Metro Health Grand Rapids marathon : Official Thread

I just looked at my log on MapMyRun and noticed that I have 20 less miles in Sept 2010 than I did in Sept 2009.  I am using the Galloway program this time and use the FIRST program last time, but now I am nervous about having less mileage leading up to my taper. 

I suppose it is too late to worry about it now as there is nothing I can do about it, but just thought I would share.

I've got my last long run tomorrow and then I start my taper. I'm doing the half (my first). Feeling good so far.

Good luck to all you runners. I wont be racing but I will be there. I'm heading up an aid station this year. Wave and say hi as you come thru. Mine is the one right after the bike bridge. You will be coming thru it three times.

Don't worry about it, trust your plan and that the work is done. Enjoy the day and have a great race.

fsr-Is that the station at around 20 miles the 3rd time through.  I have very bad memories of cramping up there last year.  Hopefull I will be bale to wave and smile at that point.

Shermbelle- Thanks.  I needed that.

3 times?  I guess I better look at the course.  I just signed up Friday. 

Any tips on this course from those that have done it?

I decided to bail on Detroit this year and just signed up for Grand Rapids, looking forward to it. I am on target to run between a 3:05-3:10 depending on the weather.

Good luck to everyone!

I'm in for the full!  My first.

Yeah I am a little confused by that too, I will go and check it out

Really nice course, they took out an out and back part a few years ago and added the beginning where you go around downtown more. Fairly flat, a few rollers out towards Millenium Park. It can be windy from 5-7 and 23-25 where it is open area but outside of that the course is pretty sheltered. The backside of the Grand River is awesome. Tree covered flat road, miles 14-23. Great course, weather is...well October in Michigan so it can be anything.

Good luck to all those running!

the 10 day weather forecast says 55/42 mostly sunny on sat 10/16.  should be a warmer start than sub 30 last year.  10 days to go.

Really looking forward to it. The only place within walking distance I could get a room at was the Amway Grand.

I am signed up for the Half distance.  My first for that distance.  Last night I ran 10.5 which is the longest I've ever ran up on the trail at Warren Townsend Park around Cannonsburg.  THinking there might be some walking for me somewhere during miles 11-13, but I'm determined to do it.  My goal is to use this to race to gauge if I'm going to be capable of completing a 70.3 TRI next summer.

Good Luck all - I'll be wearing a White/Red Indiana University Jersey - say hello if you see me, I hope to start meeting you at these races.

I feel happy that I am only doing it as a relay! Off season from the hard tri races this summer and coming off a sinus infection. This will be my first time even being at a marathon let alone participating in any shape or form!

Good luck to all!

Last year was my first and was at GR.  The scene was wonderful and the finish was incredible.  I have never been to one of the big ones, but it was totally electric.  I am looking forward to starting when the temp is over 50.  Last year was mighty chilly.

See you all there.

Forecast looks incredible for this Sunday. Good luck to all you running it and for the first timers...enjoy it. It will hurt and be tough at times but nothing like hitting that finish line!

Real excited...says low of 44 with a high of 65; perfect!

Good luck everyone!

Can't wait.  I love reading Don Kerns e-mails.  He has me motivated, and feeling fearless.

Did you get the one for today with the Rocky theme song- Gonna Fly Now.  I needed that this morning.  Anxiety is creeping in.

What are everyone's goal times?

This is my first,  I'm hoping 4:30 or under.  I ran 22 in 3:40 so I think I'm being realistic.  I hope I didn't taper too soon. 

I did 3:48 last year for my first.  Trying for sub 3:35 this year.  Doing the Galloway Run/walk.  I am running 7:40 miles with a 45sec walk break.  SO the system goes, by the last 6 miles I will feel fresh wnough to skip the walk breaks and go at 7:40 all the way in.  At that pace, I should be around 3:28, but I'm building in a few minutes for hobbling at the end.