Friday, May 2, 1997

CB's Vermont City Race Rating!!!

CB's Vermont City Race Rating!!!

Overall Race Rating (Weighted): 4.5/5





Oraganization: 4/5
~Perfect amount of water stops, gatorade mixed perfectly (sounds silly but after the Cytomax disaster of Nasvhille you learn to appreciate it). Didn't get a full five because it was very difficult to read all the different maps they handed out.

Course: 5/5
~Absolutely amazing. Lots of hills and trails, but an overall intersting course. I would run it again.

Spectators: 5/5
~So supportive! People everywhere (except on the highway - but it was so early in the race it was ok)

Pace Groups: DNE

Expo: 4/5
~Very cramped.

Results...
Carey
Chip Time: 4:28:50
Overall: 1586/2410
Age: 75/122

Thursday, May 1, 1997

Sacco's Vermont City Race Ratings!!!

Sacco Vermont City Race Rating!!!
**May's Race Review of the Month**

Overall Race Rating (Weighted): 5/5





(Average Rating: 4.75)
~ I really enjoyed this experience, it felt much more personal than other races I've participated in!

Oraganization: 5/5
~Packet pick up was easy. Getting to the start was a little confusing, I knew where it was, but was unsure where to line up (which side of the start banner).

Course: 5/5
~Loved it!! Beautiful course. I did notice that medical support persons were on bikes along the course, this was nice. Better than one tent at the half way point and finish only.

Spectators: 5/5
~Super friendly locals, there was great crowd support and where there was not a crowd there were beautiful views to take in.

Pace Groups: DNE

Expo: 4/5
~Expo was in a small space, but had the essentials. re a decent price too! I know they also had a foot rub station that MB took advantage of!!!

Results...
Hillery
Chip Time: 4:46:25
Overall: 1838/2410
Age: 118/158

Friday, April 4, 1997

Running Financially Sound

People often ask me how I afford to run 2-3 marathons per month, especially when that involves flying all over the US. I've been pulling together a few tid-bits to help if you want to start traveling a lot to run, or even if you are just planning a single running adventure... hope it helps!

(Click the Pink links to bring you to the various sections)
1) Sell a kidney! You only need one to run with!!! Ok ok I'm JK... but it would definitly cover at least one entry fee (don't judge me... you know you were thinking it too!)
2) T-Shirts, dixie cup, and gotarade fees... Registration!
3) Planes, Trains and Automobiles... Getting There!
4) Hotels, Motels, and... Walmart parking lots??? Lodging!
5) General Travel Ideas

6) Or you can just win all your races and use the winnings to pay for the next one. When that starts to happen, let me know-- I'll be your manager!


Registration:
1) Register Early! Keep an eye on their website and see when they indicate the fees will go up.
2) Running Giveaways—We all love the freebies in our race goody bags, but next time you’re hunting for your free samples of GU, Skin Lotion, & Body Glide, take a look at those funny papers that usually float to the floor or garbage. Those are ads for different races and a lot of them have discount codes.
3) Join groups that have discounts for their members
~ Marathon Maniacs
~ 50 State Marathon Club
~ Jeff Galloway (usually local races)… to name a few.
4) Discounts! Use a search engine with the name of the marathon and “discount.”
5) RockNRoll—Never pay full price for a Rock N Roll marathon—there are always discounts to be found.
~Places to find: Google the Name, Runners World, Race Ads
6) Pace! If you’re planning on doing a lot of marathons and don’t want to race them all, volunteer as a pacer. Write to the race director and ask if there is a pace team/leader and their contact information. The sooner the better!

Tranportation:
Driving...
Your Car:
1) First, if you're traveling within 5 hours, drive! Gas has gone down, but the airlines act like it hasn't... leaving a car as the best option!
~ Don't like to drive far? Bring a friend! It's a great way to get them into marathon running... there is nothing more inspiring than actually seeing the finish of a marathon
2) Check the avg price of Gas in the areas you're going. If you're going to a bigger city marathon, plan your fillups in the burbs or highway on your way in.

