This post has been a long time comin'. Finally, the answer to where's Darrell going to run his next marathon? What state is he going to conquer next?
I'd like to thank the bloggers that have invited me out to their state in 2008. David in Florida, Wes in Georgia and Rae in Tennessee. I have to give special mention to Neese, fellow ex-Ohioan, who volunteered to send my wife emails to get me to come to South Carolina. All places I'd love to go and people I'd like to meet (or see again in Wes' case).
My running group, the CA Cruisers, have been planning a yearly destination race. 2005 - Chicago, 2006 - St. George, UT, 2007 - Washington DC. In 2008 they've decided that the destination is the Big Sur Marathon. What was I going to do? I've had a moratorium on California marathons in favor of the state goal, but there was no way I was going to miss out on Donald's favorite marathon. Donald has done such a great job talking up this marathon, I knew it was only a matter of time before I'd run it.
I had originally committed to running my first ultra in CA this winter as well. When that didn't pan out I decided to go all the way with the California exceptions in 2008 and added another race from my wish list. With any luck I will be running the Catalina Marathon next weekend. I've hinted at running the inaugural Big Bear marathon in the fall as long as I've gone and broken the No CA Marathons Rule.
The big factor now is the state of my right calf. The knot/pain gets better during the week when I only do the bike at the gym but then flares back up in a big way after my longish runs on the weekend. The pain started about the time I started the WTRS wearing my trail shoes. I'm slated to run race #4 of the series this weekend and I'm going to wear my street shoes.
I do have an appointment Friday afternoon at a sports medicine/physical therapy clinic that comes highly regarded by a couple of my Cruiser running pals. After Catalina I can take some time off but I've only got 6 weeks after that before Big Sur. I don't expect much from either race in terms of times but I do hope to cross the finish lines having enjoyed the routes and with a smile on my face.
As far as other states in 2008, I only have tentative plans to meet Joe in Tennessee at the Memphis Marathon for what will become our 3rd Annual Early December Blogger Reunion Marathon. All are welcome to join us.
So, there it is, finally - my 2008 marathon plans assuming I can rehab the leg properly:
March 15 - Catalina Marathon, CA
April 27 - Big Sur International Marathon, CA
Sept 6 - Big Bear Marathon, CA
Dec 6 - Memphis Marathon, TN
19 comments:
I'd say it's high time you enjoyed a few marathons in your home state. :)
I hope you find out what's up with your calf. Take care of it. We want to keep reading about your running for a long time!
Looks like a good schedule Darrell! I'm glad you broke the CA rule so we'll get to see you at Big Sur. If you are still injured, you can join be at the back of the pack!
One of the (many) things I love about CA is how many outstanding races there are to do throughout the year. Since you live here, you'd be foolish not to take advantage of that every now and then.
You'll love Big Sur. Run those hills in training! I might also set up a blogger dinner or something - so shoot me your e-mail address and I'll keep you in the loop.
I am planning on coming to Memphis. I don't know if I'll be ready to marathon again by then, but we'll see.
That's one of the advantages to getting to meet you and race in Alabama. You still have to come to Georgia :-)
Catalina should be a lot of fun, provided the injury obeys. Look out for those buffalo!
woo hoo!
you are sweet to make my mention special..now how can I be mad at you for not running in SC this year!? :)
Hmmmm...Memphis in December....I thought about going back to Huntsville, but I might have to reconsider.
Great choices! Sounds like you're headed to the right place to get your calf checked out.
I'm concerned for your calf...hope the appointment today went well, Darrell.
I had to laugh at you posting this...I have my post about Memphis set to go up tomorrow!! Great minds in a similar rut :-)
Hope the trail race in road shoes goes well for you.
I always feel better when the schedule is set. I can load in the training plans and not have to think about what to do tomorrow. It's right there for me.
Now doing four marathons a year is more than I want.
I hope overuse does not become a complication with your calf or anything else.
Hang in there.
Great Lineup Darrell as you reach ur Goals...and knock out few more states!
Best wishes on a speedy recovery!!
I think it's a must to fit in all the great California races. Maybe in 2009 you can think about Idaho and I can join you for that race. Pretty soon you'll have to hold a lottery for all of us to help you decide where you should run your next marathon.
yes, idaho. http://www.cdamarathon.com/
:)
Hey give me some info on the Memphis Marathon in December. That is about the time I hope to run my first marathon and being from GA it is closer to home.
Hope the calf gets better.
darrell, you have so many choices of races...
i hear the big sur is an incredible marathon experience.......
good luck on the calf situation...
It looks like the year of California and a little TN thrown in for good measure! Maybe I can head west to Memphis, too!
Hope the legs works itself out. The line-up looks good...one day I'll get you up here!
EXCELLENT SCHEDULE!! Man, do I want to do big Sur. Hopefully in 2009. I considered Memphis this past year but decided against it. heard it's well run. Heal up, Darrell.
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