World Athletics does and has for a number of years now. In short, stick height no taller than 40mm for road racing shoes, no more than one plate or blade, and there are rules about prototypes and retail availability.

It's all on the google if you actually want details.

Anyone here have advice on the College Station Half?

I'm an experienced racer but never toed this one so curious what some of you guys have to say

bmac_aggie18 said:

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Anyone here have advice on the College Station Half?

I'm an experienced racer but never toed this one so curious what some of you guys have to say

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Shouldn't be terrible. I haven't ran it, but looking at the map you should have some gradual uphill from mile 3 to 6.5, then a steep uphill to mile 7 as you get to campus, and then the back 6 miles should be pretty fast through campus and back to Wolf Pen Creek. Mostly downhill from mile 7 to the end. Lots of neighborhood running, which I found makes runs feel faster.

Guaranteed you're much more experienced than I am, but this route definitely seems prime for finishing strong.

Wife just signed me and her up for an 8 mile race in May where I live in northern Utah.
It will be my first race ever, 48 years old, 185lbs and not much of a runner other than going out for some light sprinting/walks in neighborhood maybe a few times a month on top of 3x/week weightlifting at gym. Open to any and all suggestions to get myself prepared. Obviously not looking to win, but don't want to thoroughly embarrass myself.

Haven't run the half/full, but did run the 10K (October) a number of times, as well as the very difficult and technical Chuck Norris 5K (once).

I just remember it being very flat and fast compared to my preferred places (trail racing).

Don't enter unless you can win! Kidding! Train up to enjoy the run with the goal of finishing.

There are a ton of training plans out there.....But the answer to your question depends upon things like.....when is the run, what is the course like (road, trail, steep, flat, etc.), what's your base level of fitness like now, any injuries you need to accommodate, etc?

8 miles is completely do-able for a first time race (assuming it isn't a horribly steep trail race up rock scrambles), but knowing some baseline info would definitely go into the mix re how you train.

I've run the half three or four times, and there are three parts of it that I remember more than others.

The section between ~4.75 and 5.5 has always bothered me, though it's hard for me to say exactly why. The turning isn't that big of a deal, but the section has generally felt disconcerting and busy enough to lose rhythm.

Depending on the weather, the ~.75 miles along Wellborn Rd can be harder than it looks. A lot of the course is pretty well hidden in neighborhoods and trees with no cars, and then you pop out on Wellborn with no neighborhood, no trees, and cars. Particularly the first two things can make a north or east wind or a sunny day feel much stronger than they actually are.

The one hill on Dexter can be tough. It doesn't look bad on the elevation chart, but at that point in the race, it grows. It's about perfectly placed to totally redline people and blow up the entire race.

Sorry about that, race is in May in Utah so weather shouod be nice. Its all on streets, first half starts going downhill for maybe 4 miles and final 4 miles is flat.

Ive been lifting weights for 30+ years and active in general. Have had tons of surgeries, both rotator cuffs, lamenictomy in my back 15+ years ago, ruptured bicep 2 year ago, hip surgery 15 years ago to remove an ossification feom an old HS football injury.

jsc8116 said:

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Wife just signed me and her up for an 8 mile race in May where I live in northern Utah.
It will be my first race ever, 48 years old, 185lbs and not much of a runner other than going out for some light sprinting/walks in neighborhood maybe a few times a month on top of 3x/week weightlifting at gym. Open to any and all suggestions to get myself prepared. Obviously not looking to win, but don't want to thoroughly embarrass myself.

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where are you at? I was just in Salt Lake. I go for work every month or so. Its so beautiful up there.

Lived in North Ogden for thr past 15 years, about an hour north of SLC. I do enjoy having all 4 seasons that is for sure.

Plenty of time to train and get ready. The hardest part when getting into running (for many) is easing into it and staying away from overtraining/injury.

I would just spend time getting comfortable putting time on your feet, and then start a training plan (I use the free Hal Higdon plans) about 4 months out maybe.

I'm jealous of your being able to run in such a nice place. The TX gulf coast (where I'm at) is absolutely terrible for what I like doing (trail racing).

Have fun and stay healthy!!

Thanks, indeed nice scenery and low humidity