If you've run a marathon...

aprylkemper

did you run one in your hometown or have you travelled for them? I am thinking I want to run my first one next fall and was pondering what it would be like to travel to a destination one. I ran my first half last month and think I should be ready by next fall.

Thanks!!

ShapeUpSidney

I traveled to DC for mine. I didn't think I'd qualify for Boston, so travelling was the way to go. Now I live in Seattle, but I'm nursing an injury and will probably miss ours this year

CaptainAmerica1970

Traveled. I have run several. One in Columbus, Ohio. Another in Erie, Pa. As well as Las Vegas, Nevada. They were all 26.2 miles LONG!!! LOL.

jocraw66

I say if you are going to run one or even walk one that you should travel to it and that you should register for it as soon as the registration opens. It makes it more exciting and less likely that you will change your mind. Believe me, you will question your sanity when you begin doing those long training runs!

Rock and Roll Marathons are always fun. Try to find one of them. I'm heading to Savannah in November and then in the spring to Nashville.

Good luck and congrats on the half! That is a huge accomplishment as well.

tahoemads

I ran my first marathon at home because after much advice from veteran runners and racers in my life, it's much harder on you physically, mentally and emotionally to travel for a large race (but not impossible). I decided to run my first at home, and then travel for my next. There's something to be said for routine in your life: the food you eat, how well you sleep in your own bed, etc. My aunt commented that you don't realize how conditioned you get in your training and when you travel for the marathon you're in a hotel room, without your kitchen to fix the breakfast you like, possibly in another time zone, and not to mention bowel issues if you have that when you travel. (Sorry, TMI?) Anyway, that's my take. I was glad to run my first marathon at home - it went super well and now I have a perspective of what to expect so I'm more prepared when I travel for the next!

EzraCCM

I'm running my first marathon in 3 weeks about 2 hours away!!!
My running buddy and I are going the day before and getting a hotel, but we picked a location that is pretty similar in terrain to what we train on.

I have run half marathons locally and traveled for them. My advice is:
1) Don't camp the day before running a race away from home (that was an awful experience!)
2) Try to pick your first away-from-home race in a similar climate/terrain (My running buddy suffered from serious jet lag after traveling three time zones for her first marathon)
3) Try to bring your pre-race meal with you. It stinks to go without your coffee, oatmeal, toast... whatever, when you forget your pre-run meal!

aprylkemper

Thanks for the input. I will be living in the St Louis area and they have the Rock and Roll series come through there, so I could do that one but I was thinking, with such a major goal, it might be fun to go somewhere else and make it a celebration too. Thanks for the congrats on the half marathon...I've found that each of the races, at continually longer increments, are a lot like having a baby....looking back you forget all the struggles and pain and all you remember is crossing the finish line :laugh:

arc918

I vote for close to home for the first one, just so you have less to worry about.

But out of town is fun too, and logistics are awesome if you are staying in a hotel right next to starting line (= no porta potty lines, use your own bathroom).

atsteele

I ran my first marathon at home because after much advice from veteran runners and racers in my life, it's much harder on you physically, mentally and emotionally to travel for a large race (but not impossible). I decided to run my first at home, and then travel for my next. There's something to be said for routine in your life: the food you eat, how well you sleep in your own bed, etc. My aunt commented that you don't realize how conditioned you get in your training and when you travel for the marathon you're in a hotel room, without your kitchen to fix the breakfast you like, possibly in another time zone, and not to mention bowel issues if you have that when you travel. (Sorry, TMI?) Anyway, that's my take. I was glad to run my first marathon at home - it went super well and now I have a perspective of what to expect so I'm more prepared when I travel for the next!

I have run all mine close to my home but still had to travel about an hour for two of them, two hours for another and three+ hours for another. (One of the disadvantages of not living in a city.) I wish that I could just step out my door and walk and/or drive a few minutes to the start line of these longer races because frankly, the biggest problem for me is dinner. Every single race that I have done, the night before, the restaurant seems to not know what "light oil" or "no oil" means. And it's usually too late and Im too tired or whatever to return it to the kitchen. The next marathon that I do I am bringing my own pasta/ham in a baggie/cooler. Breakfast isn't so much of a problem since I just eat a chocolate chip Entemann's bar or whole wheat crackers. But doing a race close to home is highly recommended. It's just so much easier all around. Good luck!!

irunforfun

I ran my first one about a month ago. It was out of town. 2 hours north, and it was kind of a pain in the backside to be honest. Everything was so rushed. This March I'm going to Washington DC for a half, and I'll be flying for this one. My next full marathon is in May and i'll be in town about 15-20 minutes from my house and I'm looking forward to it since traveling won't be involved.

DisneyMommy

All my fulls have been away. I live in Southern CA and travel to Disney World for their marathon weekend.