it, it will be a major milestone in my life.

[cowboy]

All,

I would like to try my first marathon in 2012. Which one do you suggest would be a good one for a newbie runner, 1st time marathon runner?

You want a marathon that offers a nice, easy course and is located where you will have support from family and friends. If you live in Utah, you are in luck, as you have three decent courses to choose from. I'd recommend the ToU in Logan because it's easy, you're pretty much guaranteed to get in, and there is over ten miles of course where crowds can cheer you on, so you can have friends and family helping you make that last push.

If you are into traveling, and you can take your cheer squad, then big marathons like San Diego, Houston, Nashville, or Marine Corps (DC) are a blast. Good luck, and keep us all posted.

[bluegoose]

For me, I think if/should I complete it, it will be a major milestone in my life.

Especially at your advanced age.

My first was a small race in Sacramento. The course was mostly flat and would have been fast, had it not been my first. But it was small, and there were long sections that I was totally by myself. Not entirely a bad thing, as I often prefer to suffer in silence, but having some more runner, volunteer and fan support would have been nice. Steelblue did StGeorge for his first and did very well. Its not as easy as it may seem, but it fairly big and very well organized.

I wouldn't suggest SLC as a first. Not an easy course at all. Logan or Ogden may be good local choices.