Other Cars:
1) Have a Clunker? Gas too much? Look at car rentals- they may be cheaper than a flights.
~ Note: If you're going outside of the initial rental state there are usually additional insurance fees that they may or may not tell you abous. Advice? You don't have to tell them where you're going!!! Just beware, if you get into an accident in Wyoming and you rented in New Jersey they MAY figure you out!
2) Check your Business Perks! A lot of larger companies have set fees with certain rental companies. You don't have to be traveling for business to use those. I would, however, advise NOT using your coporate card to rent a car for a marathon... tsk tsk.
3) Keep an eye on that Mileage! A lot of rentals have a limited number of miles. Most are $0.25 per miles after and that can add up.
4) Fill your own Gas Tank before you return. They usually offer you a low price for a FULL tank fillup, but you're not likely to come back completely empty.

Air Transport...
1) So you're going more than 5 hours away? If not, you obviously did not read the first note! SCROLL UP!
2) Timing: Plan about 2 months ahead. Any more and the airlines still have they're original prices and will likely go down. Any less and seats start filling up-- when that happens, the airlines pull their 'deal'-- pssh, deals?? Ok, what they call deals.
3) Price/Timing: Prices tend to drop Tues-Thurs. If you see a price on Sunday, it will likely be $25-$100 cheaper the next Wednesday.
4) Kayak.com: If you haven't been, GO! It consolidates all the big sites that typically have the same prices anyway. There are a few they don't pull from (cheap tickets.com), but you'll likely see the best prices here.
~Also, If you're going to a small city/area, they have a quick airport search on the front page to see all the airports within a range you specify. This can also be a way to find alternative airports if the main one is giving you no luck. On the front page, select the "to" link.
5) DON’T check bags if you can help it. Bags are going up to around $15-$20 to check. If you MUST check, check ONLINE—there is usually a $5 discount vs. scheduling the bag at the airport. Packing Considerations…
~ Do you have special pre-race drinks to bring? Coconut water, pickle juice (that’s right, PICKLE JUICE), etc?
~ Electrolyte packs: They come in powder form for a reason, bring them that way and put them in empty water bottles. When the race is over (or right before) fill it with water.
~ Gels: Deo & body glide? Get them in small enough containers

Where to Stay…
1) If you’re trying for the 50, reach out to friends and plan your races around the cities that you have friends located. You will not only be offered (likely) free room, but you’ll have your very own built in fans! Oh yes, they’re getting up at 5am and going to the start—they’ll thank you later.
2) Read your race’s website! They usually provide a list of accommodations with discounts, and usually there is a host hotel—but those are discounts on fairly expensive hotels. However, its also usually the location for the expo, free shuttles, and start and/or finish. Weigh your options!
3) Shuttle anyone? If you’re looking for hotels through sites like hotels.com, they will let you know if there is an airport shuttle. You can save big here by avoiding taxis and rental cars.
4) Free Bfast!? Oh yes! Most of them are continental breakfasts, but what more do runners need? Bagels with or w/o Peanut Butter (check), bananas (check), Juice/Water (check), cereal (check)…. Get my point?
5) Timing: Hotels on priceline/Travelocity/Orbitz/Kayak, run about the same way planes do—look on Wednesdays and Thursdays for price drops.
6) Don't want to waste money on a hotel and a car rental? Follow what Greg does and utilize a walmart parking lot. Bring some blankets and pillows and pass out-- I would suggest doing this in an SUV for comfort, unless you're a little person like me. I could probably fall asleep in a smart car.
~Note: Greg has had an incident with a street sweeper going through at early hours of the morning... very loudly!
7) To Sum it up, if you’re looking for a hotel try to find a reasonable one with…
~ Free Airport Shuttle
~ Race Start Shuttle Available
~ Free Breakfast
~ Marathon Discount
~ Pool or Jacuzzi is an added bonus

General Travel Ideas
(Some tips to keep in mind)
1) Corporate Perks! A lot of larger companies have corporate perks for travel. You don't necessarily have to be traveling for business purposes to use these!
2) Doubles & Triples. Some websites (like 50 States club) provide lists of double marathons-- 2 in 2 days!
3) Credit Card Perks-- Utilize credit cards that provide points for travel. A good one is a travelocity credit card.

