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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2008 8:36:15 GMT -5
Has anyone done this ? This will be my second marathon and I know it will be a tough one. How does the course compare to Kennesaw? The elevation charts look similiar as long as you add in the mountain. Twice. How about the trail? Jeep roads and single track? I can do the distance at Kennesaw in 4.5 hours. Does 4.5-5 hours sound realistic for this race?
Thanks for the input.
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Post by atlantatrailsdave on May 13, 2008 9:53:38 GMT -5
When you run at Kennesaw, do you usually run over the mountain or around it?
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Post by rockman on May 13, 2008 9:56:21 GMT -5
I ran it last year. My own personal feeling is that it is harder than Kennesaw, but that is just me. In a nutshell the course description is as follows: Take off from the first parking lot and run around the dam on grass transitioning onto a road, which leads you to the trail. I think this is about 2 miles. Once you hit the trail you are basically running UP for about 1.5 miles (it might be less). After you top out you will head to the right for a little 2 track trail that eventually dumps you onto a gravel road that you follow for another 3 miles. After that you are back on trail and heading down hill to the bottom of the ridge. This is a great part of the trail. The bad part is that once you get to the bottom, you have to turn around and head back up. After you leave the trail again, you are back on the gravel road. By this time the sun will be beating down on you. It lets you know you are alive by making you feel like you being cooked. The gravel road turns back into single track that will take you all the way across the ridge and eventually dump you onto another gravel road. I'm guessing by the time you hit this road the mileage is about 16 or 18. You'll hang a right and stay on the gravel road for about 1.5 or 2 miles. There are some ups and downs on the road but nothing too serious. There is an aid station at the turn around. After hitting the aid station you turn around and run back up the ridge and across the ridge to where you ran up to the top of the ridge. This time you will run down the big uphill that you climbed to get up to the ridge. After that it is smooth sailing. Overall, expect lots of ups and downs with a fair amount of exposure to the sun. Also, watch out for Turkey Hunters. Really. Good luck and I'll see you out there. Jason
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Post by rockman on May 13, 2008 10:08:20 GMT -5
One last thing. The entire trail is runnable. The only things that will make you walk are the hills. No scrambling through a boulder field. There are some spots that might trip you up, but that usually goes with any trail run.
Good luck.
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Post by johnmnichols on May 13, 2008 10:30:33 GMT -5
Having done the full TA Marathon last year and as a regular runner on the trails (including the mountain top) at Kennesaw, I would say the TA course is slightly more difficult. It has more overall climbing -- I calculated 4300 feet of climbing last year using my Suunto. By comparison the full loop at Kennesaw with the mountaintop done once is approximately 2300 feet of climbing. That calculates to more climbing per mile for TA.
The entire TA course is very runnable except for the top of the initial climb and the steep section is fairly short.
In my opinion, the hardest part of TA was all the sun exposure on the final out and back FS road leg.
It's a tough race -- you can tell by looking at the winning times.
Good luck!!
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2008 10:39:05 GMT -5
I'm registered for the marathon, but due to new job, teenage daughter antics, teenage son graduation, etc. etc. etc. - I'M NOT READY!!!
Does anyone know if I'll be able to switch to the half that day, or is anyone interested in trading up from the half to the full?
Thanks!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2008 13:20:59 GMT -5
Great info . This is exactly what I was looking for. It is also pretty much what I was expecting. I do usually run the mountain and I did for all of my long runs at Kennesaw this time. I guess the only thing left to do is hydrate and not hurt myself.
Good luck to everyone running and I look forward to meeting you all.
Dwayne
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Post by elgatoloco on May 14, 2008 8:22:25 GMT -5
I'll be there also...running the marathon. Good luck out there!
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2008 9:58:20 GMT -5
Anyone have an answer to my question above?
I know registration is closed - I hate to take up a spot in the marathon that could go to someone better trained! Is there a better place to post?
I appreciate any advice or constructive abuse! Thanks!
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slwrunner
GUTS Member
If you start to feel good during an ultra, don't worry you will get over it.
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Post by slwrunner on May 14, 2008 10:15:21 GMT -5
Anyone have an answer to my question above? Jojo.....What question is that? I dont see anything from you.
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Post by robturner on May 14, 2008 10:56:06 GMT -5
JoJo - I doubt you'll be able to switch. I emailed the race director with that same question a while back and she said the field for the 1/2 is closed and there wasn't any flexibiltiy with the field. Further, if you were to drop down, I would be concerned about finding yourself asked not to return.
To be safe, I suggest you email the race director and pose the question to her.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2008 12:37:33 GMT -5
Thanks! I'll do that!
Good luck to everyone!
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Post by surftrip on May 16, 2008 13:39:08 GMT -5
Long story short, my training partner backed out of the Twisted Ankle due to injury...
...and I need a ride.
If you can possibly help please email me at surftrip@gmail.com or call 404 934 7428
Thanks.
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