So you have been running for a while now. Mostly with your friends on the weekends doing 5k's and maybe a 10k, or maybe even a half. You kind of like the feeling of accomplishment and enjoy the spirit of the group, or perhaps just the vibe of the running crowd.
Been thinking about the next step? Have the confidence to try your first marathon?
Now before I go on, I will tell you that I tend to support local races. Within a couple hours of the area, you could choose the Pensacola Marathon, or the Apalachicola Marathon (see my piece on the Run for the Bay). But I am going to suggest a few reasons for you to consider traveling to Savannah to take on your first 26 miler (and the .2!).
This year is the second time I have done the Rock&Roll Marathon in Savannah. And the reasons I liked it the first time are the reasons I liked it this year too, plus a few more reasons. Savannah was the place I ran my first full marathon so it has a special memory for me.
First, if you are an Emerald Coast local runner, going to Savannah will force you to stay there a few days. Despite the extra expense of hotel rooms and meals, benefits still make it worth the trip. Savannah is rich in history, with a story around each corner of the old downtown area. Do a little research and pick a few spots to explore the day before, the afternoon of and the departure day.
After you check into your hotel, attend the expo early in the afternoon before, and leave enough time to have a good carb-rich meal on River Street. People watching is a rich activity here if you can score an outside table at your eatery.
This year I made reservations late. But I tend to the lucky sort, and the tardiness was a boon. I stayed outside of town at the Comfort Suites in "North Savannah". A 20 minute drive saved bundles of cash versus the downtown hotels. I purchased a pass for parking at the Liberty Street garage for $10 (buy these at the expo). Getting into town the morning of the race was easy and quick. The garage is roughly half way between the start and finish lines, just far enough to help you walk out some of the lactic acid that began to build while hanging out with your friends and having celebratory beer at Forsyth Park. The only draw back is you have to be parked by 5:30. Not a big deal, since the race starts at 7:00.
Spend the extra time near the start line at the Hyatt Regency Savannah. The folks here graciously open their lobby to all runners, serving hot Starbucks coffee and bagels for a few bucks. Also if you are apt to need the facilities before a race (you know who you are), look behind the escalator and elevators for the restrooms. Long lines form quickly. Options are purchasing a VIP pass (separate dining on the ground floor and extra restrooms on the 2nd floor) or using the port-o-lets (ugh).
This race starts on time! Find your starting coral, get your GPS watch going, select the new playlist you made for your first marathon, and soak up some of that great energy from your fellow runners.
The race route takes you through old parts of town, old neighborhoods, some long stretches on Truman Parkway ( I swear it was uphill both ways), Savannah State University, and finally to the finish in the park.
Challenges to the route are old streets (brick in some cases) and uneven surfaces. One of the selling points for the Rock&Roll franchise are the bands playing live music at almost every mile. You will find non-running supporters throughout the course.
Probably my favorite part of the course is the run through Savannah State. If you trained for the race using the standard model, your last long run was 20 miles a week or so earlier. You'll get to SSU at just about that distance. Just as you are questioning your sanity for choosing to do this, you are met by happy, enthusiastic students cheering you on. I wanted to walk through this part, but how could I? I would have felt like I was letting down the students who were cheering ME on! And really, this is just what you need at this point in the race.
You will find lots of water, sports drinks and gels at the water stations. You may have to ask for salt or extra salty sports drinks at the aid stations if you are cramping. Alternately, carry a little extra salt with you in your pouch.
When you approach the finish line you might be like me and finish strong with a kick of energy. Be warned- there is a bit of a bait and switch. When you get close you will look up and see people lining both sides applauding the runners, you will see the "chute" and banners stretching over the road. But this is NOT the finish line. This is the area where photographers will snap your photo and make it available on line for purchase the next day or so. The finish line is several hundred feet further up the road. Plan your kick accordingly.
There will be refreshments (including the beer you purchased as part of the race) and snacks waiting for you. Volunteers will hang your first marathon medal around your neck. Just keep moving forward and you will be able to get to the grassy area to catch your breath. Bands will be rocking on stage in the park.
Overall I think Savannah is a great place to do your first marathon. The travel component gives your weekend a sense of an epic adventure or quest. The city is alive with history and interesting restaurants, shops, and tree-filled parks. The course is challenging enough but not too much so. The music keeps your energy level up, and the supportive crowds (don't forget SSU at the wall!) will provide the encouragement you need.
I give this race an A-, only marks off are for the rough spots and uneven road conditions on parts of the course. Seems like a little thing, until you trip, fall, or pull muscles trying to prevent a fall.
