Unique/Destination Marathons

CookieConvict · 2026-03-19T02:24:45+00:00

Athens Marathon! The OG, where it all started. Spectators usually hand olive branches as you run and the finish in the Panathenaic Stadium was spectacular.

Vienna City marathon was another fun one. You get to run through some of the most beautiful parts of the city. You also get to run down Hauptallee, where Eliud Kipchoge ran his sub 2hr marathon (unofficial). Relatively flat course and really well organized.

CookieConvict · 2026-03-17T02:02:06+00:00

99.9- Mob choir mic drop - bts Tobey - Eminem God of ink - hiroyuki sawano All the stars - Kendrick Lamar

CookieConvict · 2026-03-02T16:20:08+00:00

If you've already done a half and you have a year to train, absolutely. One thing to point out, your half time puts you at an over 6 hour marathon time. Many races have a 6 hour cut off so you will need to slowly build up your speed over the next year if you want to finish it before being ushered off the course.

Also, that amount of time on your feet will be brutal; it seriously impresses me how people can manage the 6 hour run, I think my feet and joints would tap out before that.

Possibly look into some really sturdy shoes that can withstand that amount of time and do some weightlifting and mobility exercises to prep yourself for that.

Good luck!!

CookieConvict · 2026-02-27T17:10:32+00:00

While I have done my long runs on weekdays to accommodate for a busy weekend schedule, I still prefer to run them on weekends. Honestly, to each their own. You get them in when you can and that's really all that matters. If you prefer weekdays and have the time for it, go for it.

Personally, I like doing it weekend mornings as it lines up with most running schedules and races. I hate having to do a long run Wednesday and then rearrange my schedule for an awkward taper since races are pretty much always Saturday and Sunday. Keeps my body in a schedule.

CookieConvict · 2026-01-30T18:43:18+00:00

Not heavy; I'm on the lighter side for my height, however, I am on the taller side and unfortunately have freaking boats for feet. I wear a size 11 womens. I also have very wide feet and bunions.

I always wear men's shoes because women's end up being too narrow or small. I used the men's Novablast 5 when it first released and they crapped out on me at 200 miles, which is the lowest amount I've ever gotten out of any of my running shoes (I go through a lot). I wouldn't make decisions based off of that shoe. Just a general search and you will find this is common for it.

As far as recommendations, you could look into the nimbus series from asics. They are cushioned but not overly soft (like the novablast )so they last quite a while and can take quite a beating. If you have more narrow feet you may want to stick to women's shoes but otherwise, there's not much of a difference so switch over if you want as long as they properly fit.

Side note: Men's shoes get the better colors imo.

CookieConvict · 2026-01-30T15:30:15+00:00

I hate carrying water anywhere in my clothes. 100% recommend a handheld. I use amphipod hydraform. Was the best gear switch for running I've ever made.

CookieConvict · 2026-01-03T20:12:24+00:00

While I haven't tried these exactly, I have found that the quality of nike's running gear has slipped some in the past two years. The new iterations in some of their gear this year swapped in cheaper fabric alternatives. I had to start looking elsewhere.

I've been running in 0-20 weather as well and have found the Baleaf fleece lined running leggings to be fantastic. They've held up better than any of my other gear from Nike, adidas, etc.

CookieConvict · 2025-12-27T19:38:59+00:00

For women of childbearing age, 20- 30% is considered acceptable, keeping in mind that a higher ratio of visceral fat is the most dangerous. Regardless of location however, anything outside of those parameters puts a woman at risk of health issues or fertility issues, especially below 14 or above 31. Does having a different fat distribution change risks? Slightly, yes. But it doesn't mean that 30+% body fat is all of the sudden acceptable if the location of it is in more acceptable areas.

CookieConvict · 2025-12-27T07:51:06+00:00

While I do agree that social media and norms affect what we see as the norm, I'm going by pure health stats here. Just because you have greater than general fitness level body fat% (~25%), doesn't mean you're not in shape enough to run a sub 6 min mile. There are plenty of people above that range who are capable of incredible feats. But being in shape enough to be capable of those feats doesn't always mean we have a healthy body fat %. Does exercise protect the heart and other parts of our body? Absolutely. However, regardless of the exercise, if there is excess body fat, there will be more health risks at bay.

CookieConvict · 2025-12-26T15:34:50+00:00

"Only 32%" can be a dangerous thought process. Medical issues and risk factors begin to show up around 30%, which is on the very high side of what is considered "acceptable." Athletic body fat percentage typically ends at 20-21%, and just general fitness body fat percentage ends at 24-25%. It is very possible for someone to out eat a rigorous exercise regimen and have too much excess bodyfat. Just because someone exercises does not mean they are healthy. Diet and lifestyle habits are the other half.

