Since Houston, I've cut down on the miles (on pace for 15 this week!) and that means more non-running time. You know, time to think about running instead of studying more for my statistics class. And, yes, more time for FIFA 16. Gotta get the AFC Wimbly Womblys to be legit EPL contenders!
Anyway, what I've been thinking about lately is races that I'd like to run. Of course there will always be local races that I'll jump in and the races that my friends convince me are a good idea. "Hey let's go run up and down bridges in South Texas where there's nothing but blistering heat and 194% humidity!"
However, I've been thinking of those bucket list/dream races. I'm going to throw some of mine on here, but please share yours too. Maybe I'll have to add to my list.
Boston Marathon
Qualifying time for my age group: 3:05
Age I'd have to be for my current PR to get me in: 65
Other ways to get in? Yes, raising $5,000+ for selected charities
Next running: April 17, 2017
Because, duh. It's on every marathon runner's bucket list. It is THE marathon. I got to check out the finish line a couple years back while visiting my brother. It's one of the largest marathon in the world and attracts the top runners from all over the world. Although unofficial, several marathon records have been set on the course and a BAA jacket sets runners apart in their local community. That elusive "BQ" is a goal in of itself for many in the running community. I've gotta just keep at this same speed for 32 more years and I'll be able to get in! Unless, of course, someone wants to shoot me $5,000 and sponsor me/a charity.
New York City Marathon
Qualifying time for my age group: 2:53 full/1:21 half
Age I'd have to be for my current PR to get me in: 70/65
Other ways to get in? Yes, they have a lottery to get in. (I really should just throw my name in for this year's race)
Next Running: November 5, 2017
I spent about 8 hours in NYC in 2001. I'd like to go back. This seems like as good of an excuse as any. Also, I'd be able to participate in the largest marathon in the world, averaging over 40,000 finishers annually. That's 40,000 not counting the half marathon. You'd better hope you get in the right corral or you're doing A LOT of weaving to be able to run at your own pace. Or just relax and take in the sites and atmosphere.
Rome Marathon
Qualifying time for my age group: None! Looks like you can just enter and get it.
Next Running: April 2, 2017
I have always been fascinated with Rome. From ancient Roman times to Renaissance Papal States, the city of Rome has been the center of the Western world. As a bit of a history nerd, I've seen hours of documentaries, historical fiction, and docu-dramas set in and around Rome. That isn't mentioning the reading I've done on the city and people in it. Rome is #1 on our cities to visit list and, you know, what better excuse than a marathon? In a write up by "How Stuff Works" (How Stuff Works: Rome Marathon), it says that the marathon is actually a money saver. You go past many landmarks and for cheaper than paying for a tour or taxi. Registration for this year closed last week, but I'll definitely be looking at a way to fit it in my schedule in the coming years.
Paris Marathon
Qualifying time for my age group: None! However, the race typically fills up 5 months in advance
Next Running: April 9, 2017
I promise that I'm not simply pandering to the random 10% of my readership that comes from France (still not exactly sure why that is). There are 50,000 entries to this race available and, according to what I'm reading, most are gone in early November Mila and I visited Paris in the summer of 2014 and were awe struck. It was not my favorite city of the tour (that's next on this list), but it definitely had the most breathtaking sites. The Louvre and Notre Dame were my favorite sites of the whole 2 1/2 week trip. The race goes by both and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Looking at the dates, maybe someday I could do a Rome/Paris double?
London Marathon
Qualifying time for my age group: 3:05
Age I would have to be for my PR to qualify: 70
Other ways to enter?: lots, it looks like. There's a ballot where runners have 5 days to enter and hope to have their names drawn. There is also an overseas ballot process as well as raising money for a charity spot.
Can you see the theme here? European vacation spots that "just happen" to hold a huge marathon. As I alluded to earlier, London was my favorite city that we visited during our EuroTrip2014. We were there for three days and it wasn't enough. Paris might have had the best sites... but London wasn't too far behind. Plus, I'm sure the Princes and Princess would want to see us again (they went flying by while we were walking up the Pall Mall to see Buckingham Palace). Plus, Run Fatboy Run has been an inspiration in my running and that takes place in London. However, the marathon in that movie doesn't actually exist so London Marathon it is!