Now you can return and tell your other friends about your run, the city, the people. Put that sticker on your car- because you have earned it. Now you are a marathoner!
Been thinking about the next step? Have the confidence to try your first marathon?
Savannah may be your town.
Now before I go on, I will tell you that I tend to support local races. Within a couple hours of the area, you could choose the Pensacola Marathon, or the Apalachicola Marathon (see my piece on the Run for the Bay). But I am going to suggest a few reasons for you to consider traveling to Savannah to take on your first 26 miler (and the .2!).
This year is the second time I have done the Rock&Roll Marathon in Savannah. And the reasons I liked it the first time are the reasons I liked it this year too, plus a few more reasons. Savannah was the place I ran my first full marathon so it has a special memory for me.
First, if you are an Emerald Coast local runner, going to Savannah will force you to stay there a few days. Despite the extra expense of hotel rooms and meals, benefits still make it worth the trip. Savannah is rich in history, with a story around each corner of the old downtown area. Do a little research and pick a few spots to explore the day before, the afternoon of and the departure day.
After you check into your hotel, attend the expo early in the afternoon before, and leave enough time to have a good carb-rich meal on River Street. People watching is a rich activity here if you can score an outside table at your eatery.
This year I made reservations late. But I tend to the lucky sort, and the tardiness was a boon. I stayed outside of town at the Comfort Suites in "North Savannah". A 20 minute drive saved bundles of cash versus the downtown hotels. I purchased a pass for parking at the Liberty Street garage for $10 (buy these at the expo). Getting into town the morning of the race was easy and quick. The garage is roughly half way between the start and finish lines, just far enough to help you walk out some of the lactic acid that began to build while hanging out with your friends and having celebratory beer at Forsyth Park. The only draw back is you have to be parked by 5:30. Not a big deal, since the race starts at 7:00.
Spend the extra time near the start line at the Hyatt Regency Savannah. The folks here graciously open their lobby to all runners, serving hot Starbucks coffee and bagels for a few bucks. Also if you are apt to need the facilities before a race (you know who you are), look behind the escalator and elevators for the restrooms. Long lines form quickly. Options are purchasing a VIP pass (separate dining on the ground floor and extra restrooms on the 2nd floor) or using the port-o-lets (ugh).
This race starts on time! Find your starting coral, get your GPS watch going, select the new playlist you made for your first marathon, and soak up some of that great energy from your fellow runners.
The race route takes you through old parts of town, old neighborhoods, some long stretches on Truman Parkway ( I swear it was uphill both ways), Savannah State University, and finally to the finish in the park.
Challenges to the route are old streets (brick in some cases) and uneven surfaces. One of the selling points for the Rock&Roll franchise are the bands playing live music at almost every mile. You will find non-running supporters throughout the course.
Probably my favorite part of the course is the run through Savannah State. If you trained for the race using the standard model, your last long run was 20 miles a week or so earlier. You'll get to SSU at just about that distance. Just as you are questioning your sanity for choosing to do this, you are met by happy, enthusiastic students cheering you on. I wanted to walk through this part, but how could I? I would have felt like I was letting down the students who were cheering ME on! And really, this is just what you need at this point in the race.
You will find lots of water, sports drinks and gels at the water stations. You may have to ask for salt or extra salty sports drinks at the aid stations if you are cramping. Alternately, carry a little extra salt with you in your pouch.
When you approach the finish line you might be like me and finish strong with a kick of energy. Be warned- there is a bit of a bait and switch. When you get close you will look up and see people lining both sides applauding the runners, you will see the "chute" and banners stretching over the road. But this is NOT the finish line. This is the area where photographers will snap your photo and make it available on line for purchase the next day or so. The finish line is several hundred feet further up the road. Plan your kick accordingly.
There will be refreshments (including the beer you purchased as part of the race) and snacks waiting for you. Volunteers will hang your first marathon medal around your neck. Just keep moving forward and you will be able to get to the grassy area to catch your breath. Bands will be rocking on stage in the park.
Overall I think Savannah is a great place to do your first marathon. The travel component gives your weekend a sense of an epic adventure or quest. The city is alive with history and interesting restaurants, shops, and tree-filled parks. The course is challenging enough but not too much so. The music keeps your energy level up, and the supportive crowds (don't forget SSU at the wall!) will provide the encouragement you need.
I give this race an A-, only marks off are for the rough spots and uneven road conditions on parts of the course. Seems like a little thing, until you trip, fall, or pull muscles trying to prevent a fall.
Now you can return and tell your other friends about your run, the city, the people. Put that sticker on your car- because you have earned it. Now you are a marathoner!
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