I am considering one of these marathons. I’ve run three other marathons in the past so I sort of know how to train (e.g. with Tarako so close, I know I need to do a 14 mile run this weekend, then a 16 mile, 18 mile, 20 and then taper for two weeks).
But I have sort of a problem. I am looking for 1) good running routes that would let me cover these distances comfortably and without having to keep running around the city, a track, or the same park over and over and over again. I live in between Gongguan and Wanlong MRT (on Roosevelt Rd) and am willing to leave this area if necessary on the weekends to find greener space, longer trails that go one for a long time and would cover these distances, etc.
2) I would really really really like to find a training group if this other option is not really available. Is anyone else training for this marathon or traveling to it? I would like to at least find other people doing the race even if they don’t want to train with me. Tell me your routes around Taipei county and if you are willing to take the train or share a hotel in Taroko… I just moved here and don’t know the island that well yet.
Basically I would just like to find other marathoners and/or triathletes and/or runners. Oh yes, and I speak Chinese at about an intermediate level and am a doctoral student studying at Taida for the year, just in case you wanted more background info or that stuff mattered.
You live just a few minutes away from the river which has biking and jogging paths that go on for miles. I was just out riding on them for 3 hours tonight (and only did a small section) just to give you an idea how long they are.
Just head west from Roosevelt Road. Look at this map. See the riverside park in the lower section? That’s where you’ll find the paths.
Hi Amanda,
Running through the river park everyday can be about as much fun as watching the green grass grow. Fortunately, there are some alternatives both on and off the road. It kind of helps if you have some wheels, although not a must.
I’ll try to send you a PM later today.
Also, here is a link to more running or triathlon events, etc. in Taiwan. The road running association has cut back over the years , but there are a number of other groups organizing races as well.
[quote=“Eric”]Hi Amanda,
Running through the river park everyday can be about as much fun as watching the green grass grow. Fortunately, there are some alternatives both on and off the road. It kind of helps if you have some wheels, although not a must.
I’ll try to send you a PM later today.
Also, here is a link to more running or triathlon events, etc. in Taiwan. The road running association has cut back over the years , but there are a number of other groups organizing races as well.
Eric, I am not talking about jogging around a river park but on biking path that extend about 50km. Since it is minutes away from where the OP lives I would think it would be natural training ground. It was for me when I jogged. Fresh air, lots of trees and birds.
A hotel in Taroko? During the marathon? Guess you should have booked last year … I might be wrong but lodging over twenty thousand participants around the Hualien area isn’t evident …
Whoops, no! I was referring to another link I found on forumosa to the other association the poster is referring to (the road running association). Sorry for the confusion!
Yeah I understand that and I am not sure if the OP has already been on river park biking paths or not. I was under the impression that she is looking for some variety in terrain, undulation, surroundings, etc., which I think is perfectly understandable. The river can get pretty stale day after day.
The road running association link is only for the events they organize, which as I mentioned have been dwindling. But, the good news is that there is lots of other stuff going on. The other link (previously posted) should cover everything, including triathlons.
The triathlon scene is becoming more and more popular in Taiwan and there are a number of versions held throughout the year at different venues around the island. They may even have a full Ironman now. I’m not sure. Here is a link that should be of big help:
My suggestion would be to email that guy on the above link (they are foreigners) and I am sure that he would be very happy to answer any questions you may have about triathlons here and help you out. He’s got a ton of links on there too. Drop him a line.
For running, I can probably help you find some places to run. Meantime, sign up for some races…there will be people there that can help you meet running groups to run with if you are interested in doing that as well. And the door is open to everybody af all sizes, shapes, ages and abilities.
Yeah I understand that and I am not sure if the OP has already been on river park biking paths or not. I was under the impression that she is looking for some variety in terrain, undulation, surroundings, etc., which I think is perfectly understandable. The river can get pretty stale day after day.[/quote]
It’s not clear what she is after so perhaps she can tell us so people can offer more pointed advice.
Hi, sorry I just saw this message a couple of weeks after you posted it!
Thanks to Eric who has now shown me three different paths (although I am sure one of them is too confusing for me to figure out on my own ).
If anyone else has anything to offer, please post it here. What I am looking for: non-city street routes and particularly non-flat, aka hillier routes that begin anywhere near where I am or within a short MRT ride. I have been on the bike path… and I have to agree that it is rather boring for jogging. Also, it seems to end in Jingmei abruptly–am I missing something or is this really the case?
Also, I live off of Roosevelt Section 5 in btw Gongguan and Wanglong MRT and there is this big mountain behind me that I can’t figure out how to get up… does anyone around here know how to get up it and if so could you please show me? Thanks
