Wisdom of the Crowd

I have too many options. I need advice.

What I know for sure I'm doing:

Wirefly National Half-Marathon: Saturday, March 29 (Note to self: Remember to post RANT about active.com)

Philadelphia Sprint Triathlon, Saturday, June 21, 2008

Potentials:

St. Patrick's Day 8k, March 9, 2008 (don't ask)

George Washington Parkway 5K or 10 miler (I've done the 5k twice, would kind of like to try it again): Sunday April 22

But really the $64,000 question is: Do I have another marathon in me?

If I do try for another marathon, which one? I'd like something smallish, local(ish), and preferably? Something that won't kill me. And I definitely do NOT want a fall marathon, because I am soooo done with training in the D.C. heat. Eighteen weeks of training would put me in the first week of June. (Do I need 18 weeks of training? I fear I do.)

1. Should I attempt another marathon?

2. If so, which one?

3. If so, how to train? I want to train with a group. An organized group.

Contenders:
Potomac River Run Marathon, May 4 (Marathonguide.com reviewers call it "mentally very challenging," so that kind of predisposes me against it);

Frederick, Maryland, Marathon, Sunday, May 24

That's all I can find nearby.

Then, add this to the mix:

The D.C. Triathlon Club has an informational meeting on Jan. 27 for its New Triathlete Program. So I wrote to the organizer asking this and that, and he wrote this back

Since you mentioned the Philly Sprint I'm going to chime in - One thing about our program is that we provide a 20-week training plan that will get you through your first race. We set a goal race with that in mind which is the New Jersey State Triathlon on July 27th. The only problem with you doing Philly is that you'll be missing some of the later components of the program.

I don't want you to think that I'm discouraging you from doing NTP. What I'd like to encourage you to do is to also consider doing the NJ State Tri. You could complete Philly to get your feet wet in triathlon and then improve your time at New Jersey. Also, should you choose to do the Olympic distance at New Jersey, Philly will be an excellent race to get you prepared for your first Olympic :)

That may sound daunting to you [DAUNTING? TO ME? OH NEVER!] but I'll assure you that you can definitely do it. The program really is an awesome opportunity and we'll give you all of the resources you need to complete both races.

So an OLYMPIC TRIATHLON??? Is he serious??? Who does he think he's talking to, Nancy Toby????

So a marathon, thumbs up or down? And does that decision rest on whether or not I get up my courage for this New Jersey Olympic thing?

My head hurts.

Chicago: Not for Slow, Fat Runners

Mark has written a provocative piece over at completerunning.com,
"Chicago Marathon: Defending Slow, Fat, Poorly Trained Runners."

Amen, Mark. Well said.

Nutrition Smackdown! Quote of the Day! Other Stuff!

Phedip vs. BlogFather Smackdown

Complete Running is hosting a fascinating debate between Mark the Blogfather, and Steve Runner of Phedippidations podcast fame about marathon and long-run nutrition-ing (new word). Lots of weirdness goin' on over there.

Today's Quote

A year from now you will wish you had started today.
- Karen Lamb

No freakin' kidding! How about tomorrow. Tomorrow I will wish I'd started today.

Five Weird Things

OK, someone wanted to know five weird things about me.

1. I can't remember who though. I am horrible with real people and names, nevermind blog people! People. Have a heart.

2. I never ever ever ever buy or use paper towels. Or napkins. And when such things were part of Number One Daughter's life, diapers. Always cloth. Saving trees, and all that.

3. I must always be near an open window. Even in the dead of winter.

4. Except at work, where I don't actually have a window, so there I have a heater on at all times, even in the dead of summer.

5. I adore the clothes from the 40's and if I could get away with it, (which I can't, I'd just look weird), I would dress the part every day.

6. I totally hate that gloves for women went out of style. Did I mention I have a germ phobia?

7. Ditto hats. We should all be wearing hats. I luuurrrrrve hats.

8. So this is more a list about things I prefer, not actual weirdnesses.

9. Oh, here's one: I sleep in a crib. Sort of. OK, it's a daybed, twin-sized (what else?), but it has 3 walls. Add one more and well, it really would be a crib. But it's cozy!

10. Nothing tastes as good as soy yogurt with crumbled up graham crackers.

11. I refuse to pay $1.25 to use the dryer.

12. I take my oatmeal like a man—straight up, plain. Explains the hair on my chest.

Good Luck Craig & Alison!!

It's Sunday. Time to sleep in, eat a leisurely, decadent breakfast, read the paper (or two), take a nap ... or fly to Tanzania and do this.

But only, you know, if you really feel like it.

My pseudononymous friends have actually flown to Tanzania and are running the Mt. Kilimanjaro marathon Sunday, March 4. C was reeling from the after-effects of anti-malarial medicine when he left. So we're hoping he recovers in time. Plus, this is his first marathon! Some people.

The marathon route leaves Moshi stadium and heads down towards the town, and then along the main road to Dar-Es-Salaam for approximately 8-9km. This section of the route is relatively flat, and there are plenty of well-wishers along the road. We turn around and head back to the town of Moshi, tracking down into the actual town itself before turning toward the mountain and heading up a long, steady ascent towards Mweka. The uphill climb is gradual, but with Kilimanjaro towering above and all the local villagers out to cheer you on, the time passes quickly. The turnaround point marks approximately 32km and the last section is a fast downhill run back toward the stadium. Regular water tables as well as 'sponging points' and the odd 'shower' keep the runners refreshed and cool along the entire route.

I can't wait to hear all the details!