Help Me Pick My 2017 Goal Race {and Win Brooks Running Gear}
October 2014 feels like it was a long time ago. It was two years and two months to be exact. That’s how long I’ve gone without having a goal race. I spent 2015 “running for fun” with the hopes of getting pregnant, and I’ve spent all of 2016 pregnant. While I’ve appreciated the mental and physical break and am beyond excited to start a family next month, I’m hungry to train hard and conquer big goals that have been swirling in my mind and heart for – you guessed it – two years and two months.
That time is finally here.
If all goes smoothly with my delivery, I should be able to slowly start running again in mid-February. I’ve decided to pick a fall 2017 goal half marathon as my first comeback race. The idea is to spend a lot of time re-building my base, with the hopes of running in the high 1:30s by late fall, which would be close to my pre-pregnancy fitness level. I would simultaneously be working on a solid base to embark on a spring 2018 marathon if my body is feeling strong.
This is where you come in. I need your help to pick the best race for my post-baby comeback. As an added bonus, for everyone who shares which race you think I should run and why, you’ll be entered to win three awesome stocking-stuffers from Brooks Running, including a headband, gloves and calf sleeves.
The Race Choices
1. Wineglass Half Marathon, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Corning, New York (about four hours northwest of New York City)
Why I like this race:
- It is a mostly flat race with a net downhill change in elevation on a point-to-point course (no loops). The marathon course is also one of the top Boston Marathon qualifying races, meaning it can be a fast race.
- There are about 3,500 runners, which is a nice size … not too large or too small. I have heard from runners who have completed this race that it is well organized with nice views.
- All finishers receive a hand-blown glass medal, which is unique. They typically also provide a long-sleeve tech shirt, wine glass and small bottle of wine.
- There are a lot of nearby breweries and wineries, which could make for a fun post-race activity.
Potential race cons:
- Flights are expensive from Tampa since there are no major airports nearby (about $450) and there are no non-stop flights available.
- All runners must take a bus to the start line, creating more stress on race morning for race day logistics.
- I’m not sure the area boasts the best vacation destination if my family were to come with me. I like the idea of going to some wineries and vineyards, but I need to do more research on what is available.
- Although the weather is typically cool, it can be slightly warmer than my preferred race day conditions. The average high is 67 and the average low is 42. In 2016, the low was 54 degrees on race day and 46 degrees in 2015.
2. Anthem Richmond Half Marathon, Sunday, November 11, 2017, in Richmond, Virginia
Why I like this race:
- It is a mostly flat race with a few small rolling hills and a nice downhill toward the finish on a single loop course. The marathon course is one of the top Boston Marathon qualifying races, meaning it can be a fast race. Here’s a preview of the course.
- It is later in the fall (mid-November), giving me more time to train and better guaranteeing cold temperatures. The temps have been perfect the past two years. The average temps are a high of 62 and a low of 40 F. The temps have been closer to 40 at the start the past two years which is perfect for me and a huge game-changer for my race enjoyment.
- The course weaves through historic neighborhoods and along the waterfront. I have several athletes I have coached for this race who have all loved it.
- There is a wet washcloth stop before mile 10. There’s also a junk food aid station stop which I likely wouldn’t partake in, but is fun nonetheless.
- All finishers receive a gender specific long-sleeve tech tee, finisher’s blanket, medal and special treat for the 40th anniversary year.
- We could potentially go to Shenandoah National Park after the race in our quest to visit all the National Parks. It’s less than a two-hour drive from Richmond.
Potential race cons:
- Richmond is a place I’ve been to before and somewhere Mr. rUnladylike travels to for work somewhat often.
3. Other: Your Recommendation
I know there are tons of amazing fall half marathons out there. I’d love your suggestions. I’m looking for a race that is …
- Mostly flat
- In cold temperatures (ideally colder than 48 degrees F)
- Easily accessible in terms of travel and race day logistics
- After October 1, 2017
- Somewhere where there are things to do with family before/after the race
Help Me Pick My Race and Win
To thank you for helping me pick my 2017 goal race, I’m giving one lucky reader a prize pack of Brooks Running gear just in time for the holidays. The winner will receive a holiday prize pack including …
- One Greenlight Running Headband: These reversible running ear warmers are the perfect cherry on top of your cold-weather workout wardrobe. Stay warm and dry thanks to DriLayer® moisture-wicking fabric, two designs to keep you stylish on the run and front and back retroflectivity to stay visible in low light.
