Run It Fast®

A simple video of a kid flipping through flashcards, written in Sharpie, with several very important and helpful tips for running your first marathon or half marathon.

Hat tip to Antonio Gonzalez.

[This post is part of a series where we ask runners from all over the world what some of their favorite marathon and ultramarathon races have been.]

“Running has given me an excuse to travel and one race usually leads to  another.  Listed below are some of my favorites.” – John O’Regan

1.  Spartathlon: This must be the toughest and most satisfying ultra Marathon in the world because of its unique history and background.  The thought of this race scared be as I knew by the consistently high dropout rate of 70% that the chances of not finishing were quite high but fear of failure isn’t a good enough reason not to do something you really want to do.  This race traces the footsteps of Pheidippides as he ran from Athens to Sparta to seek help from the Spartan Army in the battle of Marathon.

2. Antarctic Ice Marathon, Patriot Hills, Antarctica:  When I heard rumours of a Marathon to be held on mainland Antarctica.  Stepping off the plane onto the ice runway and feeling the cold while taking in an incredible vista is a memory that will stay with me forever.  Running a Marathon in Antarctica made me want to run a Marathon on each of the 7 Continents.

3.  North Pole:  When I heard there were plans for a Marathon at the North Pole my first thought were, how do I enter?  To add to the experience I ran this while guiding a blind runner ‘Mark Pollock’.  To say it was tough is an understatement but it was very rewarding and I’d love to go back.

4.  Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru:  It takes 4-5 days to do this trek but running the Marathon gives you the opportunity to cover the trek in less than 1 day.  Along the way you pass many interesting sights before the final approach to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gates.  The final Vista before you ascend to the finish line is enough to stop you in your tracks and makes the effort worthwhile.

5.  Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, Nepal:  You can’t have the lowest without the highest and that’s what made me choose this race.  It starts at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall just above Everest Base Camp and finishes 26.2 miles down the valley in Namche Bazzar.

6.  Dead Sea Ultra, Jordan:  With the lowest finishing line in the world I just had to do this one and to top it off you get to relax with a dip in the Dead Sea.  Another highlight of this race was an opportunity to visit Petra which then became one of the 7 Wonders of the World.  The accidental tourist.

7.  Marathon des Sables, Morocco: Probably the most famous Ultra in the world, 6 stages over 7 days covering 150 Miles in the Sahara Desert and my first introduction to Ultra Running.  This race taught me that anything is possible once put the work in and it’s a race to need to experience rather than read about.

8.  Run Connemara 80K, Ireland:  A trail race in the west of Ireland that also doubled as the 2011 Trail World Championships.  One of the most amazing races I’ve ever ran which took in all aspects of the Irish countryside.  It was a new experience and sometimes you forget what’s on your own doorstep and the grass isn’t alway greener on the other side.  Think about and appreciate what you have before you look for more.

9.  North Face 100K, Australia: 100K through the Blue Mountains in Sydney.  This is an opportunity to see the one of Australia’s natural wonders without feeling like a tourist.

10.  Yukon Arctic Ultra, Yukon Territory, Canada: 100 Miles along the Dawson trail following in the wake of the famous Yukon Quest dog sleigh race.  Competitors haul their required kit and must remain self sufficient throughout.  There’s also a longer option of 300 Miles and 460 Miles. Thinking back I wish I had signed up for the longer race but I wasn’t feeling that way at mile 90J

11. Energia Belfast 24-hr Race:  We all want to know how fast we can run and this race gives you the opportunity to find out how far you can run.  Unlike a regular race where you cover a set distance in the fastest possible time in a 24-hr race you try cover the maximum distance in a set time.  This is a true test of mental and physical strength and you will soon discover your weaknesses.

12.  Donadea 50K, Ireland:  A very enjoyable trail race through 243 hectares of mixed woodland with plenty of squirrels to cheer you on.  The race consists of 10 * 5K loops but the route is so interesting you never get bored.

13.  Run Winschoten 100K, The Netherlands:  I did this race when it doubled as the World Championships and it consisted of 10 * 10K laps through the suburbs of Winschoten.  The course was almost pancake flat and all the locals embrace the event giving it an almost party type atmosphere.

14.  Celtic 100K, Ireland:  This was my first introduction to the 100K distance and it consisted of almost 50 laps along Salthill Promenade in Co.Galway.  The thoughts of running so many laps was slightly overwhelming at the start but this race taught be a lot about the benefits of proper pacing and how to control the mind.

15.  Self Transcendence 100K, Scotland: This race took me to the historic town of Perth in the heart of Scotland.  A flat looped course along the banks of the river Tay which to me was a memorable distraction.  The Tay is a world famous salmon fishing river and I spent most of the race looking into the water in the hope of seeing a fish jumping.

16.  Boddington 100K, England:  A small friendly race in the English countryside and also includes 50k and marathon options.

17.  Dublin, Ireland:  My hometown Marathon and one that I’m proud to say is known as the Friendly Marathon.  This was my first ever race and one I always look forward to doing and it feels so different every time because it just keeps getting better.