Thursday, April 3, 1997

Upcoming Marathons...

Want to Join me for a marathon as a runner or as a spectator? ~Do you live in, know someone in, or would like to travel to... any of the following??? ~As I figure out my schedule I'll update the dates....


April Marathons...
Nashville Country Music Marathon
Nashville, TN~ April 30, 2011
Runners: MB, Aaron, Tony


May Marathons... 
Flying Pig Marathon
Cincinnati, OH~ May 1, 2011
Runners: MB, Aaron, Dave, Juli, Tony


Green Bay Marathon
Green Bay, WI~ May 15, 2011
Runners: MB


June Marathons...
Minneapolis Marathon
Minneapolis, MN~ June 5, 2011
Runners: MB


Western States 100
Squaw Valley, CA~ June 25-26, 2011
Runners: Chad

July Marathons...
Missoula Marathon
Missoula, MT~ July 10, 2011
Runners: MB

Great Cranberry Island Ultra
Cranberry Island, ME~ July 16, 2011
Runners: Alison, Dave Mari, Elizabeth

October Marathons...
Chicago Marathon
Chicago, IL ~ October 9, 2011
Runners: Lauren, MB


November Marathons...
New York City Marathon
New York, NY~ November 6, 2011


Philadelphia Marathon
Philadelphia, PA~ November 20, 2011


December Marathons...
Las Vegas Marathon
Las Vegas, NV ~ December 4, 2011
Runners: MB, Lauren, Christine

Wednesday, April 2, 1997

Races

Marathon Reviews...
Boston Marathon- April 18, 2011 (#50- MA)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts


Martian Marathon- April 2, 2011 (repeat state)


DC National Marathon and 2011 Bataan Death March Double- March 26-27, 2011 (DC & Repeat)
~Race RUNdown
~DC Post-Race Thoughts
~NM Post-Race Thoughts


Rock'n'Roll Mardi Gras Marathon- February 13, 2011 (#49- LA)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts I
~Post-Race Thoughts II


Melbourne and Beaches Music Marathon- February 6, 2011 (Repeat State)
~Post-Race Thoughts
Race Ratings... Coming Soon!

Maui Oceanfront Marathon- January 23, 2011 (#48-HI)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.0/5.0


Rock'n'Roll Arizona Marathon- January 16, 2011 (#47-AZ)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.2/5.0


Zoom Yah! Yah! Indoor Marathon - January 9, 2011 (#46-MN)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.7/5.0


Dallas White Rock Marathon - December 5, 2010 (#45-TX)
~Race RUNdown
~Post Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.0/5.0


Philadelphia Marathon - November 21, 2010 (repeat state)
~Post-Race Thoughts


Marshall University Marathon - November 7, 2010 (Repeat state)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.2/5.0


Spinx Run Fest Marathon - October 30, 2010 (#44-SC)
~Race RUNdown
~Race Ratings 4.2/5.0 


Bimbler's Bluff 50K- October 24, 2010 (#43-CT)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 3.4/5.0


Detroit Free Press Marathon - October 17, 2010 (#42-MI)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.4/5.0


Chicago Marathon  -October 10, 2010 (#41-IL)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 3.7/5.0


Omaha Marathon - September  26, 2010 (#40 - NE)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.4/5.0


Mesa Falls Marathon -August 28, 2010 (#39 - ID)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.5/5.0


Humpy's Classic Marathon (Big Wild Runs) - August 14, 2010 (#38 - AK) 
~Day 1 and Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 3.9/5.0


HURL 50K - August 7, 2010 (#37 - MT)
Race RUNdown
Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 3.7/5.0


University of Okoboji Marathon - July 17, 2010 (#36 - IA)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 3.0/5.0


