Well, it’s official. I finally bit the bullet and registered for my A-race this fall: The Two Cities Marathon on Sunday, November 6, 2011.
To this moment, I’m still questioning what this experience will be like. A marathon in Fresno, California…whaaaaaat?! For those not from the area, many people say that…well…there is not much to do in Fresno. Being a gal who likes to make her A-races also a vacation, this will be a change from the norm.
However, while it may not be a big race, vacation spectacle, I’m looking forward to it for the following reasons:
- The course is flat and fast. Need I say more?
- 7 a.m. start. Not too early, not too late.
- It’s a small race – so hopefully the fight for the port-a-potties won’t be shitty (har har har)
- The race is close to home! My family has never come to one of my marathons, so I’m hoping they’ll come out for this one
- Given that there won’t be large crowds like Chicago or New York, I’m again hoping that my family will be my cheer support along the way – the best I could ask for
- The race is affordable (in comparison to other marathons).Only $75 for the full Marathon until July 31st
- I’ll get a hotel, but this won’t be anything near the ridiculous Boston prices and airfare
- And of course…the SWAG. Apparently participants receive, “technical long-sleeve event shirt, finisher’s hooded sweatshirt, custom medallion, hot breakfast, free massages and the signature ice cream sundae bar”
So there you have it! 129 days until I set out to achieve the goal that alluded me at Boston.
Tell me, are you running Two Cities?
If not, what’s your A-race for the fall?
Happy Running!
Daaang that’s some good swag! I’d totally run in Fresno for that. I’m excited to hear how it goes because I might want to put it on the calendar for next year.
That’s some great swag! My ‘A’ race is my first full marathon — Columbus on October 16th!
Whenever I see you post the banner for Two Cities, I think it says “Twin Cities” and I get REALLY excited because that the marathon I’m running this fall…gah!
Cape Cod Marathon for me! Your Two Cities sounds great though. This East Coaster is dying to get to a West Coast marathon one of these days.
That swag is amaaaazing!
I can’t wait to see what you can get upto on your trip! And that Bostone picture- never. gets. old.
My ‘A’ for the fall is the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon!
So I got really excited and thought that this said “Twin Cities” and I have a lot of friends going to that marathon and almost signed up for it. But you are doing the “Two Cities”, sorry I am a blonde.
THe Swag sounds awesome. I am a long ways from Cali so I will not be running it 🙁
I am registered for Vegas in December but I think I might run a marathon before that is more fallish. December is definitly winter
My thoughts are the same as yours – Fresno?!? Coming from the bay area I would miss the mountains, and the air always looks rough – all the bay area pollution gets trapped in Fresno and Bakersfield. No offense to anyone who lives in Fresno or Bakersfield, but I definitely wouldn’t move there from the bay area. Though I do know that people there are crazy about football, I’ve always wanted to go to a Fresno State football game, the atmosphere looks crazy for it.
Though all of your reasons for doing the race are good ones – my favorite part is probably the date, that is a perfect date for a race – because it is right when daylight savings time ends, so you can continue to train after work right up until race day. And the temps should be perfect for a race. If I could pick one perfect race date for a marathon during the year, I would pick that date. And the race swag sounds awesome!
That is so much great stuff they give out! I am training for my first half marathon in the fall- the Baltimore Half Marathon. I am so excited and can’t wait to get to the start (and finish) line
Hey I just found your blog! Love it so far : ) I’m running my first marathon this October (Chicago), I’m pretty excited. I picked it for two main reasons, flat course and I’ve always wanted to go to Chicago!
free finishers hoodie and an ice cream sundae bar? AMAZING. I would say “sign me up!” but I’m already signed up that weekend…and like the next 8 weekends. I’m officially jealous and excited to watch you crush it at two cities!
Sounds like fun, and that’s a ton of great swag, I’m kind of jealous and want to sign up for a half, but I’ll be playing Frisbee in Hawaii then.
I’m from those Two Cities. Born in Fresno, raised in Clovis. Graduated Fresno State. Although I’ve moved up to NorCal, most of my family is still there. Even did a solo 20 miler there this year while training for Big Sur. And yep, it’s a college town where they love their Bulldogs. Haven’t run this one but excited that they have an event like this now. And cool that they’re enticing people from afar with extra swag 🙂 Hope the weather is kind to you.
What is my fall race – hmmm I was just thinking about that and I have NO idea! I don’t know what I want to run or race or anything. I have one 5k in October I want to run and thats about it. I need to figure that out. This race sounds perfect for you to run really really fast!
Oh my!!! that sounds awesome!!! My goal race this year is the Nike Half! I am so excited!!!! WEEEEEE
Hi Page! I’m following a few of Aron’s blog recommendations and yours was of course at the top of her list. I’m sorry I didn’t find it earlier! You are amazing. Love the wedding updates too. So exciting! I’ll be following, keep up the great training. 🙂
The Two Cities Marathon will be my first!! Yesssss! Training for me starts Monday 🙂 Let me know if you need recs for anything in Fresno, born and raised here!
I am still planning on doing this race, too!!! I probably won’t sign up until right before the price increase at the end of the month, though. I’ve heard awesome things about it, too, and even though everyone is turning their noses up at Fresno I think it will be fun.
I’m running it too!! This will be my “A” race and I can’t wait! Stephen went to Fresno State so he’s looking forward to going. Side note: if you like football, this will be during football season and apparently Fresno State has a great stadium. We might go to a game!!
Ohhh, that is good swag . . . . tempting!
Free massages AND sundae bar?!? Woo hoo! Maybe I’ll see you there!
I’m running the Two Cities Marathon as well! It’s my first marathon and I’m following the Runner’s World rookie plan that you recommended. absolutely LOVE your blog, thank you!!!
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