- One pair of Drift Running Gloves: These unisex gloves provide a tech-tipped thumb and index finger to keep your touch-screen in play at all times. When you need more protection against the elements, flip over the windproof mitt cover for added warmth. Reflective detail helps you stay visible in low light.
- One pair of Run Happy Fanatic Calf Sleeves: Made from Dri-Layer® Crush fabric, these calf sleeves provide ideal compression for training and recovery. They feature a stylish, fun design and a mesh panel at the upper calf to help keep you ventilated.
Here’s how to win:
- Leave a comment at the end of this post telling me which race I should run and why: Wineglass Half Marathon, Richmond Half Marathon or another half marathon you think I should consider.
- Use the Rafflecopter widget below to track your entry (mandatory). Simply log in with your Facebook account or email. Once you’ve left your comment, check it off in the box below, which will unlock additional options to enter.
- OPTIONAL: Earn additional entries by completing more actions in the Rafflecopter widget, such as liking rUnladylike and Brooks Running on social media, signing up for my email list and more.
This giveaway is open until Sunday, December 11, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
I’m a Brooks Running Run Happy Ambassador and receive free products to test each month along with other perks. Please note that there are affiliate links contained within this post.
Which fall 2017 half marathon should I run as my goal race and why: 1. Wineglass Half Marathon, 2. Richmond Half Marathon or another half marathon of your choosing? (Answering this question below is mandatory to enter the Brooks Running holiday giveaway.)
Comments
Have you considered Savannah GA? I think it’s a rock and roll one but beautiful city.
Hi Susan! I’ve run a half marathon and marathon in Savannah. Both races were great and definitely met my criteria for a race that suits my needs. Hoping to try a new city next year. Thanks for the suggestion!!! xoxo
I say #2! Just leaving enough time to recover and it looks nice!
Having done the post baby half marathon thing myself, I would suggest also considering things like “if I’m nursing would it be easy to get in a last pre-race pump/feed”. For me personally that would rule out Wineglass — with the bus. I’ve had friends run Wineglass and they LOVE it … but adding potentially additional logistics if you think you might still be nursing at that point is something to consider. Good luck with your upcoming bundle of joy! I’m pregnant as well and starting to think about what’s next post baby and it’s a very exciting thing to think about tackling training again!
Thanks for that great advice Kristen! I do hope to still be breastfeeding so that’s really good to consider. Congrats on your pregnancy! Super excited for you! Here’s to our running comeback! 🙂 xoxo
Go for the Wineglass. Since it’s your 1st one back, go someplace you haven’t really been and make a family trip out of it. It will be something you will always remember
I vote for the St. Jude marathon / half-marathon in Memphis! It’s a great race, very flat, and the temps are perfect in Memphis that time of year (early December). And if you like BBQ — boom. Post-race food EVERYWHERE.
My vote would be for Wineglass! I would be all about the good views, and that’d be a beautiful area to visit in fall. it’s not far from the finger lakes too, which could make for a beautiful relaxing mini-vacation!
I think you should consider the Outer Banks marathon/half marathon in Kitty Hawk, NC. It is a flat, Boston certified course, and known to be fast. It runs the 2nd weekend in Nov, so temps should be ideal for you. If you’ve never been, the other banks of NC are beautiful coastline area. Additionally, you will be very close to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, so you can check that national park off your bucket list! Good luck deciding!
I am not too familiar with east coast races, since I am a west-coaster and don’t travel far to race. I am a running mom though, and I say logistics of getting to Richmond would win the day for me. Every bit of extra complication for travel is compounded with a baby (if your family is with you). If you don’t take your family, extra time away from your potentially breast-feeding baby is more fun doing something besides extra driving or plane time.
Wineglass has always been on my list so I choose that one! Looks like a fun, fast race.
Wineglass looks pretty amazing. I had a friend run the full and she said it was pretty fantastic!
I’d vote for Richmond. I ran the full this year and the course and crowds are amazing! I unfortunately didn’t have the best day due to a hip issue, but the great crowd support helped me finish strong and keep a smile on my face. The downhill finish and blankets are definitely a perk as well! I’m looking forward to another shot at it next year.
