General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Spring HM Recommendation? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
Spring HM Recommendation?
OptionResults
Maryland Half1 Votes - [9.09%]
Frederick Half3 Votes - [27.27%]
B&A Trail Half2 Votes - [18.18%]
Rock and Roll Half (DC)4 Votes - [36.36%]
Yuengling half marathon1 Votes - [9.09%]

2011-11-21 6:26 PM

User image

Extreme Veteran
341
10010010025
Woodstock, MD
Subject: Spring HM Recommendation?

I'm starting to put together my 2012 schedule, and I'm looking for an early(-ish) HM. Currently vaguely considering both the Maryland Half and the Frederick Half.

Any strong recommendations one way or the other? Or alternatives that I don't know about?

Oh, and - it can't interfere with Columbia on May 22nd....

Thanks!



2011-11-22 9:40 AM
in reply to: #3910773

User image

Master
2500
2000500
Crab Cake City
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?
I am doing the Frederick Half which will be on May 6, 2012. I am doing this and participating in the Maryland Double which is signing up for the frederick and Baltimore half but if you sign up for the double you get a discount on combined entry fees and a commemorative 3rd finishers medal. I have heard nothing but great things about both races (frederick and maryland) but I have heard that the Maryland half is hillier than the Frederick. I am not sure when the Maryland Half is but it looks like doing the Frederick should give you enough recovery time before Columbia.
2011-11-22 9:52 AM
in reply to: #3910773

User image

Pro
4343
2000200010010010025
Olney, MD
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?
How early? I'm planning to do the B&A Trail half on March 4.
2011-11-22 6:53 PM
in reply to: #3910773

User image

Pro
5169
50001002525
Burbs
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?
The National Marathon in DC is now a Rock and Roll race -- there's a mary and a half. It's in March
2011-11-23 11:10 AM
in reply to: #3910773

User image

Extreme Veteran
341
10010010025
Woodstock, MD
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?
Uh-oh... I think I may have just talked myself into going for a spring marathon, rather than a half. Anyone know anything about the Garden Spot Village marathon in New Holland PA?
2011-11-29 2:31 PM
in reply to: #3912392

User image

Master
3546
2000100050025
Millersville, MD
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?

trishie - 2011-11-22 7:53 PM The National Marathon in DC is now a Rock and Roll race -- there's a mary and a half. It's in March

Really?!?!  I've heard less than steller reviews of this race -- "it should be so much better of a race given the location, time of year, etc" but the organizers just keep not having their act completely together (this is from reading reviews... I have no first-hand experience).

But the R&R folks know how to put on a race.

Consider my interest level peaked.



2011-11-29 7:30 PM
in reply to: #3919306

User image

Pro
5169
50001002525
Burbs
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?
JoshKaptur - 2011-11-29 3:31 PM

trishie - 2011-11-22 7:53 PM The National Marathon in DC is now a Rock and Roll race -- there's a mary and a half. It's in March

Really?!?!  I've heard less than steller reviews of this race -- "it should be so much better of a race given the location, time of year, etc" but the organizers just keep not having their act completely together (this is from reading reviews... I have no first-hand experience).

But the R&R folks know how to put on a race.

Consider my interest level peaked.

I did National in 2009 and really liked it.

It's pricey, but the RNR folks do put on a good show.

See you there, Josh?!

2011-11-29 8:07 PM
in reply to: #3919677

User image

Master
2563
20005002525
University Park, MD
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?
trishie - 2011-11-29 8:30 PM 

I did National in 2009 and really liked it.

It's pricey, but the RNR folks do put on a good show.

Dang. I was really hoping to do this one, but I have to be out of town for work the 3 days leading up to the race, and there's no same-day number/packet pickup, so I don't see how I'll be able to take part (they say they check IDs at packet pick-up). 

2011-11-30 7:35 AM
in reply to: #3919677

User image

Master
3546
2000100050025
Millersville, MD
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?

See you there, Josh?!

