The Marathon Oscars!

After running Barcelona and Rome marathons last week, which were organised completely differently from each other, I decided to rate each marathon I've run out of 10 for different categories. It's kind of like the Marathon Oscars.

I invite comments below for you to rate your own marathons by the categories too and then, when I have quite a few marathons rated, I'll make a Marathon Oscar stand alone page. If you can think of any categories I have missed let me know and I'll add them to the post.

Remember these are my ratings. Maybe you ran Berlin last year when the start number pick up was supposed to be a nightmare? Or you don't agree with my low rating about Rome marathons course? Again rate your marathons in the comments section below.

My hope is that this will help other runners decide which marathons will be great to run and which they should avoid!

Welcome to The Marathon Oscars!!!

Registration

Copenhagen 9/10

Valencia 7/10

Madrid 9/10

Berlin 8/10

Barcelona 9/10

Rome 6/10

Expo

Copenhagen 6/10

Valencia 7/10

Madrid 7/10

Berlin 9/10

Barcelona 9/10

Rome 7/10

Race Number Pick Up

Copenhagen 8/10

Valencia 8/10

Madrid 7/10

Berlin 9/10

Barcelona 10/10

Rome 8/10

Start Line

Copenhagen 7/10

Valencia 8/10

Madrid 7/10

Berlin 7/10

Barcelona 10/10

Rome 5/10

Refreshment Stations

Copenhagen 7/10

Valencia 7/10

Madrid 9/10

Berlin 6/10

Barcelona 9/10

Rome 4/10

Toilets (Start Line)

Copenhagen 8/10

Valencia 7/10

Madrid 7/10

Berlin 8/10

Barcelona 8/10

Rome 7/10

Toilets (Around the Course)

Copenhagen 7/10

Valencia 0/10 (no toilets)

Madrid 7/10

Berlin (I never used them so will give the average point of 5/10 from the other marathons)

Barcelona 7/10

Rome 4/10

Course

Copenhagen 6/10

Valencia 7/10

Madrid 9/10

Berlin 8/10

Barcelona 7/10

Rome 4/10

Sights (based on how many of the city sights were part of the course)

Copenhagen 6/10

Valencia 9/10

Madrid 9/10

Berlin 8/10

Barcelona 9/10

Rome 7/10

Finish Line

Copenhagen 8/10

Valencia 10/10

Madrid 7/10

Berlin 10/10

Barcelona 8/10

Rome 5/10

Medal

Copenhagen 6/10

Valencia 6/10

Madrid 9/10

Berlin 8/10

Barcelona 9/10

Rome 10/10

Other Runners (considerate, friendly, etc.)

Copenhagen 8/10

Valencia 8/10

Madrid 8/10

Berlin 5/10

Barcelona 8/10

Rome 4/10

Spectators

Copenhagen 7/10

Valencia 8/10

Madrid 9/10

Berlin 10/10

Barcelona 9/10

Rome 4/10

Overall Marathon Oscar Champion Ratings:-

WINNER!!!

Barcelona 112/130 points

Madrid 104/130 points

Berlin 100/130 points

Copenhagen 93/130 points

Valencia 91/130 points

Rome 77/130 points

Valencia Marathon is a No Go for Me!

After Berlin Marathon my recovery hasn't been so good! Actually it's been the worst yet after a marathon....

I knew my legs would hurt for a few days but I hadn't figured on my knees, especially my right one, still hurting on and off after 9 days :-(

I've always had knee problems after a run but since training for Valencia Marathon last year they stopped hurting and have been fine since. I can only imagine that because I was pushing my body to the limit in Berlin, and didn't slow down for the last 5k as I normally would, that my knees just couldn't take the extra pressure. Also maybe going from not running at all to running 4 marathons in 16 months might not have been so smart!

Not that I regret running Berlin for one second as, thanks to Paul, I DID finish in under 4:30!!

My plan for the next couple of months is to take it easy and learn to land on my fore or midfoot to take away  some of the jarring on my knees. I'm also going to stengthen up my quad muscles as this should help too. Right now my plans for next year include no marathons but at least two of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series half marathons in Europe. Next year I will have the choice of Nice, Edinburgh, and Dublin and probably Lisbon. Edinburgh and Lisbon are the ones I'm thinking of doing! So next year for me is going to be no serious racing and just running for fun :-)

So basically because I'm going to be learning to land differently and I want to give my knees some time to recover I won't be running Valencia Marathon :-( I will, however, be running the 10k there if my knees are feeling better by then but I'll just be using it as a 'fun run'. I'll also have to jump on the marathon course in a couple of places to run with my good friend Ciry and help her beat the 4:30 time as I did in Berlin :-)

I last saw Ciry in Madrid in April and can't wait to see her again in Valencia!! See you real soon Ciry!

Valencia in November or Gran Canaria in January?

