My First Full Marathon.. decisions, decisions..

Well, I chickened out of the Marine Corps Marathon in DC, mainly because it just seems so huge and its a long drive and the logistics seem crazy, even if one stays in a hotel.  So now I am deciding between the Hartford or the Wineglass (in Corning NY).  I've heard from friends the Wineglass is a pretty nice and flat course, and actually has the highest percentage of Boston qualifiers (not that I have any chance of that), but  Hartford is a lot close, and I am comforted by the thought of being able to get home to my own house after the race in a reasonable amount of time (1.5 hours versus 3.5-4 or so).  I really don't think I want to spend the night after in a hotel given my experiences so far with these long runs (I want my own bed, my own jacuzzi and my own kids around to serve me :)  ) .  Of course the third option is not to do a full but stay with halfs or shorter.. I am still debating it all.  

Anyone done either before or have some words of wisdom?

For the location, go for the one 1 1/2 hours away and have someone else drive you. Better question on the full or half would depend on your fitness level. If you can run more than a half, do the full. If you can only run 7 or 8 than do the half. I'd leave your training to answer that question. However, my longest run for the year was 11 miles and I pulled a full. So I'm not the best one to answer that question. If you aren't going to injur yourself then go for the whole enchalada.

Jeff

Hey Jeff......I have been doing half marathons....I had rounexy gastric bypass in May, 2008.  What do use or eat for energy before and during runs and marathons.  I don't use the GU and Gatorade because of the high sugar will cause me dumping syndrome.  Not sure what to snack on for energy.  Also, do you "carb up" the night before a marathon......if so with what......since I was told no rice or pasta for my  post op.

Thanks for your help.....and all the best to you on all your runs and marathons.  Take care.

Valerie 

Hi Andrew...... I know about that chicken feeling ......I have gotten hooked on half marathons....my first one was the Rock and Roll Half in San Jose , CA in October 2008.  I have done 8 more half marathons since that first one in Oct.2008. I have 3 more coming up in the next 5 months.  I still get nervous before each one as you stand there warming up in your corral.  My friend wants me to do a full marathon with her next spring....I am so scared just thinking about it.  I wish you the best in all of your marathons....half or full!!!!!   Keep rockin

Valerie

I did the Hartford half last year.  They put on a pretty good race and the parking was easy (comming from the east, anyway).  I will be there this year trying for a top three in the clydesdale 5K.  I know that you are looking for a race without a million people but you do want some around during those miserable late miles. 

�Well, turns out the Hartford is the same weekend as a local run over the Newburgh Beacon Bridge (Hudson River) which I had planned to do and was looking forward to, so I am gonna do the Wineglass.. �But Dan the tri-monster just about has me talked into doing one sooner in August - I noticed there is this strange "self-transcendence" marathon in Nyack which is near me�races/racedetails.cfm

Scott, I'm planning on doing Hartford this year. I heard they changed the full course last year, is it nicer than it used to be? I did the 1/2 in 2003 and loved it but I heard the old course for the full was a lot of out-and-backs. I was deciding between MCM (full), Niagara (too far) and Hartford. I think I'm going to stay close to home (Hartford) plus I know it's a nice vibe there.

See you there!