Strong possibility.  I think it's the same weekend as VA Beach, which I was also considering.  I've got a hookup on housing and love towing my boat down there to make a long weekend out of it... but National would certainly be easy-peasy from a logistics angle.  I'm also semi-considering a 50 state run, and I just sort of assumed MCM would be my DC race (and God forbid I run two marathons in the same jurisdiction).

I think it's safe to say I'll be running a marathon that weekend, barring any unforseen hurdles between now and then.  Let's touch base before anyone pays any registration fees.

2011-11-30 7:38 AM
in reply to: #3910773

User image

Master
3546
2000100050025
Millersville, MD
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?
Colin - sent you a PM.
2011-11-30 7:50 AM
in reply to: #3919723

User image

Pro
5169
50001002525
Burbs
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?
colinphillips - 2011-11-29 9:07 PM
trishie - 2011-11-29 8:30 PM 

I did National in 2009 and really liked it.

It's pricey, but the RNR folks do put on a good show.

Dang. I was really hoping to do this one, but I have to be out of town for work the 3 days leading up to the race, and there's no same-day number/packet pickup, so I don't see how I'll be able to take part (they say they check IDs at packet pick-up). 

They often let someone else pick up your packet with permission and a copy of your ID.

I'd be happy to pick yours up!



2011-11-30 9:15 PM
in reply to: #3910773

User image

Master
2563
20005002525
University Park, MD
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?

Thanks guys! Much appreciated.

I'll try contacting the organizers as a first option, to see what they'll allow.

2012-01-02 11:12 AM
in reply to: #3910773

User image

Expert
1046
100025
Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?

Frederick is a pretty good race. There are a few hills ... not steep but enough that FHM is not a "fast" race. And I like that it is only a HM ... there is not a simultaneous Marathon going on ... so everyone is racing the half. The course is much improved from a few years ago ... no more running thru the Wal-Mart parking lot ... so I'd have to say the course is a plus ... much better (more scenic) than Baltimore. Race-day morning access can be a little tricky as the cars back up a little so this is worth a pre-race trip to Frederick to check out the local roads around the Fairgrounds ... there are some very convenient back roads into the Fairground (Highland Street, Monocacy Road, etc).

 

2012-01-02 8:29 PM
in reply to: #3910773

User image

Extreme Veteran
424
100100100100
Urbana, MD
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?

They moved the Frederick HM to the fairgrounds this year (or last year?)- it used to start at the stadium - so I'm not sure what impact that'll have on race day traffic. The roads around the fairground aren't as traffic friendly as the stadium because it's further from the highway, so maybe leave a little more time?

Frederick is a pretty town though and the route winds through some of the good bits (and does avoid the Walmat parking lot as someone said). Without much experience running on the roads I can't speak to the hilliness. The hills don't seem that bad in a car, but then again... they never do...!

If you have someone coming to support you, the Frederick race is great because the course doubles back a lot and gives spectators a chance to see you a few times on the way by. My dad did it a few years back and my mum saw him in about 4-5 places because she was able to cut the corners. It's nice for those of us who are going to need a little encouragement along the way!!

John

2012-01-03 4:08 AM
in reply to: #3910773

User image

Extreme Veteran
341
10010010025
Woodstock, MD
Subject: RE: Spring HM Recommendation?

Thanks for the feedback everyone... Here's what I've got so far:

7 January - Phunt Run 25K Trail Race

26 February - RRCA 10 Mile Challenge

4 March - B&A Trail HM

15 April - Kent Island Metric Marathon

20 May - Columbia Triathlon (Olympic)

10 June - Baltimore 10-Miler

24 June - Philly Tri (Olympic)

19 August - Ironman 70.3 Timberman

7 October - Half Full Triathlon

28 October - Marine Corps Marathon

November - Annapolis HM

December - Celtic Solstice 5-Miler

I feel like I need something in July, I'm considering adding Savageman in September, and I'm not quite sure what distance I'll do at Half Full - I'm registered for the 40, but may go for the 70, depending on how Timberman goes...

Hope to see some of you there!

 

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Spring HM Recommendation? Rss Feed