What makes a good first marathon?
This post was developed out of question by RazZDoodle in the RunnersLounge forums if the Des Moines Marathon would be a good first marathon. Realizing that the qualifications of a good first marathon may be different than those for experienced marathoners, I went off trying to discover what I thought would be a good first marathon. For me, Des Moines Marathon was an excellent choice as all my family could be there to cheer for me. There was also a potential of seeing other acquaintances there (like the coworker doing bike support who paced me the final 2 miles on his bike and got to see my last few water stops come up). It was on a course that I had ran many times, so I was really comfortable with the course. It was also near home, and being very well organized only lowers the hurdles to participation as well.
Sure the early hills raise the hurdle a bit, but one has to wonder if there is any perfect first marathon:
- close enough to home to try the course at least once before the big day and that family/friends can support you
- good course support (over the whole course)
- flat
- scenic and not simply running around non-picturesque industrial blocks
- well organized
- held at a cool time of the year or in cooler climates
- not too small as to not have competitors to race against and not too large as to be crowded for miles
- does not fill up quickly to allow for last minute schedule or mind changes
- able to be driven around so your family/friends can see you more than just at the start at the finish
- headphone-free or allows headphones depending on your preference
- pacers to help you set your pace
- an Expo to help you get in the race experience
- has the gels or carb support drink that you trained with
- has electronic timing to give you splits or better sends splits to loved ones to provide updates
I am sure this list could go on and on, but there are only a few of this list that Des Moines isn’t — at least for me. Someone else’s list may be entirely different. I don’t have rose colored glasses about the race as the hills especially zapped me last year with my fast draining start, but I appreciate what the race does offer.
I looked at alternatives races that one could do other than Des Moines this year (w/i driving distance):
* Fargo – LARGE field, very flat, semi-scenic, well organized, a bit of a drive from Des Moines, May in ND can be a bit warm too
* Twin Cities – LARGE field, hills at the end, can be warm too as last year demonstrated, fills up very fast (have to commit early), very scenic
* QC Marathon – smaller field, early hill, doesn’t fill up
* Okoboji and Marathon-to-Marathon – middle of summer marathon in Iowa (ouch)
* Omaha – hilly, same approx time as Des Moines, not as nice as DM (only my perception)
* Fox River Marathon – supposed to be nice, but read poor reviews on Marathonguide
* Kansas City Marathon – Hilly course, but very well organized. Sounds like a nice race
I fully admit to only doing one and only doing marathonguide and other blog entries research on the above races, so I may be and probably am completely off-base. Note: the list of above races is not to signify they would be bad races to do only for a comparison for a first time marathoner. What attributes did I miss for a good first marathon?
That’s a good list. I honestly can’t think of anything to add.
Comment by Betsy | August 25, 2008
I would like to know how to incorporate low carb eating with running a marathon. Can you tell me what you are eating and drinking before, after, and during your marathon run?
Comment by Marilyn Kirk | September 21, 2008
Before: Before a marathon or any long run, I don’t eat anything for at least 4 or so hours before. At most, I will have some Diet Coke w/ Splenda (caffiene) and water.
During: I try to hit every other water stop (every 2 miles), and have electrolyte replacement at least 2-4x. That usually requires my wife meeting me on the course with some low carb replacment drink – like Ultima or tablets. Watch my marathon electrolyte video.
After: usually it’s Diet Coke and more water. I usually try to eat whenever my stomach will handle it. In the extreme heat of summer, I have eaten a popsicle to cool off, but that’s about it. I just generally stick with the same low carb options I eat normally. Be sure to watch my other low carb marathon videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haWLJh8UC1k)
I just haven’t found any reason to add additional carbs whether I am running a 5k fast or 20 mile training run. The only real difference is the electrolytes.
Comment by Kent | September 21, 2008