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Solo Marathon

suannemarie
suannemarie Posts: 38 Member
edited February 2 in Social Groups
I'm training for a solo marathon. No one in their right mind schedules them in CO in the winter, and I'm pretty committed to doing it on my birthday (Dec. 30).

Does anyone have recommendations on preparation/gear? I have a few family members willing to help me make this a reality.

Replies

  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Need more details like fitness level, proposed course, etc.
  • barrpc
    barrpc Posts: 96 Member
    Defnitiely need support on your route. You need enough people to give you some water stations along the way....even in the winter.
    And just to make sure you are doing ok.
  • DavidMartinez2
    DavidMartinez2 Posts: 840 Member
    I've done this before. I used a loop course that is ~5K around. I carried a couple of gels but left the rest of my stuff in my car which I ran past every lap. The park also had water fountains along the route.

    For gear, that is going to be dependent on the weather that day.
  • 55in13
    55in13 Posts: 1,091 Member
    In CO? Weather could scuttle your plans. I would be tempted to find a way to travel to Ocala, FL:

    http://www.savageseven.com/

    an hour from DisneyWorld, if that helps with justification...
  • sarahc001
    sarahc001 Posts: 477 Member
    As long as you are adequately trained, you can do it unsupported with a decent hydration pack. I use the salomon s-lab 5 liter pack. It comes with a 1.5 liter bladder and can hold two 20 oz water bottles. I have done up to 31 miles (50k) unsupported with this pack and plan to do the same again in early october. As with anything, just make sure to train with it prior to the solo marathon.
  • suannemarie
    suannemarie Posts: 38 Member
    The course is side streets that are on the main plowing route, so weather shouldn't be an issue unless it's an active blizzard at the time (in which case I'll delay a day). 4 family members to help out with drinks and swapping out hand warmers/socks/shoes. The route passes by my house once mid-way, and starts/ends within a block of it.

    Fitness: Elevation is @ 5400 feet with some 5% grades. I run hills every run, both a blessing and a curse in central CO. I've been running on and off for roughly 25 years. Currently at 15-20 miles per week and following a 20 week training plan.

    Late December temps in the area range between -30 and 40 degrees not including wind chill. It has been known to get down to -90 wind chill on rare occasion.

    I would rather run in snow than anything above 60 degrees.
  • prdavies1949
    prdavies1949 Posts: 321 Member
    Sorry I can't help but just had to post to say, WOW!!! good for you. I hope you get the advice and support you need and good luck in your venture.
  • DavidMartinez2
    DavidMartinez2 Posts: 840 Member
    Currently at 15-20 miles per week and following a 20 week training plan.
    This is my biggest concern. You are really going to need to step up your game to go from 20 miles a week to 26.2 miles in a day. If you start Hal Higdon Novice 1 TODAY you can complete the program by 30Dececmber.
    http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51137/Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program

    I can't promise it will be plesant but if you follow the plan you will be able to finish.
  • suannemarie
    suannemarie Posts: 38 Member
    I'll check out the Higdon plan and adjust the one I'm currently using if necessary. My main avoidance is runs over over 6 miles on weeknights as that cuts into family time.

    Does anyone have cold weather gear recommendations?
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