Marshall’s University half marathon, Huntington, WV. Date tbd but typically first or second weekend of Nov. Flat & fast course (1 small hill & 1 underpass) with a finish on Football field with option to cross finish line with football. Great finisher medal, we’re super friendly town. Hotels are within 10 minutes of start/finish. small race field.
I’ve heard really great things about the Anthem Richmond Half! I used to live in Virginia and it was always on my radar, although the dates always ended up not quite working out. Someone also mentioned the Outer Banks Southern Fried Half — I haven’t done that one, but I did the Flying Pirate, which is their spring half, and it was fantastic! Well organized, wonderful course, and it’s even closer to Florida than Virginia! Good luck choosing 🙂
I vote for Richmond! I’m about 1.5 hours north (just outside of DC) and maybe I’ll join you! This has been a rough year and I’m lacking in motivation, that could be the kick in the butt that I need! 🙂
I vote for Wineglass! Sounds like a fun trip and the winery/brewery visits will be part of the reward. 🙂
I recommend CHOSEN half here in New Braunfels, TX. It’s a beautiful route! Only thing is Weather is so unpredictable, could be in the 30’s or 80’s 😬
Next vote would be Wineglass half😊
Congrats on your blessing!!! So exciting!!!
I think both of these races look great! Pick the one that you are more comfortable with… I love the idea of winery hopping after a race, but with family, that can be a little more interesting. I really enjoy all of the fall Kansas City races, but if you are not used to hills, this would not be a course for you 🙂
I vote Columbus, OH Marathon. It benefits the children’s hospital. Awesome for a new mom.
I second the vote for St. Jude. My sister has run and fundraised for it several times and I know it’s a truly unique experience. Especially if you raise enough to be a part of the St. Jude hospital!
For a 3rd option- Philly Half Marathon it’s flat except for a couple of hills, easy flight from Tampa, and an awesome city! I’m actually considering doing Richmond for the full though, so I think they are both great choices!
I vote for Richmond. Great time of year to be in VA and you could do a family trip to Williamsburg after the race. Another option that is relatively flat with easy access is The Philadelphia half. It is the weekend before Thanksgiving. Great course support and Philly is a very cool city.
I would pick Wineglass. I’ve run the half there once and the marathon 3 times. It’s a great race that is very well organized. You can’t beat the fall colors that time of year, either!
Thanks Erin! Glad to hear you have enjoyed it and have so much experience with the race! xo
Madison half marathon! It’s hilly, but a beautiful city. Fall in Wisconsin is lovely
Rock n Roll San Antonio in early december is my vote!
I’ve been eyeing this race since I have family in the area: http://hamptonrockfest.com/course/. You can fly in/out of Boston and that would make a GREAT spot for a family vacation.
Do the Seacoast Half Marathon in New Hampshire! It’s in November, super flat, temps will be in the 40s and you can see Sarah and I. 🙂
You don’t have to twist my arm about seeing you and Sarah and venturing into the cold. That would be SO fun! Hoping I’ll get to see you two up there for Rise.Run.Retreat. 2017 too before then … date and location coming soon!!!!
While I think Wineglass sounds amazing, it seems like a lot more logistical issues for your first race back with baby in tow. Given that I’d vote for Richmond. You still have a national park you can visit and even though it might be an area you are more familiar with, I’m sure you can find some new/exciting things to visit.
Wineglass because I think it sounds like the most fun. Plus fall is a great time of year to be in NY!
Of the 2 you picked, Wineglass sounds like a ton of fun! One I would suggest if you want to branch out is the Detroit International Half. I know, Detroit? For vacation? But I did their fully in 2008 as my first full and the course is amazing! Flat, fast, you run across the Ambassador Bridge into Canada for a few miles, and take a tunnel underwater back to the City (you even get an underwater mile time). Less then 5000 runners, so its not too packed, logistics are easy, the swag is good, and October in Michigan is guaranteed to be cool weather. They do a great job of showcasing the positive in the city. Detroit is on an upswing, or you could visit other areas in Michigan.
That race sounds awesome Sara!!! Thanks so much for the recommendation! xo
Wineglass sounds lovely!