Dawg Gone Long 50 Mile Race (my first 50-miler!!) Note: Repeat State - OH
~Gear up T-3 Days
~Gear up T-2 Days
~Gear up T-1 Days and Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts


Foot Traffic Flatt Marathon - July 4, 2010 (#35- OR)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts (back 2 back BQ's!)
~Race Ratings 3.9/5.0


Seattle Rock'n'Roll Marathon - June 26, 2010 (#34- WA)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Sony (sponsor) Product Test and Review... Seattle Marathon!
~Race Ratings 4.0/5.0


Wyoming Marathon -May 30, 2010 (#33- WY)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 2.9/5.0


Sheels Fargo Marathon -May 22, 2010 (#32- ND)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.1/5.0


Delaware Marathon -May 16, 2010 (#31- DE)
~Pre-Race Thoughts
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.8/5.0


Mizuno Free State Trail Marathon and Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon  Double
- April 24th and 25th (#29 KS and #30 OK)
~Race RUNdown
~KS Post-Race Thoughts and More
~OK Post-Race Thoughts
~KS Race Ratings 4.5/5.0


GO! St. Louis Marathon -April 11, 2010 (#28-MO)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.6/5.0


Ocean Drive Marathon -March 28, 2010 (#27-NJ)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 2.7/5.0


Bataan Memorial Death March - March 21, 2010 (#26-NM)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.9/5.0


Little Rock Marathon -March 7, 2010 (#25-AR)
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.9/5.0


HMRRC Winter Marathon  -February 21, 2010 (#24-NY)
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings 4.2/5.0


Mississippi Blues Marathon & First Light Marathon Double (#22-MS & #23-AL):
~Race(S) RUNdown
~Post Race(S) Thoughts
~MS Race Ratings 4.8/5.0
~AL Race Ratings 3.1/5.0


Northern Central Trails Marathon- November 28, 2009 (#21-MD)
Rating: 2.9/5.0
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings


RI 6-Hour Ultra - November 15, 2009 (#20-RI)
Rating: 4.9/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings


OBX Marathon- November 8, 2009 (#19-NC)
Rating: 4.8/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings


Louisville Marathon - October 18, 2009 (#18- KY)
Rating: 2.5/5.0
~Race Ratings


NH/ME Double ~ Post-Race Thoughts
Peak Performane Maine Marathon - October 4, 2009 (Part 2 of Double-#17 ME)
Rating: 3.8/5.0
~Race Ratings
New Hampshire Marathon - October 3, 2009 (Part 1 of Double- #16-NH)
Rating: 4.0/5.0
~Race Ratings


Boulder Backroads Marathon - September 20, 1009 (#15-CO)
Rating: 3.4/5.0
~Post Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings


Erie Marathon at Presque Isle - September 13, 2009 (#14-PA)
Rating: 3.8/5.0

~Race RUNdown
~Post Race Thoughts & Race Ratings


Park City Marathon - August 22, 2009 (#13-UT)
Rating: 3.0/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings



Leading Ladies Marathon - August 16, 2009 (#12- SD)
Rating: 4.3/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings


The San Francsisco Marathon - July 26, 2009 (#11- CA)
Rating: 2.8/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings


Dances with Dirt- Devil's Lake Marathon- July 11, 2009 (#10-WI)
Rating: 4.2/5.0
~Race RUNdown
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Video Footage!!!
~Race Ratings & Results


Hatfield-McCoy Marathon- June 13, 2009 (#9-WV)
Rating: 4.8/5.0
~The RUNdown... prepping for the race
~Post-Race Thoughts
~Race Ratings & Results


Sunburst Marathon- June 6, 2009 (#8-IN)
Rating: 3.0/5.0
~Training for the Race
~Post Race Thoughts & Race Rating


Vermont City Marathon- May 24, 2009 (#7-VT)
Rating: 4.5/5.0
~Training for the Race
~Post Race Thoughts
~Steph's Race Ratings


Flying Pig Marathon (MB) and Half-Marathon (Stephanie)
~Post-Race Throughts and MB's Ratings...


