RACE CALENDAR
The following calendar is a list of races that fit well within our spring training session. 3 specific reasons to do these races are:
No Conflict with our longer Saturday workouts – they aren’t scheduled at the same time as our longer long workouts which are the most important ones to improve your endurance and have a positive race experience
Gain experience before race day – for those with little to no race experience, they provide valuable opportunities to practice running a smart pace within the high energy atmosphere of an actual race – something that cannot be duplicated even in our Saturday group workouts. This will help you correct the common mistakes that most novices make such as experimenting on race day (shoes, clothing, pace, replenishment at aid stations, etc.), getting to the race too late, starting off too fast, not drinking enough at the aid stations, and so on. Those with a couple of tune up races under their belt will have more experience and confidence on the day of their target race to set themselves up for success. Even those with years of race experience can get rusty if they don’t do tune up races in the few months leading up to their main race.
Provide the best speed workout – In training, the smart ones know to hold back and run within a recommended pace range given the purpose of each type of workout. Those that participate in the speed sessions know the importance of this. However, a race is THE time to see how fast you can go for a given distance. In doing so, you’ll get the most accurate assessment of your speed, and using the race prediction chart on page 106 of the handbook, settle on a realistic time goal for your target race. No matter what your finishing time is, you’ll get the best workout to boost your speed and your mental toughness.
March
15 – St. Patrick’s Day 4 Mile. One of the biggest local races celebrating its 30th anniversary, it starts and finishes in Westport at 10am on a rolling loop. A rare opportunity to easily calculate our average pace in a race since we tend to think in terms of minutes per mile, not kilometer. www.sportkc.org
*A must for people to track their early speed progression and for those signed up for large target races (1,000+ participants) to gain experience with crowds. Sleep in a little later and skip the Saturday workout to do this race.
29 – Olathe Marathon/Half Marathon/5K. The only local spring marathon option, it’s a rolling point to point course that starts in Gardner and ends in downtown Olathe covering historic trails. The half marathon is a fairly fast out and back course over the last 6.5 miles of the marathon. They are providing a $10 discount to Runner’s Edge participants for the marathon and half marathon and a $5 discount for the 5K (go to the members only section for the coupon code). www.olathemarathon.com
*Since this is the fastest local half marathon and with their generous discount, I encourage everyone to do this at least as a tune up race. Besides, you get to go as fast as you want on this Saturday ‘long run’ rather than hearing me harp on you about slowing down.
April
6 – Brew to Brew Relay.This Runner’s Edge favorite is a 44 mile relay race that starts from the Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City and ends at the Levee in Lawrence. There is a post race party sponsored by the Free State Brewery in downtown Lawrence. The relay is divided into 10 legs with 5 person teams (two 4-5 mile legs) being the most popular arrangement, although you can have 2 or more 2 person teams to get your 22 miler in (i.e. run with people from other teams for your portion of the entire relay). Anyone can form a team and each team is allowed one car ($10 for an extra car). Prepare yourself for an all day event – 8-10 hours when you include the drive back from Lawrence. However, if in a pinch, you can do an early leg or two and arrange to have someone not on the team pick you up where your leg ends. www.brewtobrew.com
*Because this is a unique and fun social event, I included it on our calendar even though it’s scheduled on a weekend when everyone is going longer. But, if you form a 2-3 person team, you can skip Saturday and get your mileage in during the relay.
20 – Lawrence Half Marathon/5K. This is a well organized nearby race that’s gently rolling with one noticeable hill and takes you through the heart of downtown as well as the University of Kansas campus.
*A good local tune up half marathon for Hospital Hill.
27 – Trolley 4 Mile. The 2nd largest race in Kansas City, this gently rolling to downhill point to point course (starts at 75th & Wornall and ends at the Plaza) is definitely super fast. There is a wonderful post race food booth area. www.trolleyrun.org
*You’ll run your fastest race of the spring on this course. With its big crowds, it’s also a must to practice running fast and smart in a mega-race setting. Those doing Lincoln the next week should compensate by taking it easier in the few days before and after Trolley to be properly rested for Lincoln.
May
4- Lincoln Marathon/Half Marathon. A long time tradition among Runner’s Edgers, they put lids and straws on cups at the aid stations and everything about this Nebraska race is well organized. The course is gently rolling and the marathon includes a different 13 mile loop. www.lincolnrun.org/marathon.htm
*A great final tune up half marathon race for Hospital Hill or any late spring marathon. We’ll be taking our group bus trip there this year which always promises to be a fun and inspirational time!
26 – Amy Thompson 8K/2 Mile. A long time Kansas City tradition, it starts at Loose Park and winds through the rolling neighborhoods. Enjoy the wild & wacky Runner’s Edge aid station! FYI – an 8K is 50 yards short of 5 miles. www.amythompsonrun.org
*The final tune up race for Hospital Hill and a rare opportunity to race an 8K or 2 mile.
June
7 – Hospital Hill Half Marathon/10K/5K. The oldest race in Kansas City. The half marathon covers hilly but scenic terrain from Crown Center to the Plaza and Brookside areas. The 10K is a nice alternative if the weather gets too warm while the 5K is fast. People do this race because of the challenge of heat, hills, and humidity.
*Our final spring race and a must if you’re a local runner to support this race as a participant or volunteer.
21 – Run the Good Race 5K Cross Country Course. Coach Valdez has converted the brutal City Park hills into a 5K race. You’ll get a similar feeling of accomplishment from finishing this race as a half marathon or marathon. This race is so tough with its 1,000 feet of hills, all finishers receive a medal and a great pancake breakfast in a serene setting on the grounds of the Sanctuary of Hope retreat center. www.active.com
*Another must if you want to be called a hardcore runner, especially if you run both the challenge course and street 5K course 30 minutes later. Besides, it’s in between our spring and fall sessions. Treat this as an adventure race and don’t worry about your time.
