As 2017 is slowly coming to an end, there are races in 2018 that already have had registration open; Bayshore, Detroit Free Press Marathon, and Bill Roney 5K. I've ran each of these races before and had a really good experience at each of them.
Bayshore. This didn't require much thought. I'm lucky enough that my work will pay for the registration. I just need to cover hotel and travel costs. I've ran the half marathon before, and am signed up to run it again in 2018. I felt really good about being able to get registered, I had the hotel booked in beginning of November. I've learned, though it is possible to drive 3 hours in the super early morning, run a half marathon, then turn around and drive 3 hours back, it's not the most fun experience. Having a hotel room definitely is recommended.
Detroit Free Press Marathon. I had to think about this one. Originally, I was thinking of running Grand Rapids Marathon for the first time and hoping to get a BQ (Boston Qualifier), taking advantage of the flat and fast course. Though it would be great to run in a race I've never ran before, there was another 'carrot' dangling in front of me. This year, the Detroit Free Press Marathon has the Motor City Challenge Series. Because it's the first year for this, and I like crazy challenges, I decided to sign up for The Supreme (marathon, 5K, 1 mile). I still plan on training hard for the marathon and still am going after that BQ. That part hasn't changed.
Bill Roney 5K. Last year was my first year running it, and I got a 5K PR! It's a flat and fast course. All proceeds from the race go to support the Hansons Brooks Distance Project team too. If I'm able to keep working hard over the winter, I'm thinking another 5K PR might be obtainable.
I know there will be other races I'll be running in 2018 that I haven't signed up for yet. I'll be running Mason State Bank 5K, Crim 10 Mile/5K combo, Capital City River Run Half Marathon. I've ran those races before, have had really good experiences and set PRs there in the past.
Here's hoping to an injury free rest of 2017 and a strong start to 2018!