Why do there have to be so many marathons I want to run?? How is a girl expected to choose between them all?

Gran Canaria

Valencia

After checking out flight and hotel costs to Valencia it seems to cost more than last year. I started looking at other marathons I could possibly run instead.

I found Firenze and Nice to Cannes but I'd have to send (and pay out for) a medical certificate for them.

I found San Sebastian but the flights out there are very expensive (and are with Iberia who I really don't trust not to be striking when I want to fly)

So then I thought instead of waiting until 2014 to run Gran Canaria marathon why not run it in 2013!!

That would then mean that I wouldn't be running Valencia marathon in November.

My pros for Valencia are:-
- I can try and get a new personal best on the same course
- I still have some museums there I want to visit
- I do love the city

My pros for Gran Canaria are:-
- It will count towards my 50 marathons in 50 cities goal
- I haven't been there before
- I know someone (Pancho) running it
- It's in January which means I'll be in the warm while the rest of Denmark is freezing
- The hotels seem to be cheaper there while the flights are around the same price as Valencia

I can't run both of them as I will still be running Barcelona in March 2013 so need some money for that too :-)

I don't suppose anyone in Valencia or Gran Canaria has (or knows of) a cheap room to rent for a few days? ;-)

So the question is which do I run: Valencia Marathon or Gran Canaria Marathon??
Any suggestions and help would be very much appreciated :-)

My Marathon Wish List for the Next Year!

Madrid Memories

My plan is now to become a 'Marathon Maniac' like my friend Paul from 50 is the new 30. All I have to do is run 3 marathons in 90 days. I'm not sure if I can do that this year or not. There is a marathon not far from me on October 14th which is 2 weeks after Berlin and one month before Valencia. You don't have to sign up much in advance so I think I'll see how I recover from Berlin and take it from there. If I do run all 3 I'll be doing three marathons in less than 2 months!!

This is my 'marathon wish list' for the next year (or so).

30th Sept 2012 - Berlin Marathon (already have a place)

14th Oct 2012 - Sydkyst Marathon (this depends how easily I recover from Berlin)

18th Nov 2012 - Valencia Marathon (again)

17th March 2013 - Barcelona Marathon (please please please Ciry)

April 2013 - London Marathon (if I get a place in the lottery draw)

Jan 2014 - Gran Canaria Marathon (for Pancho!)

I was looking at Athens in November 2013 but think that 90 Euros is a little steep for race entry. I know London will be expensive too but it's almost my 'home town' so if I get a place I have to pay out for that one :-)

Valencia looks like it will be a definate one as I'm hoping to go there for a week and take 'part one' of a beginner Spanish course. I'll take part two 'when' I am in Barcelona to run the marathon there next March!

I'm really hoping that Ciry wants to run Barcelona in 2013!! There are so many people we know that are going to. Come on Ciry......you know you want to :-)

50 Marathons, 50 Cities, Before I'm 50

I shared a dream of mine with a Spanish guy that I ran some of Valencia Marathon with.

That dream is to run 50 marathons in 50 different european cities before I'm 50!!

These are my marathon ideas (not set in stone) for the next few years:-

May 2011 - Copenhagen Marathon
Nov 2011 - Valencia Marathon
Spring 2012 - Madrid or Barcelona Marathon
Autumn 2012 - Berlin Marathon
Spring 2013 - Barcelona or Madrid Marathon
Autumn 2013 - Nice-Cannes Marathon
Spring 2014 - Seville Marathon
Autumn 2014 - Venice Marathon

From 2013 I will probably begin to run three marathons a year!! There are so many others I want to do such as Milan, Lisbon, Budapest, Florence, Hamburg, Rome.........

I'm not sure if I can be called a beginner anymore. Maybe I should change the title of my blog to the title of this post??

One Week Until Valencia Marathon!

Oh my god!! Only one week left until Valencia Marathon 2011!!

I am certainly not as scared as I was when it was only 1 week until Copenhagen Marathon. I think this is because I know what is ahead of me this time and, of course, because I'm going to Valencia too :-)

I am actually very excited about my coming marathon and can't wait to be running it!! (I think this makes me a little crazy in most peoples minds).

The finish is going to be great! They are buiilding a long platform in the middle of some water so when you come into the finish it will seem like you are 'running on water'.

Below are some photos of them working on the platform and how the finish will look :-

I don't think that will be my time!!

Race Number 3683 for Valencia Marathon and Latest Weather Report!

I have just found out my race number for Valencia Marathon (thanks for the tip Pancho)

My number is 3683!!

I am really looking forward to the marathon and to visiting Valencia :-)

Only 8 days to the marathon!