I vote for the Seacoast Half as well! I could come over and join you, Sarah and Angela!
How about Philly? Or find a buddy and run one leg of the NCR Trail Marathon Relay in Maryland in late November!
I would choose the Richmond race. You will have enough stress getting back into the zone, nursing, etc, you don’t need to add being away from your family and travel. And having your family at the finish line will help your final push to finish! Good luck whichever you choose!
Definitely Richmond! I haven’t run the full but have run the half 3 times and it’s hands-down my favorite race! The crowd support is amazing, the scenery is gorgeous and the race is so well organized! There’s an awesomely fast downhill finish with a killer view, and everyone gets a sweet finisher’s blanket. Can’t recommend Richmond enough!
I think you know my vote here…Richmond, 100%!!!!! You make me want to run it again next year…..
Of these two, I would pick Richmond just because it’s the only one of those cities I have visited. But, maybe you could consider the Charleston Marathon half which is in January here in SC! I have to recommend it because it’s my hometown race and I love it. I have run it 4 times. But, best wishes in whichever race you decide- I am sure you will do great.
I ran the Richmond Marathon and another advantage that half (and full) is that is on a SATURDAY. I loved having the rest of the day and evening Saturday to hang out in Richmond. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is amazing. That said, I’m planning on signing up for the Wineglass full marathon so I think you should do that one. 🙂
I vote for Wineglass! It’s close to my hometown in Upstate NY. As you mentioned there’s plenty of non-running activities – the Finger Lakes wine trail is considered one of the best in the country! There are endless wineries to visit. Ithaca is a nearby city with lots of parks, trails, restaurants, and fun things to do. It’s famous for its gorges! You will see amazing foliage that time of year. Everyone I know who has run it has gotten their best times! I’ve heard the bussing runs smoothly to the start line and it’s a very well coordinated event.
I ran the Niagara Falls International Half Marathon in October, it was the first race I’ve ever signed up for which boasted a flat, fast course – and actually WAS! They have an International Marathon which you begin in New York and finish at the brink of the falls. Race day is Sunday, October 15, 2017 and there are TONS of things to enjoy in the area! Also, the scenery is AMAZING and…the medals are in kilometers, so they will likely stand out in your collection. A beautiful, international fall race…why not?
https://niagarafallsmarathon.com
I vote for Cohick/Bass Pro Half Marathon in Springfield, Missouri. It’s the first weekend in November. Starting temp the last two years has been in the 40’s. Rolling hills, nice crowd support, smaller race crowd. So much fun and their medals are great. Their events are organized well.
Of the two races listed, I would go with Richmond. I ran that race a few years ago and would love to run it again. That said, running and travel after baby are more complicated than I would have imagined. Especially in that first year. It may be worth looking for something more local (I know that doesn’t help with the temps, but that first year is no joke.)
I ran my first half at 7 months post postpartum. It was a local half and I brought a babysitter along to watch my daughter for me while I ran because I nursed, I ran and then it was pretty much time to nurse again. If you are planning on nursing/pumping, something that makes that easy is key. I also had to carefully manage my milk to make sure my daughter had enough to last until she was a year. This meant that I tried not to stay away from her for too long because I never pumped quite as much as she drank while I was away.
Additionally, they may still not be sleeping well, and travel can make that even harder. I would plan on bringing the family with. Also, I would wait to make the final call until the baby is here. It will change your life in ways that are unimaginable.
Thanks so much for all your advice and insights Heather! All super, super helpful! xoxo
Richmond Half Marathon. I remember you telling me about the marathon when we discussed a Plan B for Chicago in the event of Hurricane Matthew delays or injury. It seemed as though there was a certain amount of excitement and enthusiasm in your voice when you pitched this race. Thinking of the way you sounded makes me believe you would really enjoy this one. 🙂
I stronly recommended the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon (And Half). I ran it this past November and loved everything. Per your criterion:
1) Very flat, fast course. A top Boston qualifier and I saw why. An exciting course winding through mostly downtown Indy by many landmarks
2) Race temps are in the preferred range with race time usually around 40. It was 41 for my race and 45 at the finish
3) Race day logistics are a breeze and Indy is very easy to access by air. I stayed at the Hyatt Regency which is one block from the start and finish lines. The expo is connected by an interior walkway to the Hyatt. Several pasta restaurants nearby (like Buca di beppo).
