Running 4 marathons in 35 days and 5 in 2 months takes it's toll. Yes, I'm now a Gold member of the maniacs, but on the downside my ankle hurts and I did not get a PR at Newport like planned. I was running a nine minute pace at 10 miles and down to a 10 minute pace at 20, so I knew I had to have gas to get a PR. Alas after that many marathons I did not have the gas, I was quite tired for once after the run.
I also had actually gained weight during these runs, about 4 or 5 pounds and I could feel it. I lost those pounds in one week after Newport. I believe it is due to having your training schedule messed up becuase of needing to rest before and after marathons. I'm training for the fall now after Newport, but glad I ran it as I met Cara who is a friend now and has been helping me with the site and many maniacs were running this race.
I do not believe this course is as flat as Tri Cities in Richmond, but it is a good course. I prefer paved trails along the water though as this one is on the road and the angle of the road is hard to run on (reminds me of Big Sur).
So now I look ahead to training for Portland and the Marine Corp marathon this fall. Newport was very well run and I am glad that I ran their 10th race. Their medal is very well done and heavy, so they put time and money into their marathon and limit it to 750, so if you want to run Newport, register early!