Latest weather report for Valencia Marathon:- This one is looking better! I like that it says 'increasing clouds'

Details for Sunday, November 27, 2011

Increasing clouds

High Temperature

17°C

RealFeel®

18°C

Winds

NW 3

Maximum UV

2

Thunderstorm Probability

0%

Amount of Precipitation

0

Amount of Rain

0

Amount of Snow

0

Hours of Precipitation

0 Hours

Hours of Rain

0 Hours

31st Edition of Valencia Marathon: 27th November!

The 31st edition of the city’s largest race is taking place on 27 November. Some 6,700 athletes have already registered for the Divina Pastora Marathon, and will be running across the whole city to complete the 42-kilometre race. The circuit, which is completely flat, will begin at one of Valencia’s best venues, the City of Arts and Sciences. 

The popular athletics phenomenon has become a point of reference in bringing sport to the masses. This is nowhere better exemplified than in the Marathon. These mythological 42,195 kilometres provide us with an impressive demonstration of the qualities needed to excel in any sporting arena: personal endurance, perseverance and stamina.

The Divina Pastora Marathon is held annually in the historic city of Valencia which, with its entirely flat circuit and perfect November temperature, averaging between 12-17 degrees, represents the ideal setting for hosting such a long-distance sporting challenge. This, coupled with the most incomparable of settings, makes the Divina Pastora Marathon, Valencia, one of the most important events in the national calendar.

Running alongside the Mediterranean coastline, barely metres from the sea, taking in areas of the city where events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix is held and the Americas Cup was celebrated are only a few of the attractions that await the participants when taking part in the Divina Pastora Marathon, Valencia.

The stunning Ciudad de la Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) will serve as the nerve centre of this prestigious event that promises to be a sporting celebration. This architectural masterpiece will not only be both the starting and finishing points of the race but will also be the site of the numerous parallel activities planned for the big day. Exceed your expectations as you pass over the shimmering blue pools of the Museo de las Ciencias (Science Museum) Príncipe Felipe. Celebrate your triumphant return in this unforgettable setting.

The official route :

All the info on http://maratondivinapastoravalencia.com

Valencia Marathon Weather

Two weeks today and I will be finished Valencia Marathon!!

I can't wait! There are 6400 people signed up so far.

Of course, I've already started checking the weather and have to say that right now I'm not liking what I'm seeing!

The wind is fine, the temperature is fine but I'm hating that great big sun!! Bring on the clouds I say :-)

Details for Sunday, November 27, 2011

Mostly sunny

High Temperature

21°C

RealFeel®

19°C

Winds

NW 16

Maximum UV

2

Thunderstorm Probability

0%

Amount of Precipitation

0

Amount of Rain

0

Amount of Snow

0

Hours of Precipitation

0 Hours

Hours of Rain

0 Hours

New Half Marathon Personal Best!!

I have had a great run today :-)

I needed to do my very long pre-marathon run so I signed up for a half marathon.


First I ran the 5k down to the start line where I then picked up my start number, filled up my water bottle, and went to the toilet. Then it was time for the half marathon race.

For the first 3k I was running by the sea at Amagerstrand (which you must know by now is somewhere I love to run). The rest of the half marathon was all the way around Copenhagen Airport. Hence the race was called Lufthavnen Rundt which was organised by Motionsklubben Amager.

For pretty much the first 12k I was in very high spirits singing along to Justin Timberlake on my Ipod :-) (remember 12k in the race was actually 17k for me). I then settled down a bit and concentrated on the running a little more.

Once I got to around the 16k point I have to say that the run was so boring! The backside of the airport is just a VERY long straight road where you can see a really long way ahead. I decided to just play with my music and watch my feet for a while.

I was so glad when this area came to an end around 20k!

The Route

Once I had the finish line in sight I still did my famous sprint finish :-) I crossed the line in 2 hours and 4 minutes. Not sure about the seconds so I'll find that out once the results are on the web.

Anyway I grabbed a couple of cups of water, had a banana, and then run up to the bus stop to add some more kilometres on. I think all the other runners that were still around eating and drinking must have thought I was a little crazy.

I ended running 28k today!! I'm very happy with having that as my long run :-)

Bring on Valencia - 3 weeks today!!

3 Weeks until Valencia!

This time in 3 weeks I will be on my way to Valencia!

I am really looking forward to my trip down there for many reasons...

I get to go somewhere I haven't been before.

I get to spend a few days with my beautiful niece Leah.

I get to enjoy some warmer weather.

And I'LL BE RUNNING VALENCIA MARATHON :-)

I'm running my long pre marathon run this Sunday. I've signed up for a half marathon and the start/finish is 3k from my home so I'll run there and back. That means I'll be running roughly 27k!

I'll be taking it easy during the marathon and am going for a time of 4 hours and 30 minutes which is 15 minutes less than my Copenhagen Marathon time. It just means that I have to run a tiny bit faster, not stop so long for the toilet, and walk through the drinking stations for about 40 seconds each instead of a minute :-)

Berlin Marathon 2012 will be another matter as I'm going to try and get under 4 hours!