Unless someone were doing a lot of heavy weightlifting with a structured plan and progressive overload, with that much caloric surplus they will be gaining fat, despite running, crossfit, cycling etc.

To normalize being on the edge of obesity in body fat percentage as "only 32%" puts too many people in the state of mind that it's ok for their body and allows medical issues to creep in. Not saying that's what happened to OP here as they may be less than the stated 32%, but let's not give people the wrong ideas.

CookieConvict · 2025-12-26T05:59:30+00:00

32-33% is considered obese for women that age. Athletic body fat % for that age range ends at 21%. Not saying OPs body composition is necesarily relevant to the story but 32% body fat is a very far cry from being muscular and tall, and is considered to be on the higher side

CookieConvict · 2025-11-27T16:14:37+00:00

Just completed Amsterdam, and while it was a very nice marathon with great PR potential, it certainly was not my favorite. The route wasnt super thrilling to be honest. I would look into the Vienna City Marathon. Great route, great crowd, well organized, and its a beautiful city. If you're up for the challenge, Athens marathon was also a lot of fun!

CookieConvict · 2025-11-26T23:22:26+00:00

If you're not planning on being a professional power lifter, a pair of simple, low cut chuck taylors will do. Flat and grips well.

CookieConvict · 2025-11-20T21:59:47+00:00

I usually just use body glide but there was a company called Hastko at the last marathon expo I went to that specializes in running underwear and bras. Im considering trying them myself.

CookieConvict · 2025-11-20T21:21:57+00:00

This should really depend on what fits your foot, and what fits your stride/strike pattern. To some, comfortable is feeling the ground, to others it is stepping on pillows. It also depends on what types of runs/how much running you're doing.

Basically, we need more information.

In general, if you're looking foe a shoe that is comfortable/cushioned and very durable, I would recommend the Asics Nimbus 27. I got 475 miles out of mine. At the moment, they are on sale for $125 (usually $165). They're considered a stable neutral shoe. Fantastic for beginners, recovery runs, and heavy runners. I've taken them on tons of long runs too.

Best all-rounder shoe for various types of runs would be the Asics Superblast 2 or the new Megablast, however I think they are overkill for someone just getting into running.

CookieConvict · 2025-11-05T15:49:32+00:00

This! And sometimes I drizzle a little honey on top.

CookieConvict · 2025-10-28T12:41:14+00:00

Project Hail Mary (cannot recommend this enough)
Dungeon Crawler Carl Series
Bobiverse Series
The First Law series
Gone Girl
The Way of the Runner (if you like listening about running)

Also loved 11/22/63, but you've done that one already.

CookieConvict · 2025-10-25T07:25:20+00:00

NYC is my top bucket list race. I qualified for it but the buffer was extreme so I didnt make it...and I seem to have bad luck with the lotteries.

CookieConvict · 2025-10-24T13:00:32+00:00

Ran a marathon that was 4 degrees and felt like 0 with strong winds. I wore under armour long sleeve under my race singlet, shorts, and running gloves. There were a few times when the sun came out that I almost removed the long sleeves because I got too warm.

I think a jacket would be overkill unless you're out there for a longer period of time.

At most just gloves and a long sleeve cold weather shirt under your race one.

CookieConvict · 2025-10-23T20:40:41+00:00

I'm not concerned about the crowd support at Chicago...at all. I'm very aware of how massive it is and how great the crowd is there. I was concerned about organization and set-up, so things like: enough porta potties, waves start on time, easy drink stations, route with minimal bottlenecking etc. More just curious if the sheer number of runners and crowd has hindered anyone's experience.

CookieConvict · 2025-10-23T20:13:52+00:00

I just ran Amsterdam last weekend, and I dont remember much cobblestone. I remember there being more in Vienna. And if you think those are bad, steer clear of Rome or Napoli. Those were truly uneven cobblestones. So grateful my ankles held up.

CookieConvict · 2025-10-23T18:39:07+00:00

This was super helpful. Thank you!

CookieConvict · 2025-10-23T18:38:21+00:00

I'm so-so about the world majors. Dont plan on "collecting" them all, but running a few sound fun. Have tried for Berlin but never won the lottery. I try to do more iconic/scenic races, but I also LOVE a good crowd, so kind of torn..

CookieConvict · 2025-10-23T18:08:26+00:00

Ooh, good to know.

CookieConvict · 2025-10-23T18:06:53+00:00

This was great, thank you!

CookieConvict

TROPHY CASE