Nashville Country Music Marathon- April 25, 2009 (#6-TN)
Rating: 3.2/5.0
~Training for the Race
~Post Race Thoughts
~Steph's Race Ratings


Xenia Half Marathon- April 5, 2009


ING Georgia Marathon- March 29, 2009 (#5)
Rating: 4.1/5.0
~Training for the Race
~Post Race Thoughts
~Steph's Race Ratings


Mercedes Marathon (Did not Run)
~Training for the Race


Walt Disney World Marathon- January 11, 2009 (#4)
Rating: 4.5/5.0
~Training for the Race
~Training II: Jax Galloway
~Post Race Thoughts
~Steph's Post Race Ratings


Flying Pig Marathon
~ May 3, 2008 (#2b... OH)
Cincinnati, OH
~Results


Marine Corp Marathon
~October 28, 2007 (#3)
Quantico, VA
~Results


US Air Force Marathon
~September 15, 2007 (#2)
Dayton, OH
~Results


New Las Vegas Marathon
~ December 10, 2006 (#1 State)
*Is now the "Rock N Roll Las Vegas Marathon"
Las Vegas, NV
~Results


2005 Athens Marathon
~ November 3, 2005 (#1 Marathon)
Athens, Greece
~Results~Race RUNdown

Monday, March 3, 1997

Marathon Map

*Double Click the map for full size...

Saturday, March 1, 1997

Marathon Maniac Goal List...

Marathon Maniacs:Upon completion of the Vermont City Marathon (2009), I finally completed one of the criteria to be an official "Marathon Maniac." I'm now a member of the "InSane Asylum... Marathon Maniac #1566!! Here is an excerpt from the website on what it means to be a "Marathon Maniac"...

"Do your thoughts switch to the next scheduled race immediately after finishing a marathon?
Are you signed up for more than one race right now?...

Do you have so many marathon medals that you've run out of room on the hook they hang from?...
When asked by loved ones what your plans are for the weekend, you feel guilty telling them your running another marathon so you tell them "it's only a half this weekend"?...
Well if you answered yes to any of these questions, you just may be a Marathon Maniac!!!"


To become a certified "Maniac" you need to complete different sets of criteria that put you under different levels. In October, I hope to jump alllll the way up to Iridium Level but doing 2 marathons back to back in the same weekend. That's 52.4 Miles in 1 weekend! I've made a list of my Maniac "Level" Goals...

~Bronze: May 24, 2009~ Vermont City marathon~ 3 Marathons in 90 Days
~*COMPLETED*~
~Silver: June 13, 2009 ~ Hatfield-McCoy Marathon~ 6 Marathons in 6 consecutive months (Disney, ING Georgia, Nashville, Vermont City, Sunburst, Hatfield-McCoy)
~*COMPLETED*~

~Gold: June 13, 2009 ~ Hatfield-McCoy Marathon~ 4 Marathons in 4 US states in an 8 week period (this will include Nashville, Vermont City, SunBurst and Hatfield-McCoy).
~*COMPLETED*~

~Iridium:
August 16, 2009~ Leading Ladies Marathon~ 9 Marathons in 9 US States in 1 Year
October 4, 2009~New Hampshire Marathon & Maine Marathon~ 2 marathons 2 Days.

~*COMPLETED*~

~Ruthenium: October 3, 2009~New Hampshire Marathon~ 13 Marathons in 13 US states in 1 calendar year
~*COMPLETED*~

~Osmium: November, 2009~ OBX Marathon ~ 16 Marathon in 16 different US states in 1 calendar year
~*COMPLETED*~

~Palladium: January, 2010~ 20 Marathons in 20 US States in 1 calendar year
~*COMPLETED*~

Platinum: March, 2010~ 23 Marathons in 23 US States in 1 calendar year
~*COMPLETED*~


Titanium!!! February, 2010 ~ 30 Marathons in 30 US States in 1 calendar year
~*COMPLETED*~
I am a 10-Star, Titanium Maniac!!!!