Field notes · the blog

Honest writing on running the right race.

Data, opinion, and the occasional vendetta against the phrase “fast course.” Written by people who actually run these races — one new post a week, no sponsors, no SEO filler.

Filter

7 posts

Marathon stats · 8 min read

What "BQ-friendly" actually means.

Every race finder slaps a BQ hotbed label on flat courses. We pulled the data on which marathons actually deliver — and which ones just inflate the stat with their qualifier-only fields.

More field notes

Newest first

Course guide · 5 min read

How to read an elevation profile (and which ones lie).

A 240-foot total gain sounds gentle. Spread it across one wall at mile 21 and it's a different race entirely.

By Devon ParkOct 28, 2026

Travel · 6 min read

When the destination is the goal.

Five marathons we'd run again even with a 30+ minute time penalty. Big Sur is on the list. So is one you've never heard of.

By Sara ChoOct 17, 2026

Weather · 7 min read

The fall-marathon weather trap.

Cool average highs hide a wide spread. We mapped 10 years of race-day temps to find which fall majors actually deliver PR conditions — and which ones are coin flips.

By Mara EllisonOct 9, 2026

Entry path · 4 min read

Lottery math: stop refreshing the page.

Your odds at Chicago, New York, and London — and the smaller races that quietly accept everyone who shows up.

By Devon ParkOct 2, 2026

Training · 9 min read

Pick your second marathon, not your first.

The biggest jump in finish times happens between race one and race two. Most of that gain comes from where you sign up, not how you train.

By Sara ChoSep 24, 2026

Marathon stats · 6 min read

The course-record lie.

Six races that paid pacers and posted times nobody normal will ever touch. Useful for headlines. Useless for your goal.

By Mara EllisonSep 15, 2026