Leadville 100 "The Race Across the Sky"
Qualifying: Qualifying for a major trail race like this is different than a marathon. There is a lottery where entrants can hope to be drawn at random. Furthermore, there are 3 qualifying races: Austin Rattler Run, Leadville Trail Marathon, and Silver Rush 50 Run. 20 Age group placers with fast enough times and 5 other lottery entrants are given to each of the races. Additionally, a runner can raise $1,000 for The Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation and gain an entry that way.
Next Running: August 19, 2017
The race detailed in "Born to Run" is one of the most iconic trail races in the world. With 18,000 feet of climbing and a minimum elevation of over 9,000 feet, the race across the sky is an apt nickname. An ultramarathon like this is more about finishing and taking in the amazing scenery in the Rockies. Just getting a finisher's belt buckle of this or any of the other 100 milers on this list would be the pinnacle of my running "career."
Western States 100
Qualifying: There is a long list of qualifying races, two of which are here in Texas. The Bandera
100K is a race that some of my training partners have completed. Looking at the results, most of the finishers at Bandera 100K actually were fast enough to qualify for Western States. After a running achieves a qualifying time, they are entered into a lottery. There are also automatic qualifying races and some guaranteed spots, such as the previous year's top 10.
Next Running: June 24-25, 2017
If I'm being honest, this really could be a 1 race list. This is it. Maybe it's because the podcast I listen to, Trail Runner Nation, is broadcast from near the course and it inevitably comes up nearly every episode. Maybe it is because it's the original 100 mile run. Maybe it's because I have heard so many emotional stories about people fighting through to finish. Most likely, it's a combination of all of those things. It doesn't hurt that the race takes place in California near Lake Tahoe. My plan is to run the Bandera 100K in 2018 in hopes of running a sub-17, gaining an entry into the 2019 WSER lottery. I'm going to be relying on Cliff, Daniela, and Kent's experience at Bandera to get me there.
UTMB (Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc)
Qualifying: seems a bit funky there are tons of qualifying races around the world However, a runner
has to complete three races within a two year period and THEN be entered into a lottery. (40% selection rate last year)
Next Running: August 28-September 3, 2017
UTMB runs 108 miles through three countries, France, Switzerland, and Italy while traipsing along the Alps. This one is more of a pipe dream due to the crazy qualification process, but man does it sound amazing. Warren Pole, owner of 33Shake and regular on Trail Runner Nation, ran it a few years ago His description of the race has stuck with me, especially talking about running down into a sleepy town at nights and using the town's lights as a beacon to keep him motivated. The views on the UTMB site are unparalleled. If anyone wants to sponsor me for more than $5,000 so I can spend a year or more chasing this dream, I'd be much obliged.
Crim Festival of Races
Next Running: August 27, 2017
Due to the fact that I didn't start running until I moved to Texas, I never have run in my hometown race. Well, I ran/walked the 5k in 2002 but I've never run the 10 miler. Running the Crim is a Flint area tradition and the race draws elite level competition from around the world. Last year's winner finished in 47 minutes. I'm not sure if he took any water at the aid stations though... This is one of those races that I will just have to plan leave around one of these years. Simply put, it's a must do for any runner from the Flint runner and I still have to check that box.
Which races on your bucket list? Did I miss any? Throw them in the comments!
Anyway, what I've been thinking about lately is races that I'd like to run. Of course there will always be local races that I'll jump in and the races that my friends convince me are a good idea. "Hey let's go run up and down bridges in South Texas where there's nothing but blistering heat and 194% humidity!"
However, I've been thinking of those bucket list/dream races. I'm going to throw some of mine on here, but please share yours too. Maybe I'll have to add to my list.
Boston MarathonQualifying time for my age group: 3:05
Age I'd have to be for my current PR to get me in: 65
Other ways to get in? Yes, raising $5,000+ for selected charities
Next running: April 17, 2017
Because, duh. It's on every marathon runner's bucket list. It is THE marathon. I got to check out the finish line a couple years back while visiting my brother. It's one of the largest marathon in the world and attracts the top runners from all over the world. Although unofficial, several marathon records have been set on the course and a BAA jacket sets runners apart in their local community. That elusive "BQ" is a goal in of itself for many in the running community. I've gotta just keep at this same speed for 32 more years and I'll be able to get in! Unless, of course, someone wants to shoot me $5,000 and sponsor me/a charity.
