The Ironman (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, a 13.1 mile half marathon in that order) had created a good deal of buzz last year before being postponed to June 6, 2021: non-triathletes getting into pools, buying or renting road bikes, running more miles. “The region has a lot to offer our participants and the entire community has really embraced us throughout the entire planning process,” says Brandt Bernat, Race Director for the Carilion Clinic IRONMAN® 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon. Ironman 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge Triathlon – also canceled in 2020 – was a first-time event that remains committed to the Virginia’s Blue Ridge for at least the next three years. “It’s a tailored plan, especially for someone who might be new to running the race.” The bottom line he adds: “run some hills,” before you come to Roanoke (fingers crossed) in April. Training your quads and the rest of the body for the long and demanding BRM downhill runs means finding short hills and parking garages at least once or twice a week under Matt Bullington’s flatlander program. In that case “treadmill running is a big part of it,” where it can be set on steeper and steeper inclines. “We also realized that there were going to be folks that live at the beach,” says Bullington, whose wife Molly is the BRM race director. It’s designed for beginners to seasoned marathoners and includes a Facebook Live Q&A every week in the run-up to race day. Texas Tavern owner Matt Bullington, an ultramarathoner himself, has put together a virtual training regimen available for a small fee via the website when someone registers for the race. The greenway system is popular for walking, biking and more. His advice for Blue Ridge Marathon first-timers? “Know what you’re getting into,” he chuckles, “educate yourself about America’s toughest race – and do hills where you can.” Even if that means running up and down parking garages to simulate climbs. He also did some trail running as BRM prep for more variation. Of course, with elevation gains that measure in the hundreds of feet – not thousands – it’s not quite the same. We have hills – you guys laugh at them.” He found a few good eight to 10 mile runs with “Florida hills,” and did repeats when he could. “I’m kind of a hill guy anyway,” notes Corn, “as much as you can be here. So how do you train for America’s Toughest Road Marathon in a part of the country that’s fairly flat? You find what hills you can and do them over and over again. He was all set to do the full one on his own when the pandemic shut down the April 2020 race date. Worth Corn has brought a group with him from the Tallahassee, Florida area several times to run the BRM as part of a relay team. The latter comes late in the race (also in the half marathon) when legs may be moving on muscle memory, adding to the mental and physical challenge. The full 26.2-mile marathon includes three big climbs: Mill Mountain, Roanoke Mountain and the Peakwood neighborhood of South Roanoke. The BRM now typically attracts more than 2,500 runners from dozens of states and a smattering of countries. The Blue Ridge Marathon – “America’s Toughest Road Marathon” – and several shorter races (and oh yeah, a double full marathon with limited entry slots) is set for April 17 this year after being canceled, except for virtual runs, in 2020. Some of that increased activity has been generated by two major events – one more than a decade old, the other still technically brand-new. It also seemed like there were more floaters, tubers and paddlers on the Roanoke River – the blueway if you will – than ever before. Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Doug Blount told the Board of Supervisors last summer that local retail outfitters were even having trouble keeping up with the demand for equipment. Witness 2020, when the coronavirus had many heading to wide-open spaces – hiking, paddling, walking, running and biking. Training (and participating!) for the Blue Ridge Marathon is one of many ways to stay active in the Valley.ĭoes it seem like some Roanokers are a bit leaner these days? Hard to find a parking spot near the greenway? More people wearing running shoes everywhere? Over the past two decades, as the greenway system grew and more outdoor events came online, the mindset here among all ages has taken a turn towards better health and the outdoors.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |