3M Course Notes

By sww - January 24, 2007 - 11:42am

Here are my notes about the new 3M course. The first part of the course is the same as last year with a new finale. I ran the last 12 miles a few weeks ago. In my non-expert opinion it should be a fast/fun course.

Miles 0-2

Who cares about these miles? The crowd will be huge and the adrenaline should get you through it easy enough. Checkout the drivers wondering why all the people are running on 183. Do not use too much energy on the biggest uphill right at mile 2 as you climb up the Hwy 183 access road to 360. Watch out for the 90 degree turn at the bottom of the hill.

Miles 3-4

Roll through the neighborhoods and wave to all the people trying to get into church on Mesa. Fly down the steep downhill on Spicewood Spring/Anderson. Enjoy the view of the race as you cross over Mopac.

Miles 5-7 - a.k.a "Oops the course is not long enough portion"

After the downhills on Anderson, this portion is flat. Run by our new place at Shoal Creek and Foster. Check out who is 0.75 miles ahead of you at the same intersection. Turn right. Turn Left. Turn left. Run by our new place at Shoal Creek and Foster. Check out who is 0.75 miles behind you. Coming up on your left is historic Northcross mall. Imagine the serenity/beauty of a ginormous Wallymart with 18-wheelers sharing the road with you on your morning run (and the other 23 hours of the day). Maybe next year you will not have to imagine!

Run on Burnet Road for about 2 miles. Check out Allandale Veterinary Clinic (Catherine's office) on the right. When you see Amy's Ice Cream it almost time to get off Burnet.

Miles 8-10

The hardest part of the course is after you turn off Burnet onto North Loop. This section of the course has a few rolling hills. Last year's marathon featured these same hills at mile 16-17. They have to be easier after 8 miles than after 16. After the downhills maybe a little up will help your quads?

Miles 10-12

Make a right on Duval and it is downhill all the way to the finish. See the McMansions on either side of you as you cruise down toward campus. At 38 1/2 st, wish you could stop and get some fries at Hyde Park Bar and Grill.

Miles 12 - 13.1

Mile 12 is just outside of the University of Texas on San Jacinto St. The last mile is mostly flat run through campus. Memorable sights include the demolished North end zone of the stadium and a lot of construction. Also checkout the fountain/tower view on your right. Beware there is slight incline leaving campus starting at the stadium. After you pass the stadium and the recreation center, the finish is just around the corner. If you wait to see the end to 'kick', it will be too late.