I was very dissappointed with my results at the 2009 Boston Marathon. I had qualified at the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach with a 3:30:14. But then I ran a 4:47 in Boston. I started out okay, but the hills killed me. Not even the Newton Hills. But the rolling hills early on. I really should have done more hill training.
When I got home from Boston, one of the first things I did, was to get online and register for the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, PA. It is supposed to be one of the fastest marathon courses in the country, with a net downhill drop of like 900 feet. It is held in October, meaning that if I qualify there, I would qualify for both the 2010 and 2011 Boston Marathon, which would be a bonus. Also, it will give me some recovery time following the Louisville Ironman.
And if I don’t BQ at Steamtown, I will still have another opportunity to try again in December at the Las Vegas Marathon.
Another benefit of doing Steamtown, is that I haven’t done a marathon in Pennsylvania. I have run 6 marathons in 4 states (NY, NV, VA, MA). I have sub-4 hour marathons in 3 of those. Steamtown would give me another state. Just in case I decide to go for the 50 states thing. I have friends who have done it. Oh, and the Louisville Ironman, will give me KY, if I manage to finish it. I am not counting THOSE chickens before they hatch!
Rob,
Thanks for choosing Steamtown. We have a great PR course if you run smart. Most of the downhills are in the first 8 miles. Remember to include some downhills in your training.
Best wishes,
Jim Cummings
Asst. Race Director
Comment by Jim Cummings — July 25, 2009 @ 9:13 pm