Marathoners on the Playa?

VirginNicole · Post by **VirginNicole** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 8:50 pm

Wondering if anyone else is doing the seemingly incongruous combination of attending Burning Man and training for a fall marathon...I'm planning to run NY and am wondering if I'm out of my mind for even contemplating a long run while on the playa...anyone have experience with this in the past, or any tips for managing to get in at least one decent long run or a few short runs during that week?

Isotopia · Post by **Isotopia** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 10:14 pm

Keep your run inside the fence. Leaving the boundary could be problematic with the BLM and the perimeter crew.

blyslv · Post by **blyslv** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 11:26 am

I've seen runners out there. But remember, you must acclimatize yourself to the heat before attempting a long run. Are you use to high temps and low humidity?

A more interesting endurance workout might be to just walk for 4-5 hours out on the playa, checking out the art and striking up converastions. You won't lose that much training and the "rest" might do you good. Also remember that sleep patterns will be a little ... er ... disturbed, so recovery from a long run might be problematic. Couple that with the fact that many people report eating alot less while out there and running TO ME, doesn't make a lot of sense.

Finally keep in mind that there are many "adult-themed" camps that might be willing to provide workouts for the athletically inclined.

<ducks and runs away...>

Dr. Pyro · Post by **Dr. Pyro** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 8:17 pm

I have ran 23 marathons, the last being in June up in Anchorage. Let me give you some VERY SOUND ADVICE. Do your last long run the day of or the day before you leave NYC. When you get to BRC, you will have to run at least every other day and most likely every two of three. Plan your course so that you pass your camp every 2 or 3 miles at the maximum. Even though you can carry water with you, it is best to be able to get water at a friendly place that, should you fall prey to playa dust (trust me, if you haven't been to BRC or have never ran there, it's a completely different experience than running through Central Park) you can stop and re-evaluate your situation. Being a world-class athlete and a burner at the same time can be a mixed blessing. Trust me, I know. If you want some personal advice on running 26 miles and 385 yards in the evirons of Burning Man, post personally and I will give you as much sagely advice as I can. Good luck--Doc

dr.placebo · Post by **dr.placebo** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:50 am

Your best time of day for running is probably from about 30 minutes before sunrise for about 2 hours. This would give you enough light to see by, very little traffic of any kind, and cool (initially quite cool) temperatures. It will still be dry, so water will be an issue, but excessive heat will not be.

I'm not a runner, but I've certainly seen some serious runners out around that time.

Post by **AntiM** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 6:21 am

It is high altitude too, be aware of how you're acclimating to the reduced oxegyn intake.

I couldn't run a block if you paid me, but I watch marathons on tv.

blyslv · Post by **blyslv** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:20 am

I do not think altitdue is much of an issue, it's only about 4000 feet above sea level. It's not until about 7000 feet above sea level that the human body notice the drop in atmospheric pressure.

And VN, be very careful taking advice from Doc Pyro. He is a man in an orange wig, a "world class" very dangerous man indeed.

Dancing all night at a rave will elevate your base rate!

Dr. Pyro · Post by **Dr. Pyro** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:12 pm

All I can say, eli's beloved, is you're damn lucky you're my friend. Otherwise, I cannot be held responsible for what could happen...

bdeywoo · Post by **bdeywoo** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:50 am

I had no problems last year, though i rarely went more than 10-15k. Probably best not to "train" out there but Maitenance workouts would be no problem. Just I found between 430-630 am worked best. I was actually thinking a burning man 10k or outer ring race might be fun if enough would be interested timing optional of course :lol:

akridulce · Post by **akridulce** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 9:16 am

hi there, I am not a competitive marathon trainer at all, but i like to run. this will be my 2nd NYC marathon. i live in mexico city. i'm doing my long run before i show up, and continuing the training when i get back. :) kinda funny to know that there are marathon runners at BM, but not too surprised :) nos vemos ...

Katie1207 · Post by **Katie1207** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 11:31 pm

Hi VNicole:

Check out the event calendar becuase at 6 p.m. at Plaza and 8:30 there's supposed to be a 3K fun run or some such. I'm a first-timer and runner and eagerly looking forward to early runs on the Playa. Maybe I'll see you out there.

C-ya,
Katie1207

nono · Post by **nono** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 9:41 am

I'll be running for the first time on playa this year. I'm training for fall marathon season and I'm wondering if anyone know of milage markers or distance out there.

Post by **mdmf007** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 9:55 pm

4:30 - 06:00 is a good time, I like to see the drunks up still and stumbling around trying to find their way back home.

I dont sleep more than 2-3 hours at a time, so i am up pretty much all the time. I see lots of runners, and by lots I would guess I see 20-30 people running in the morning as I am riding in circles on my bike

later all be safe

jkerr · Post by **jkerr** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 1:20 pm

Hi, I'm also training for a marathon this fall (my first) and just found your post while searching to see if there was anyone else doing this! Would you (or anyone else responding here) be interested in maybe getting a little group together to run? I run (under normmal weather and not-sand conditions) at around between a 7:00 and 8:30 minute pace - depending on the distance. I'll proabably be gearing for about a 3:30 marathon. I don't know exactly what this all translates to as far as running on playa, but I imagine a little bit of mutual motivation could be helpful! Even if we get a few people together who run at different paces, we could start and take water breaks together, etc. Maybe figure out some mile markers if we're lucky.

As far as distance on the playa, I am thinking I will probably not attempt any super-long run. Probably the max for on the playa will be around 10 miles or less -- just maintenance and make it a lower mileage week.

All the best!

Jackie

firepilot · Post by **firepilot** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 5:37 pm

I know there is at least one hasher run that goes on.

Tombro · Post by **Tombro** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 1:49 pm

Hey all --

I'm also training for a fall marathon -- Portland, OR, on 10/7. I'd planned on shorter runs T,W and TH and a longer run on early Saturday morning.

I use a hydration belt -- a series of cute li'l bottles -- for hydration on these runs but may switch to a backpack type thing out there because I'm expecting to go through more water.

Dr. Pyro -- you are sick bastard running that many marathons. Good for you.

I've seen some scale maps of the Playa that would allow calculation of distances. From the Man to the apex of the perimeter pentagon, then along the fence there could work.

What's the best way to meet up for some of these early morning runs? I know there are bulletin boards on the Playa that tend to get chaotic pretty quick. Perhaps a post with some agreed upon name in the online database?

Soon! Soon!

Tombro

Tombro · Post by **Tombro** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 1:01 pm

Hey folks.

I believe there is an online registry @ Center Camp. I'll post something under the heading or group name Burning Man Runners 2007 (or such) to see about meeting up for early morning runs.

I'm camped with Bloop -- placement not yet certain.

See you all out there!
Thomas

jericoacoara · Post by **jericoacoara** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:45 am

great! I'm based in Paris and am also registered for the NY marathon and was planning to start training 2 months before... which means at burning man. I'm arriving on Wednesday at the playa, can I join you for the runs?
looking forward to it! jerome

Marathoners on the Playa?

Marathoners on the Playa?

running 2005 nyc marathon too

Burning Gazelles Fun Run

Also training for fall marathon!

So Glad To Find This Thread

Online Regsitry @ Center Camp

yes, training for NYC too!