RunningAHEAD - Topic: Eastern States 20 Miler

BadDawg

posted: 2/17/2009 at 9:32 PM

This one starts in Maine, runs through New Hampshire and ends in Massachusetts. The race is on 3/29, which is the last long run on my training schedule. It would be a lot more interesting (and better supported) than a long solo run, so I'm starting to lean toward signing up. Anybody run this one and care to provide some feedback? http://www.easternstates20mile.com/

E.J.
Greater Lowell Road Runners
Cry havoc and let slip the dawgs of war!

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your SPF30, may the rains fall soft upon your sweat-wicking hat, and until you hit the finish line may The Flying Spaghetti Monster hold you in the hollow of His Noodly Appendage.

mikeymike

posted: 2/18/2009 at 7:58 AM

I did it in 2004 and really liked it. It's flat and a mostly pretty seaside course. A lot of people do this as part of their Boston or other spring marathon prep so it has the feel of a really well supported group long run as much as a race. There is a fun, festive atmosphere to it. The logistics are a bit of a hassle but not terrible--you take a bus from Hampton Beach to a school in Kittery near the start then after the finish you take another bus the mile or two from Salsibury back to Hampton Beach. I think they do the post-race awards and food fest at the Hampton Beach casino or some such but I had to take off right after and didn't stick around for that. I would do this race again in a heartbeat. I may try to squeeze it in this year but by that time my wife has generally had it with my marathon training exploits and I need to save my chips for Patriots day.

Runners run

BadDawg

posted: 2/18/2009 at 8:55 AM

Thanks mikey, I think I will probably do this one. I had a member of Shamrock RC prodding me to sign up, and I just wanted a bit of impartial feedback. You know how those Shamrocks are when it comes to slinging the Blarney, most of them can sell ice cubes to Alaskans.

E.J.
Greater Lowell Road Runners
Cry havoc and let slip the dawgs of war!

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your SPF30, may the rains fall soft upon your sweat-wicking hat, and until you hit the finish line may The Flying Spaghetti Monster hold you in the hollow of His Noodly Appendage.

milktruck

an amazing likeness

posted: 2/18/2009 at 11:43 AM

No experience with it Ed, but I'm thinking about running it this year in prep for a late May marathon. Haven't decided between Eastern States or the Great Bay Half, which is the next weekend.

_{Acceptable at a dance, invaluable in a shipwreck.}

BadDawg

posted: 2/18/2009 at 12:14 PM

Quote from milktruck on 2/18/2009 at 11:43 AM:

Haven't decided between Eastern States or the Great Bay Half, which is the next weekend.

More is always mo betta. Clowning around

E.J.
Greater Lowell Road Runners
Cry havoc and let slip the dawgs of war!

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your SPF30, may the rains fall soft upon your sweat-wicking hat, and until you hit the finish line may The Flying Spaghetti Monster hold you in the hollow of His Noodly Appendage.

Midnight

posted: 2/18/2009 at 12:28 PM

I'm running ES20 this year for my Boston prep. I ran it in 2005 or 2006 (can't remember). It's a pretty relaxed atmosphere. Since most people are gearing up for Boston, few people race the whole thing. I'll be coasting the first 10 with a friend and then stepping into a marathon-pace trial for the second half.

BadDawg

posted: 2/18/2009 at 1:27 PM

Does this one sell out? If there's no entry cap, I'll probably wait until after New Bedford to sign up. That way I can be sure I'm still in one piece.

E.J.
Greater Lowell Road Runners
Cry havoc and let slip the dawgs of war!

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your SPF30, may the rains fall soft upon your sweat-wicking hat, and until you hit the finish line may The Flying Spaghetti Monster hold you in the hollow of His Noodly Appendage.

andytrihard

Gotta TRI

posted: 2/18/2009 at 1:40 PM

My curiousity is piqued. Sounds like a fun time. I may tack this one on to my schedule.

2010 Dec. California International Marathon 2011 Jan. Disney Marathon

Markfive

Me and my gang in Breck

posted: 2/18/2009 at 1:50 PM

I ran this one last year. It was a good time! I signed up the day of the race. You park at Hampton Beach and they bus you to the school in Maine. Run back along the coast. Really great day if the weather is good. You run down to just past the Bridge at the beginning of Seabrook beach I think. At the finish line you get back on a waiting bus for a ride back to your car.

That which does not kill us makes us stronger. Neitzsche "Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." "Dedication and commitment are what transfer dreams into reality."

milktruck

an amazing likeness

posted: 2/19/2009 at 11:41 PM
modified: 2/19/2009 at 11:42 PM

If you haven't already seen it, there is an interesting (older) article on some of the history and early days of the Eastern States here: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/6/6_1/the-eastern-states-20-mil.shtml

_{Acceptable at a dance, invaluable in a shipwreck.}

Run To Win

#2867

posted: 2/20/2009 at 10:28 AM

I had a great time when I ran it, and am thinking of doing it again this year now that it looks like my plans to run ING Georgia again fell through. Weather plays a huge role in how much you'll enjoy it; I had great weather when I ran it, but the next year a bunch of my friends had cold, rain and wind to deal with and absolutely hated it. The food post-race was great (once you got to the awards, not at the finish line - pack something in your drop bag!) I'll probably be packing light and running back to the post race awards afterwards as a cool down.

Run to Win
25 Marathons, 17 Ultras, 16 States (Full List)

Blisters

posted: 2/20/2009 at 7:09 PM
modified: 2/20/2009 at 7:15 PM

I ran this in 03 in the rain. Did it as my last long run before Boston. Felt great, pushed the pace, and ran a great race (for me). Crashed at Boston. I still don't know if it was the unexpectedly warm sunny Patriot's Day, stupid running, or overdoing it at the ES20 so be careful. That said, it's a really good race and Im doing it again for the first time since then. No Boston this year, though. MikeyMike's comments are right on the mark about this one (including the wife part).

Eastern States 20 Miler - Sunday 3/29 (Read 572 times)