Creepy Crawl, Plans for Fall

It's been less than two weeks since the marathon, and I am already back to the roads. My next race is this weekend - the second annual Creepy Crawl 5K - and I fully expect to run my best. What my best is at this point is up for debate, but if I can break twenty minutes, I'll be pleased.

Right now I am planning my course of action for the fall/winter months. I'd don't have any specific goals just yet, but I would like to run some short distance track events in the hopes of increasing my overall speed. I tried this approach ten years ago, and managed to knock 90 seconds from my 10k time in the process. Hopefully I can achieve similar results this time around.

I also plan on training for a spring marathon. I am not sure which one just yet, but I am leaning towards the Fredericton Marathon. It's flat, fast, and only an hour away from my house. That being said, I am also open to suggestions. If anyone has any rave marathons they would like to recommend, I am all years. As long as it doesn't take place the Victoria Day weekend (I'm getting married on May 21), I'm game.

See you at the Creepy Crawl!

Not So Final Thoughts

It's almost 3AM on Saturday night and I am eating some terrible snacks before I get back on the training bandwagon. I took the week off to indulge, and now I am feeling gross. Stupid cookies. Why are you so tasty?

So, I've had a week to fully digest the KV Challenge experience, and I thought it might be a good idea to write a few highlights for those who are considering running the race next year. Consider it an informed review from someone who has experienced the event first hand.

The Great

Value - I picked up my registration as part of a $120 race package. The package included the Fundy Rocks Half Marathon, The KV Challenge, and an $80 dollar gift certificate for Alex Coffin's Fitness Shop. So, KV basically cost me $20. In return, I received a race jacket, a twenty dollar Irving gas card, two meals, a massage, and a finishers medal. Talk about bang for your buck!

Course Support - The water stops were plentiful and well equipped. The volunteers that manned the stops were super helpful - I never had to ask for Gatorade or water - and really encouraging, which meant a lot as the miles increased. The course was also well marked; I never worried about getting lost during the run. Hopefully they can convince a lot of these volunteers to return next year.

The Good

The Course Itself - The KV Challenge is tough, but fair. No one would accuse it of being a flat race, but aside from a long, lonely climb around mile 15, it's pretty standard fare. And the scenery is wonderful; most of the time you have a perfect view of the Kennebecasis River, and you're constantly surrounded by crisp fall colors. One word of warning, though - the traffic on the old Hampton Highway moves relatively quick, so make sure you stay on the shoulder of the road!

The numbers - The race attracted a record crowd this year. Registrations for the half-marathon doubled, and marathon applications increased significantly. The race isn't rivaling Marathon By The Sea just yet, but its growth proves that the region can support two marathons per year.

Things To Work On For Next Year

Punctuality - The race started about 30 minutes late this year. I think the issue was out of the organizing committee's control - the chip timing system crashed before the race - but hopefully they can avoid a repeat. No one wants to stand outside in the cold before a marathon.

The Weather - I don't know the organizers have to call to get a tail wind happening, but I hope they get on it right away.

Overall Impression - I'm going to give the race an Alex Coffin thumbs up. Aside from the delayed start, I had an excellent run, and I plan on making it to the starting line again next year. Hopefully a few more people join me - it's a wonderful event!

Time to start training again. For what, I am not sure, but I expect to hit the roads again at some point tomorrow. Hopefully I can stay motivated over the winter months. I'm also looking for the perfect spring marathon. Currently I'm leaning towards Fredericton, but I am open to suggestions. If you have any ideas, drop me a line!

My Race Schedule

I'm a little bored of recapping runs, so instead I will blog about the races I plan on running this year, and my goals for each run. I've gathered most of my information from the Athletics New Brunswick website, and I would recommend the site for any of you who are interested in taking part in an upcoming fun run or road race. There are plenty to choose from, as you will see.

March 13 - Pete's Pub Paddy's Day Bash - Saint John
Distance - 5K
Goal - sub 22:30
It's a couple of minutes slower than my best time last year, but I don't want to get too hopeful this early in the season. Anything faster than my marathon pace will be fine for now. It's a pretty low key race, from what I can tell, so I won't be too embarrassed if I don't perform well.

April 24 - Brent Kelly Memorial 5-Miler - Saint John
Distance - 5 Miles
Goal - sub 35:00
Again, this is faster than my planned marathon pace, but I don't think it's unreasonable. That being said, last year's winning times were relatively slow (consider the runners competing), so I might be in for a surprise. The race takes place at the Irving Nature Park, so I should probably expect to dodge some pothole and puddles while I am motoring around the course.

May 9 - Fredericton Marathon
Distance - 1/2 Marathon
Goal - sub 1:40:00
This course is flat and fast, so I shouldn't have a hard time hitting this target. There will be a lot of people to run with, as well - last year's half attracted over 350 runners.

June 12 - 10km Chaleur Banque Nationale CKLE/Prov Championship - Beresford
Distance - 10K
Goal - sub 42:00
This is the fastest 10K course I've ever experienced. I would love to aim for a faster time, but I am not sure what type of shape I will be in by June. Only time will tell, I guess.

July 1 - Canada Day 10 Miler - Grand Bay/Westfield
Distance - 10 Miles
Goal - sub 1:14
I ran 1:14:02 last year, so I will aim to better my time. This will also put me on marathon pace, so even better.

September 18 - Saint John Half Marathon - Saint JOhn
Distance - 1/2 Marathon
Goal - sub 1:35
This is a cruel, cruel race. Last year people were cursing race organizer Alex Coffin as they crossed the finish line; the run is nothing but steep, endless hills. If I can crack 1:35 on this course, I know I will be physically and mentally prepared for my sub 3:10 marathon.

October 17 Kennebecasis Valley Challenge Marathon
Distance - Full
Goal - sub 3:10
I have yet to run this race, but some of the best runners in the region have posted their fastest marathon times on this course. I hope to add my name to the long list of people who have run their personal best at this race.

I will add to this list as the year progresses, but this is what I have planned thus far. See you at the starting line!