4) Next year’s race is November 4, 2017 and I plan to run again. I preferred Indy to my Detroit, Toledo, Columbus or Cleveland marathon/half experiences. Although Columbus was pretty good too.
I loved downtown Indianapolis as did my friends. Great hospitality and it’s perhaps the best midwest city for visitors next to Chicago.
Thanks so much for your very thoughtful vote and reasons, Mike!!! You guys are making this decision tough!!! xo
That is a long time to be away from racing! I’m looking forward to following along for your comeback. It’s tough but if anyone can do it, you can!
I’m also jealous that your requirement for a race is that it must be in the 40s! I’ve never run ANY race in the 40s, the coldest has been high 50s and most races I run are sunny and in the high 60s or 70s!
Good luck deciding!
I’d go for Richmond. Shorter travel time and being familiar with the area are both helpful when you are traveling with the family. I’ve traveled with my kids for quite a few racecations (Boston this year!) and simplicity is better in my book. (Boston will not be simple but um, Boston!) I also agree with everything Heather said!
Napa Half Marathon. October. Super lovely time of year there. And NorCal in October weather can’t be beat! I haven’t run it since it’s on road but have run on the area trails and they are stellar. And Yosemite well sorta nearby. Also Point Reyes is near and it’s awesome. And the food in the area. Yum.
The Duke City marathon is in October, flat and fast and you could go to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta while you are here. Carlsbad Caverns is 4.5hrs from ABQ which might be a little far but not too bad. The only con would be that it is an out and back on a public trail (that doesn’t get closed) but the temperatures are usually perfect.
I’d recommend Richmond, or maybe another half marathon close to your home (sorry, I’m not sure what’s around you!). I have a two-year-old, and it took me a while to get into the groove of things after he was born. I think choosing a race closer to home would reduce your stress preparing for the race. Good luck!
So there is a half marathon of Boise, Idaho on Oct. 21st, 2017 called the Beer-N-Brats Run where you get beer and brats at the end!! If you haven’t been to this side of then country it’s a nice race and usually all of the races put on by this company is relatively small, which is nice. For their shamrock shuffle hey gave huge boxes of lucky charms to the top finishers. Boise is a big “small” town and has a lot of interesting things to do. I think it’s defiantly work looking into. Also Boise has a decent size airport to fly into.
Hi Jesica,
Wineglass is on my list and the downhill sounds awesome! Go with Wineglass unless your open to other options. The Philly Half Marathon would be pretty amazing as well. Philly is the coolest city I have ever visited.
GORE-TEX® Philadelphia Half Marathon
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Date: Sunday, November 20, 2016
The steps at the starting line are the same steps Rocky sprinted up! You can become a champ too with 13.1 miles through Philly’s most historic streets of Old City, the high-energy Center City and the fall trails along the Schuylkill River, before rounding the corner back to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Registration fee: $60-$115.
Wineglass sounds great because it would be a fun new place to visit and a great race, except if the logistics really bother you. I would also give a vote for the Philly half. I have done the half and the full. Big race bit great support and fun city. Have fun!
Definitely Wineglass. I ran the half last year and it’s a phenomenal race. Great course to run fast and the atmosphere at the finish line, with all the shops and restaurants open, is amazing. For things to do in the area, the Corning Museum of Glass is tremendous, and it’s where packet pickup is so you’ll already be stopping there.
The wine glass half as it is my wife’s birthday and a great way to celebrate. Good luck in all your races 🙂
I vote for Richmond because of the great fall colors around there, and also because I’m a Virginia native!
Richmond. It’s a great race with super friendly folks and plenty of great views and spectators!
Jes, I would do something close to your house. I want you to enjoy a comeback race fully, which means that you need as few complications as possible. Travelling can be difficult with a child younger than one. I’d pick something as close to home as possible, or as close to very close family. Even when our daughter was as old as 7, I ended up at the ER the night before the DC Marathon for about five hours. Things just get… unpredictable. You may want your own bed, routine, (and baby may sleep better in her own crib to boot.). Just the old lady momma in m
e piping up. 😉
I highly recommend Richmond! I have run the full marathon once and the half a few times, and set a few PRs there. You can’t beat the super fast downhill finish. It is an incredibly well-run operation, making it feel like a small town race even though its actually pretty big. I also grew up in Charlottesville (West of Richmond headed toward Shenanadoah) and if you think you will get a chance to visit out that way you’re sure to love it. It’s gorgeous. If you’re into breweries and wineries, Richmond has some cool local breweries and in and around Charlottesville has a great selection of wineries.