18.  London, England:  I have ran this race on a few occasions as part of the Runner’s World Pacing Team.   I seldom do the same race twice but make an exception for London because of the carnival type atmosphere on race day.

19.  Dingle, Ireland:  A very scenic Marathon which follows the Dingle Peninsula.  I found it hard not stopping during this race as the views are breathtaking .  If you need an excuse to visit Ireland, this is it.

20.  Longford.  A relatively flat Marathon which takes in 3 counties and although quiet along the course it has a great finish.  At times you could almost forget you’re running a race and sometimes that can be nice.  I was the first entrant in the first Longford Marathon and wore race No1, for that reason more than any I will always remember this one.

“Some experiences should be remembered and not repeated and I seldom do the same race twice but if I was asked and given the opportunity to run one of my big races again it would be the Antarctic Ice Marathon.”

– John O’Regan

Here is the finisher’s belt buckle from the Land Between the Lakes 50 Mile & 60K Trail Races that were held on March 10, 2012 in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

RELATED: Land Between the Lakes Marathon Medal (2012)

Here is the finisher’s medal from the Land Between the Lakes Trail Marathon that was held March 10, 2012 in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.

View Results from the Land Between the Lakes races HERE

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by David W. Follow him on Twitter @DavidRoadRunner]

Here is the finisher’s medal from the San Diego Half Marathon that took place on March 11, 2012 in San Diego, California.

The race started at PETCO park where the San Diego Padres play their home games.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by Penny Maus. Follow her on Twitter @redvelvetrunner]

Here is the Swamp House Half Marathon finisher’s medal from the race that was held on March 11, 2012 in DeBary, Florida.

The unique medal features a beer bottle opener to go along with a toothy alligator.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by David N. Olsen. Follow him on Twitter @davidnolsen]

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by A.J. Reese. Follow him on Twitter @AJisrunning]

Here is the finisher’s medal from the 35th Gate River Run 15K – USA 15K Championship that was held on March 10, 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by Angie Holland. Follow her on Twitter @tangiers8]

30-year old David Riddle smashed Zach Gingerich’s year-old Land Between the Lakes 50 Mile course record on Saturday in Grand Rivers, Kentucky with a time of 5:53:22. He easily won the race over second place finisher Troy Shellhamer, who also ran a heck of a race in 6:25:10.

Gingerich’s old course record, set in 2011, was 6:22:57.

Riddle, from Cincinnati, Ohio, ran a 7:04 pace on the four-loop, rolling hills trail.

Amanda Lindsey was the female winner of the 50 mile trail race with a time of 8:11:20.  She finished an impressive 10th overall.

Top 10 Land Between the Lakes 50 Miler Results

1. David Riddle – 5:53:22
2. Troy Shellhamer – 6:25:10
3. Craig Wheeler – 7:49:20
4. Matthew Vest – 7:50:01
5. Jeff Mires – 7:54:21
6. Kai Keliikuli – 8:05:23
7. James Barnard – 8:08:07
8. Dylan Hammons – 8:08:41
9. Brad Wunderlich – 8:11:10
10. Amanda Lindsey – 8:11:20 (F)

Complete List of LBL 50 Mile Results

The beauty of the Land Between the Lakes is that, in addition to the 50 mile race, there is also a 60K (37 miles), marathon, 23k, and 10k.

The winner of the Land Between the Lakes 60K was Scott Breeden with a time of 4:32:28.

Second place and female winner was Melanie Peters in 4:57:44.

Top 10 Land Between the Lakes 60K Results

1. Scott Breeden – 4:32:28
2. Melanie Peters – 4:32:28 (F)
3. Michael Trahan – 5:19:14
4. Russ Goodman – 5:19:29
5. Tim Miller – 5:34:47
6. Derek Harris – 5:36:04
7. Shaye Moskowitz – 5:5:39:46
8. Jason Jones – 5:42:48
9. David Krekeler – 5:43:51
10. Brad Alsop – 5:50:30

Complete List of LBL 60K Results

The Land Between the Lakes Marathon winner was Jeremy Davis in a blazing time of 2:54:43.

Matt Parker and Shane Thread finished second and third respectively.

The female winner was Indiana native Traci Falbo with a time of 3:39:48. She finished an impressive 6th overall.

Top 10 Land Between the Lakes Marathon Results

1. Jeremy Davis – 2:54:43
2. Matt Parker – 3:08:09
3. Shane Thread – 3:17:07
4. Heath Fenton – 3:22:35
5. Kelly Hutchins – 3:27:21
6. Traci Falbo – 3:39:48 (F)
7. Jeff Meystrik – 3:41:54
8. Scott Moran – 3:43:16
9. Scott Schroeder – 3:43:53
10. Richard LoCicero – 3:49:25

Complete List of LBL Marathon Results

Blake Davenport won the Land Between the Lakes 23K with a time of 1:34:19.  He beat out Greg Fraze (1:41:51) and third place finisher Matthew Shoulta (1:42:28).

Top 10 Land Between the Lakes 23K Results

1. Blake Davenport – 1:34:19
2. Greg Fraze – 1:41:51
3. Matthew Shoulta – 1:42:28
4. Lewis Jackson – 1:42:52
5. Todd Jones – 1:43:21
6. Mark Ramsey – 1:43:29
7. Josh Poynter – 1:44:40
8. Charlie Shoulta – 1:48:18
9. Paul Schell – 1:48:27
10. Ryan Delaney – 1:48:56

Complete List of 2012 Land Between the Lakes 23K Results

Congrats to all of the finishers of the 2012 Land Between the Lakes races!

We asked on Twitter (@runitfast) where you were running this weekend and 44 of you responded!

Good luck to you all this weekend and Run It Fast!

Joshua Holmes – Land Between the Lakes 50 Miler in Kentucky #runitfast

Monkey Trent – it is Tom King Half Marathon weekend!

Leah Thorvilson – Chase Race 2 miler in Conway Arkansas!!! Yep, you read that correctly. 2 miles. Seems at least 24.2 too short! Better#runitfast

Lisa Gonzales – Mesquite Canyon 30K @ White Tank in AZ on Sunday.

Robert Boluyt – Mesquite Canyon 30K and The Grand Canyon University Run to Fight Cancer 10K 🙂

Nathan Kreeger – Feed Stokes 5k. AKA, speedwork! Will attempt to beat my PR of 19:52

Jess – I am initating my RIF club shirt while running the Gate River Run in Jacksonville, FL. #9 Jessica Gregory

Running Fit – Shamrocks and Shenanigans in downtown Ann Arbor!#runfit #runitfast #drinkitslow

Stewart Crouch – Bayou City Classic 10K Houston

Alvin Lee – A lil solo running on the local trails…about 10 – 12 miles!

DownByNature – did a 3 mile run through the village, just after dawn..cold and crisp!!

E.B. – Gate River Run 15k, Jacksonville, FL

Sarah Malaney – My plans this weekend! 8 mile #training run on Saturday, 4 mile #race on Sunday! With the time change!!! What’s on your calendar?

Nancy Capen – Cape Cod #runitfast

Dr. Dan Czapek – Running the #Run With the Pride 5K at St Viator High School in Arlington Heights Illinois on Saturday with @CHCsportsGirl.

Mark H. Myers – #DinoSeries 15K trail run in Indianapolis, IN

Sarah Toney – Hynes Tavern 5 miler in Lowell, MA! Finishing up the awesome #WildRoverSeries!

Michael Ceglinski – Tom King Half in Nashville, TN

Lexie Stempihar – GHS Centennial 1/2 Marathon…Swamp Rabbit Race in Greenville, SC

Clint Randall – running in Boston!

Stephen G – running the @GreenClover5K

ashley hook – At LBL with you sir…

Runsistarun – Sarasota Half Marathon

Luli Hernandez – 21k in the jungle Puyo Pastaza ECUADOR For a Cause: the protection of the #Yasuni National Park Most biodiverse spot in the world

Mary Jane Schriver – March Mad Dash 10 Miler-Allison Park PA.

Maricel Bautista – 15K Gate River Run in Jacksonville FL tomorrow! My 6th year of running the Gate:))

Mindy M – 5 mile St. Paddy’s Dash in Spokane, WA.

Kiki – I’m running the Hope for the Children 5K in New Albany, IN.

Mandy F – 15k denton tx

Bas_Huizinga – In Haren, Netherlands, 12,3k

Kay-Cee vd Parre – going to run my first race at the City Pier City Run in The Hague this sunday, i’m very excited 🙂

Dennis Ly – I’m running the 800M this weekend at Ben Brown Invite hosted by CSUF. Wish me luck!

Isabella – Disneyland! Kids do the rides, I run…

Ms. Swan – 19 mile #marathontraining group run with #RunningExcels#chicago

Ev•••••• – Tomorrow, running the Gate River Run 15k Championship, Jacksonville, FL.

Finn O’Connell – 8K run on Sunday morning around beautiful Marlay Park in Dublin, Ireland.

Frank Hostetter – Gate River Run

Amanda Fire – Quinlan’s St. Patrick’s Day 5k on Saturday then a 16 miler in beautiful Mill Creek Park on Sunday!

Lauren S. – 11 mile training run around my hometown while getting looks like I’m a crazy person from the locals driving everywhere!

Matty Brennan – the haworth hobble, UK. 32 miles, 4400ft of climb. If I don’t get lost.

Angie Gerber – 18 mile training run along the beautiful Portland waterfront.

Dustin Washam – land between the lakes 60k

Jason Meistering – Kelly’s shamrock 5k, Baltimore, MD

Scott Gorski – blarney stone 5k in Wauwatosa, WI

Kevin Ronayne – Running in the Guinness Celtic 5K in Worcester, MA and of course will be wearing my new RunItFast – Club shirt

Lots of cool race and places!!