Seattle or Sacramento?

So, it's been a while since I've posted anything to my blog. (Bouvier borrowed my disposible thumbs and held them hostage all summer, so I've not been able to type). I guess last time you heard from me I was on my way to Boston. Well, Boston was fabulous - a great experience for any runner. I really liked the city too. We stayed in a hotel next to the T (subway) so could get around quickly. The city seems like a permanent fun zone. In the 5 days I was there there we 2 hockey games, 2 baseball games, a basketball game, the women's olympic marathon trials, and of course the Boston Marathon. (Pics are just pretty, nothing to do with the conent of this post).

My run was hindered by a calf pull I suffered 6 weeks prior. The calf pull meant I could hardly run leading up to Boston. I think I did 3 runs (up to 10k) and in those 6 weeks, and two run/walk sessions at the track. Not the training you want leading up to Boston. Well, I ran regardless and it hurt like hell. I was in pain at 20k and it just got worse. As I turned the corner for the last 300m down Boylston Street, I stopped and walked. It didn't seem possible to do another 300m. I walked a bit and then ran, and ran across the line. I ended up running 3:58 which is 15 minutes shy of what I'd normally run.

It took me about 45 minutes to find my way out of the finishing chute and to find Guy. He helped me back to the hotel, about 2km walk away, and ran me a bath which did my legs wonders. But, my legs were in bad shape. They've never been so sore. I was not able to sit down. I had to stand to pee for a few days. I'd never run so unprepared again. I did it for Boston since that could have been my only time to ever run Boston, but I'd never again run so unprepared.

In the end, I move up an age group next year and only need to run 4h to qualify...which I did despite the difficulty at Boston, so I'm in again and heading back next year to attack that Heartbreak Hill.


So, I'm registered for Boston in April. I've been working up my mileage to run a marathon in late fall, to regin my confidence for Boston. I'm feeling really strong with my running and in a couple weeks plan to run 40-50k in a Club Fat Ass run, to regain my confidence. Aside from that I'll start working on my speed and be ready to try Boston again. I did some good trail running this summer, an awsome backpacking trip, and have been cycle commuting to work, so feel strong. Still, Bouvier thinks I have to lose a few pounds to perform optimally.

So, for a late fall marathon I'm thinking of either Seattle or Sacraento. Seattle is much easier logistically, being a short drive away, but Sacramento seems a better scene, likely better weather, a fast course, and a city I've never seen. I'm leaning towards Sacramento, and Bouvier wants me to do Sacramento, but do let me know which you think I should do.