I would say the Wineglass Half. Because: wine! 😉
I think you should run the Wineglass half. How cool would it be to get a mini wine bottle just for running a race? That’s pretty sweet in my opinion.
I tried hard to think of a flat fall half marathon in the PNW and came up with nothing! All the flat ones seem to be in spring. Wineglass or Seacoast that Angela mentioned sound like they would be great races – the locations sound nice and wineries/breweries nearby after Wineglass would make for fun post-race celebration.
Lake Powell Half Marathon. You can visit another national park and the photos look gorgeous! Wineglass is on my bucket list of marathons once I finish all 50 states, so I don’t think you can lose with that one either!
Hi Jesica, I would like to make a pitch for the JG 13.1 in Atlanta. Granted I don’t have any experience with half marathons outside of North Georgia, but the Galloway race is well-organized, it’s remarkably less hilly than other ATL races of that length, and of course you have a personal connection to Atlanta. The one downside is that it’s ridiculously expensive unless you sign up a year in advance. I paid only $49 in December 2015 for the race coming up this weekend, however I’m looking at the website and the early registration price for the 2016 race was listed as $69, so I probably got an additional discount as a repeater.
I vote Wineglass. Sounds like a nice race and a pretty setting.
I would recommend the Wineglass- I grew up in the area and it is gorgeous. Corning is close to the finger lakes which is just a beautiful area, especially in the fall. There are plenty of rentals or B& B’s available right on several of the lakes, and wineries line both Seneca and Cayuga Lake. There are alot of beautiful hikes in the area, close to Ithaca- you can look at Buttermilk Falls or anything in the Watkins Glen area. You can also go to Corning glass or Mackenzie Child. I thought that JetBlue did cheap flights from Syracuse to Tampa or Southwest goes into Rochester. Both would probably be cheaper than trying to fly into Binghamton, and would be about 1-2hr drives but the one nice thing about that area in NY is there is never traffic! My parents still have such a hard time dealing with traffic when they come to see me outside of Philadelphia because “traffic” in upstate NY is basically waiting for the tractor to move out of your way. Hope that helps!
Wineglass is a beautiful race, and everyone I know that has done it really likes it. It’s not far from me, so I know a lot of people who do it each year.
However, there’s also the Empire Half [and full] in Syracuse, NY which is in October. Was the 9th this year. The weather can range from freakin’ cold to decent fall weather. As a spectator I can say the last few years have been…chilly. LOL. Syracuse has an international airport, though it can be costly to fly in for some reason. There are lots of things to do in and around Syracuse, so I think your family wouldn’t have trouble finding fun and food.
http://empirestatemarathon.com/ 2017 date not posted yet, but should be shortly.
Wineglass is on my someday list so my vote goes to that! (And I can’t recommend any of the halves I’ve done as they were either in the spring or nothing worth recommending.)
I ran a half (my first half!) 8 months after my first – physically my body was ready, I had a good recovery and training went well. “Ran” a half 6 months after my second – terrible. Recovery was much longer with my second and I was under trained for the race. Just to give you a little personal experience.
I like that you’re giving yourself a lot of time and not expecting to PR! You don’t know how delivery/recovery/returning to running will go but it is fun to make your first half back something fun and a little trip. Can’t wait to see what you pick!
Pensacola 1/2 is in November! Mostly flat (it is Florida), and there are a wide range of things in Pensacola, the downtown area is booming now, naval aviation museum for the fam, the beach (depending on weather). It was my 1st 1/2 that I ever did and I loved it.
Wineglass sounds fabulous! I am adding it to my list of potentials.
Best wishes for you and your family:-)
Have you thought about the Mississippi gulf coast marathon. Just done the inaugural one this weekend. Fly into New Orleans which was very inexpensive also another option would be to fly into Mobile Alabama. Well run even for it being the first race.