Has anyone run the Seattle marathon? I keep hearing about these "killer hills." My brother (his fiance) has decided to get married on 10/10, the day of the PDX marathon. I tried to talk him out of it but my future sister-in-law is not amused. So, I need to look for another marathon to run in the fall.

Any suggestions for a first time marathon runner?

I did this marathon for the first time this past fall!
I must say, it was a prettier route than I had expected.
As regards to the "killer hills", I think that you'll be ready for them following the P-fit training schedule. Doing the training runs up/down Leif like the group does on occasion will get you ready.

I think the one killer hill along the Seattle route I can think of is such because of where it is....somewhere around mile 16 or so if I remember right. But you can look up the profile on the seattle marathon website and see exactly where to expect it.
I have to say...I love hills and do better with that kind of course over a flat course. That being said, I think you'll still do fine because it's a gradual incline up....long yes...but gradual is better than San Francisco style UP!!

I had run Portland 6 weeks prior to running Seattle last year. So factoring in fatigue, the hills, and everything else (like long portapottie stops), I still managed to finish only about 12-15 minutes later than Portland's finishing time. So, I think you'll do fine!

I think I'd be more worried about the weather up there....I got lucky last year, it didn't rain

Good luck and Happy Training!

Thank you for the info!

I have exactly the same problem. I'm a maid of honor Oct. 9th in Phoenix. I noticed there is the Columbia Gorge Marathon in Oct, I think the 24th, but that sounds scary. (I'm a first timer.) I wonder what to do with the schedule to not lose momentum and still be ready for November's marathon? Can a coach weigh in on that?

The Seattle Marathon, in my opinion is gorgeous. There are several hills... if you don't do any hills in your training, they will be difficult, but as long as you include leif in some of your log runs and throw in the occasional hill during the week, you should be fine. The only drawback to Seattle is that the weather is often pretty nasty. I have done the full twice and the half ... maybe 6 times and I have had nice weather probably 3 times. So... it's up to you.

Other October marathons... if you are willing to travel there are tons of choices... Chicago, Marine Corps (I am doing this one), Twin Cities and another personal favorite: Nike Women's in SF. Here is a link to a list.... Best Fall Marathons http://running.about.com/od/marathonsandre...llmarathons.htm (I dunno why the link I made won't work...)

AC Tracey,

Thanks for a great advice!