New York City Marathon
Qualifying time for my age group: 2:53 full/1:21 half
Age I'd have to be for my current PR to get me in: 70/65
Other ways to get in? Yes, they have a lottery to get in. (I really should just throw my name in for this year's race)
Next Running: November 5, 2017
I spent about 8 hours in NYC in 2001. I'd like to go back. This seems like as good of an excuse as any. Also, I'd be able to participate in the largest marathon in the world, averaging over 40,000 finishers annually. That's 40,000 not counting the half marathon. You'd better hope you get in the right corral or you're doing A LOT of weaving to be able to run at your own pace. Or just relax and take in the sites and atmosphere.
Rome Marathon
Qualifying time for my age group: None! Looks like you can just enter and get it.
Next Running: April 2, 2017
Paris Marathon
Qualifying time for my age group: None! However, the race typically fills up 5 months in advanceNext Running: April 9, 2017
I promise that I'm not simply pandering to the random 10% of my readership that comes from France (still not exactly sure why that is). There are 50,000 entries to this race available and, according to what I'm reading, most are gone in early November Mila and I visited Paris in the summer of 2014 and were awe struck. It was not my favorite city of the tour (that's next on this list), but it definitely had the most breathtaking sites. The Louvre and Notre Dame were my favorite sites of the whole 2 1/2 week trip. The race goes by both and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Looking at the dates, maybe someday I could do a Rome/Paris double?
London Marathon
Qualifying time for my age group: 3:05
Other ways to enter?: lots, it looks like. There's a ballot where runners have 5 days to enter and hope to have their names drawn. There is also an overseas ballot process as well as raising money for a charity spot.
Can you see the theme here? European vacation spots that "just happen" to hold a huge marathon. As I alluded to earlier, London was my favorite city that we visited during our EuroTrip2014. We were there for three days and it wasn't enough. Paris might have had the best sites... but London wasn't too far behind. Plus, I'm sure the Princes and Princess would want to see us again (they went flying by while we were walking up the Pall Mall to see Buckingham Palace). Plus, Run Fatboy Run has been an inspiration in my running and that takes place in London. However, the marathon in that movie doesn't actually exist so London Marathon it is!
Leadville 100 "The Race Across the Sky"
Next Running: August 19, 2017
The race detailed in "Born to Run" is one of the most iconic trail races in the world. With 18,000 feet of climbing and a minimum elevation of over 9,000 feet, the race across the sky is an apt nickname. An ultramarathon like this is more about finishing and taking in the amazing scenery in the Rockies. Just getting a finisher's belt buckle of this or any of the other 100 milers on this list would be the pinnacle of my running "career."
Western States 100
Qualifying: There is a long list of qualifying races, two of which are here in Texas. The Bandera
Next Running: June 24-25, 2017
If I'm being honest, this really could be a 1 race list. This is it. Maybe it's because the podcast I listen to, Trail Runner Nation, is broadcast from near the course and it inevitably comes up nearly every episode. Maybe it is because it's the original 100 mile run. Maybe it's because I have heard so many emotional stories about people fighting through to finish. Most likely, it's a combination of all of those things. It doesn't hurt that the race takes place in California near Lake Tahoe. My plan is to run the Bandera 100K in 2018 in hopes of running a sub-17, gaining an entry into the 2019 WSER lottery. I'm going to be relying on Cliff, Daniela, and Kent's experience at Bandera to get me there.
UTMB (Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc)
Qualifying: seems a bit funky there are tons of qualifying races around the world However, a runner
Next Running: August 28-September 3, 2017
UTMB runs 108 miles through three countries, France, Switzerland, and Italy while traipsing along the Alps. This one is more of a pipe dream due to the crazy qualification process, but man does it sound amazing. Warren Pole, owner of 33Shake and regular on Trail Runner Nation, ran it a few years ago His description of the race has stuck with me, especially talking about running down into a sleepy town at nights and using the town's lights as a beacon to keep him motivated. The views on the UTMB site are unparalleled. If anyone wants to sponsor me for more than $5,000 so I can spend a year or more chasing this dream, I'd be much obliged.
Crim Festival of Races
Next Running: August 27, 2017
Due to the fact that I didn't start running until I moved to Texas, I never have run in my hometown race. Well, I ran/walked the 5k in 2002 but I've never run the 10 miler. Running the Crim is a Flint area tradition and the race draws elite level competition from around the world. Last year's winner finished in 47 minutes. I'm not sure if he took any water at the aid stations though... This is one of those races that I will just have to plan leave around one of these years. Simply put, it's a must do for any runner from the Flint runner and I still have to check that box.Which races on your bucket list? Did I miss any? Throw them in the comments!
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