OBX, Outerbanks, Marathon, Kitty Hawk North Carolina

11/11/2012 - Review and a course map of OBX, Outerbanks, Marathon, Kitty Hawk North Carolina, (DoubleH)

The 2012 OBX Marathon took place on sunny yet chill morning in Kitty Hawk North Carolina. The course was sort of flat and sort of on paved roads except miles 10 to 13 that went through the woods where at parts we ran on soft sand.
Weather was good, some headwinds coming out to the main road, unpaved portions of the course probably a DoubleH all things considered on my hRank system!

More details and review of the course with a map are below, but first photos from the course:

Sunset at the OBX

Starting line

Wright Brothers National Monument

Mile 10, where the road ends and the sand begun

Brace up for running up the bridge in mile 24

Proobably 0.5 mile to the finish

Ranking: DoubleH, unpaved and hilly parts, some headwinds.  

Distance: 26.2 miles

Course: The OBX Marathon run in Kitty Hawk and finished in Manteo North Carolina, hard to explain the course turn by turn since it went through pedestrians only parts as well as trails. Please see map and details below (click on it...).

Crowd: Hard to tell, looked like most people were from the area although the rental car agent at the airport knew right away I was going to the marathon so I guess significant number of people flew in from out of town.

The easy part: great weather, flat

The challenging part: Annoying random hills, soft sand, headwinds

Price: $110

Pacers:No

Timing: Chip

Qualifying: None

Official website: OBX Marathon

My 2 cents: 1) very nice people, I almost felt like a family and friends type of event . 2) make sure you are on the right shuttle bus to the FULL marathon and not the HALF in the morning. 3)If you are looking for a scenic, ocean front run this marathon is NOT the one you should run. Most of the course is not on the first line to the water which are behind sand batteries to protect from the tides. A better ocean front marathon would be Maui Marathon

Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!
  runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

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Duke City Marathon, Albuquerque New Mexico

10/21/2012 - Review and a course map of Duke City Marathon, Albuquerque New Mexico, (SingleH)

The Duke City Marathon was a flat race in the high desert in Albuquerque New Mexico. The course is an out and back, along the Paseo del Bosque Trail .
Weather was perfect, shiny day with temperatures in the 50's, a mile high altitude  helped this race to earn SingleH on my hRank system!

More details and review of the course with a map are below, but first photos from the course:

The starting line

Hot air balloons made the course even pretier

This photo was taken facing west from the turn around point

Finish Line

Ranking: SingleH, high altitude.  

Distance: 26.2 miles

Course: The Duke City marathon run started at Albuquerque's Civic Plaza and then 13.1 miles mostly on the Paseo del Bosque trail and back to the plaza. Flat course shared with bikes and other Sunday morning recreational runners/walkers. see map and details below (click on it...).

Crowd: Mostly locals, marathon maniacs and 50 staters, I, once again, ran into a guy that ran the Highest Marathon in the USA and Little Grand Canyon Marathon with me in July and September.

The easy part: great weather, flat

The challenging part: High altitude, can do a better job with the aid stations

Price: $80

Pacers:No

Timing: Chip

Qualifying: None

Official website: Duke City Marathon

My 2 cents: won't be a bad a idea to carry some fluids on you

Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!
runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

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Yonkers Half Marathon, Yonkers, NY

9/16/2012 - Review and a course map of the Yonkers Half-Marathon, (DoubleH)

I ran the Yonkers half-marathon after deciding in the last minute that running the full was way too much given the cold I was battling, a decent race, DoubleH on my hRank system!
More details and review of the course with a map are below.

Ranking: DoubleH, humid and hot.  

Distance: 13.1 miles

Course: The half marathon run started 2 blocks off the metro-north Yonkers station. We ran north along the Hudson river and then  up over the hill to run ~6 miles in the busy streets of Yonkers to the finish line. See map and details below (click on it...).

Crowd: Mixed crowd, some people ran the full which was 2 loops of the half.

The easy part: fairly flat, one steep hill climbing from the river

The challenging part: Humid, hot (and I was under the weather)

Price: $75

Pacers:No

Timing: Chips

Qualifying: None

Official website: Yonkers Half and Full Marathon

My 2 cents: Save your legs to the hill in mile 4-5, pick up your pace thereafter...

Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!

runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

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Moose's tooth Marathon, Anchorage Alaska

8/19/2012 - Review and a course map of the Anchorage Alaska Moose's tooth Marathon, (nixH)

The Anchorage Alaska Moose's Tooth Marathon was a fast and flat course. Although, arguably, it is an urban course in the city, 99% of it was on paved trails surounded by evergreen trees - I liked it!
Cool weather, great aid station and a flat course at sea level position this course as a targeted PR race, if that's your goal jump on a plane to AK and run! NixH on my hRank system!

More details and review of the course with a map are below.

Ranking: NixH, really favorable course to set your PR.  

Distance: 26.2 miles

Course: The marathon run started and ended on the corner of 6th and F in downtown Anchorage. We ran on the waterfront south west past the airport, about 10 miles from the start, and back up to the intersection with Chester Creek trail, total of 16 miles, where we turned right for about  4 miles and then back to the intersection and to the end. Detailed elevation and course map is below (click on it...).

Crowd: Mostly locals, marathon maniacs and 50 staters, I actually ran into a guy who ran Bear Lake ID with me in June - fun times....

The easy part: flat, cool

The challenging part: It rained towards the end, it may rain all along - it's Anchorage!

Price: $85

Pacers:No

Timing: Chip

Qualifying: None

Official website: Moose's tooth, Anchorage AK marathon

My 2 cents: If you are not local and you traveled all the way to Anchorage take the week off, travel off the beaten path and see how amazing this state is.


Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!

runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

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Review and a course map of Bear Lake Idaho Marathon

6/8/2012 - Review and a course map of Bear Lake Idaho Marathon (DoubleH / HH)

This was supposed to be my first our of 2 back-to-back marathon totaling a full lap around Bear Lake. I woke up sick on the following day so this was, unfortunately, my one and only marathon for the weekend. This was a flat course up to mile 20 at an altitude of about 6,000 ft above sea level. The course was staffed only every 3 miles so I carried to hydrate between the aid stations. DoubleH / HH on my hRank system!

More details and review of the course with a map are below.

Ranking: DoubleH, high altitude marathon, small marathon so not many aid stations.  

Distance: 26.2 miles

Course: The marathon run started in Garden City, UT in Garden City Park. I ran north along Bear Lake for approximately 13 miles and then turned right/east along the northern shore of Bear Lake for about 6 miles. The last 7 miles were along the hilly eastern bank of Bear Lake.

Crowd: many  Marathon Maniacs and 50 States Marathon Club members
The easy part: Flat, temperatures in the low 40's when I started the run in 6am and rising to low 60's.

The challenging part: 6,000 above sea level, bring your own water and food, rolling hills starting in mile 20.

Price: $75

Pacers:No

Timing:No

Qualifying: None

Official website: Bear Lake Marathon (Idaho)

My 2 cents: I trained in high altitude 2 weeks before this marathon, this was very helpful to get used to the running conditions.


Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!

runnersreviews.blogspot.com/


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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

Review and a course map of San Diego Rock N' Roll half marathon

6/3/2012 - Review and a course map of San Diego Rock N' Roll half marathon (NixH / None)

5 days before my planned back-to-back marathons on Friday and Saturday I decided to take it easy and jog San Diego's Rock N' Roll half marathon with a friend. This was a great course, flat, well staffed which was great for a casual half before an intensive weekend ahead of me. NixH / None on my hRank system!

More details and review of the course with a map are below.

Ranking: NixH, perfect weather, flat, no wind, sea level altitude.  

Distance: 13.1 miles

Course: The half marathon run started at  the corner of Quince Dr and 6th Ave and ended in Sea World. The course had many turns and loops so best would be to see the map below for more details.
Crowd: 35,000 runners

The easy part: Flat, course well organized, great weather

The challenging part: No cars access near the finish line, we walked 1.4 miles to the nearest trolley station

Price: $125

Pacers:Yes

Timing: Shoe chip

Qualifying: None

Official website: San Diego Rock N' Roll

My 2 cents: Can be classic course for a PR


Apologies for the messy pace on my garmin page, I waited to my buddy around mile 8 and then continued to run with him till the end.

Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!

runnersreviews.blogspot.com/


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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

Review and a course map of a 12 miles run in Central Park New York

5/6/2012 - Review and a course map of a run in Central Park New York (nixH)

This run was about 12.1 miles mostly on the paved road surrounding Central Park in New York. Weather was good, course was relatively flat, nixH on my hRank system!

More details and review of the course with a map are below.

Ranking: nixH, Weather conditions were good, small hills, water fountains are scattered around the course, no wind. 

Distance: 12.1 miles

Course: The run started at W72nd street's entrance to Central Park. generally speaking, running and cycling in the park is counter-clock-wise so I headed south and just followed the paved road. after the Harlem Hill I had the option to stay on the road or mix it up and jump over to the unpaved road that took me up to the reservoir and back down to w72nd, once I got back to the start..... I did it again!
Crowd: Recreational

The easy part:paved road, good weather, good company of fellow runners

The challenging part: Harlem hill anybody?

Price: N/A

Pacers: None

Timing:N/A

Qualifying: None

Official website: N/A

My 2 cents: One of my favorite runs....



Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!

runnersreviews.blogspot.com/


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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

Review & Map Course of A2A Marathon,Ardmore OK (TripleH / HHH)

4/1/2012 - Review of A2A Marathon,Ardmore OK (TripleH / HHH)

This Marathon was a relatively small event and an overall great experience of running from one of OK State's most beautiful spots through the open fields to Ardmore on the historic route 77.

More details and review of the course with a map are below, but before that; I have been thinking for a while how to rank a marathon or any other run by its difficulty, after all there are many factors that affect that. I think I cracked the nut, the new system I thought about is the  hRank metric for Marathons' difficulty ranking. A Marathon's possible difficulties include the following categories:
Heat - how hot the weather was during the race
Humidity - how humid it was during the Marathon
Headwind - was there a strong headwind and for how many miles?
Hills - was the course hilly?
Hydration - were there enough hydration/electrolytes stations?
Height above sea level - this on is clear, no?

The hRank metric is still being thought through and is not 100% objective, but basically a Marathon gets 1/2H 1H etc for each of the categories that applies for that race. For example, the E.T. Full Moon Marathon would score HHH, TripleH, one for Hills, one for Hydration and one for Height. get it?
Ranking of a race would range as follows:
 SextH - HHHHHH - These races are the most challenging, every possible variable works against you.
QuintH - HHHHH
QuadH - HHHH 
TripleH - HHH 
DoubleH - HH
SingleH - H
 NixH - None - these are the races you would like to run for a PR


I hope to use this system from now on in all my reviews. Now back to A2A Marathon.

The Start - Turner Falls Overlook

Bar Nothin Road

The Ranch

Country road

Ranking: TripleH, HHH. Weather conditions were hot and humid with 15-20mph headwinds for 23 miles out of the 26.2.

Distance: 26.2 miles

Course: The Marathon is a point-to-point course starting at Turner Falls Overlook in the Arbuckle Mountains. The courses is mostly on Highway 77, once we were on it the marathon course was mostly downhill from about mile 3 to about mile 16. I enjoyed the scenic countryside of the foothills. There is a quick out and back on mile 7,  we turned east running through Bar Nothin’ Horse Ranch, once back on the highway the marathon course continues straight south for an additional 9 miles all the way to Ardmore. At mile ~20 we headed west for  a short out-and-back to the lake in Ardmore Regional Park, this leg was about 5 miles.  From there the last stretch took us into Noble Stadium to finish the marathon after completing a 3/4 of a lap.
Crowd: Mostly locals

The easy part: There is a steep downhill part at about mile 3.8, take it easy catch up on some lost seconds and be ready for the rest of the race

The challenging part: The marathon started relatively late at 8am in the morning. By 9-10am temperatures were already in the 80s, add to that the humidity and the headwind and you are facing quite difficult conditions to deal with.

Price: $85

Pacers: None

Timing: Chip on shoe

Qualifying: None

Official website: A2A Marathon

My 2 cents: My strategy was to open strong assuming the headwind will go away as the temperature rise, which will also be helpful in running the more difficult part of the course before it gets really hot. My plan, simply out, failed. The wind lasted throughout the course and the temperature rose faster than I expected. My 2 cents for you folks who consider that race, is to train in similar conditions. Coming from California and running prior 3 Marathons at ~60 degrees dint make this one easier.



Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!

runnersreviews.blogspot.com/


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