Topeka to Auburn Half Marathon (Page 2)

Still tetering between this run and swim meet in Lawrence.  But I'll take you up on that ride if I decide to run.

I think I have convinced myself to do both.  So should you.  Or at least show up at the pool and make sure I don't drown.

If you are actually doing both then I'll do it.  But the timeframe between locations seems a little tight....AND you'll probably run a friggin' 1:30 while I'll be lucky to crack 1:45.

Nah, Jon and I are going to run together and hold each other to an 8:15 pace until the last few miles.  At that point, if either/both of us feels good, we will pick up the pace to the finish.

I almost have to go now because I'll have to see this to believe it.

The part about picking up the pace the last few miles really means when he gets bored at mile 8 he runs the last 5 at a 6min/mile pace while we are left behind sucking wind.

General info here (with link to map on the left):  http://www.sunflowerstriders.org/topeka-to-auburn/topeka-to-auburn/about

Map and elevation here (you have to click on the elevation below the map to get it to show up):  http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=96576

It starts right at the 6 mile mark and goes up for about a half mile.  I ran it 2 days ago and it has 3 tiers.  the first is gradual and not bad.  Then a slight level-off.  Then the second tier is pretty steep but not too long to handle.  Then another very short level-off.  Then the final tier is not as bad as stair steps, but is much steeper than the prior 2 tiers.  Each tier is a manageable length and the level-offs in between helps a bit.  But make no mistake, it will suck 6 miles in.  :-)

The funny part is there really is a stair step down-and-up hill right before that on 40th street just before you turn south on Urish.  You can see it on the elevation map in the form of a distinct "V"at the 5.5 mile mark.  It is like falling down stairs down to the southern tip of Lake Sherwood, then like climbing stairs back up to Urish Rd.  You get about a 1/4 mile recovery of slight downhill from there to the big hill on Urish.

Can't wait! 

Except for possible wind in the face, looks like good weather.  Prediciting rain for the following day, so a slight shift in the forecast might make for a change in conditions, but no real reason to not sign up now!!!!

January 21 Forecast
Partly Cloudy High 53°F Precip 10% Wind: From SE at 13 mph Humidity: 53% UV Index: 2 Low   Sunrise: 7:38 AM CT Avg. High: 40°F Record High: 69°F (1957)

Reece did you register yet?  Accuweather is predicting 54 for a high with sunshine.  Since the race is at 11, makes for a perfect day of running.  What better way to enjoy the day? 

??

I was actually hoping for it to be miserably cold with ice and snow everywhere so I could wear my YakTrax.  Now it's going to be just a normal cool early spring-like day .....Zzzzzzzz boring.........

Still undecided.

Are you guys still planning on running 8:15's or does this new weather forecast make it more race worthy?

Oh the peer pressure!  I should be ready for a good long training run.  Don't think I've run over 8 miles since the K.C. Half though.  I'll make a decision this weekend.  You still considering doing both Patrick?

Just ran the course . . . well . . . sort of.  I call it the Auburn to Jayhox' House run.  With the crazy wind today I had my wife drive me out and drop me off near Auburn.  I ran the course backwads from 85th and Indian Hills to Lake Sherwood where Urish road ends.  Then I ran around the west side of the lake back to my house just northwest of the Lake Sherwood area.  About 9 miles or so.  I now know there are more hills than just Urish hill.  I also know where the barking dogs are.    Just one to worry about, and he backed down when I turned at him in a threatening manner and yelled "No!"   (Hint:  He is on 69th street west of Urish on the south side of the road.)

Should be fun!!!