Avenue of the Giants Marathon Training
Run through ancient redwoods with confidence. Prepare for the Avenue of the Giants Marathon with precise VO₂ max training zones from our Santa Cruz testing facility.
The Avenue of the Giants Marathon takes you through Humboldt Redwoods State Park on a scenic, mostly flat course beneath towering ancient trees. It's one of California's most beautiful marathons.
The flat profile makes it ideal for PR attempts, but the May timing means training through winter months. VO₂ max testing helps you maximize your preparation regardless of weather conditions.
The course runs along the historic Avenue, offering shade, fresh forest air, and a unique racing experience.
Marathon Pace: Establish your sustainable race pace for the flat, shaded course.
Tempo Runs: Build your lactate threshold for maintaining speed over 26.2 miles.
Long Run Zones: Build endurance with properly paced long runs in your aerobic zone.
Recovery Runs: Active recovery pacing to maximize training volume without overtraining.
The Avenue of the Giants typically occurs in early May, requiring a winter training cycle:
January/Early February: Initial test to establish zones for 16-18 week training plan.
March: Mid-training retest to verify fitness improvements and adjust zones.
Early April: Final pre-taper test to confirm race day pacing strategy.
Santa Cruz serves as an ideal testing location between the Bay Area and Humboldt County. Our facility offers:
- Sea-level testing environment
- Natural ventilation similar to forest running conditions
- Multiple equipment options for runners
- Convenient Highway 17 or Highway 1 access
NOHRd SprintBok Treadmill: Self-powered curved design mimics natural running mechanics-ideal for marathon training assessment.
WaterRower: Full-body cardiovascular testing with smooth resistance for cross-training metrics.
Jacob's Ladder XL: Climbing stair mill for low-impact endurance assessment.
Your VO₂ max test provides actionable data for Avenue of the Giants preparation:
- Precise marathon pace target for the flat course
- Weekly training zones for all run types
- Heart rate targets for effort-based pacing
- Guidance on when to push intensity vs. build volume
- Race day pacing strategy and fueling zones
VO₂ Max Test: $250
Includes personalized zones, scenic course pacing guidance, and training recommendations.
Fit Evaluations
311 Soquel Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Contact:
Phone: 831-400-9227
Email: info@fitevals.com
Test in Santa Cruz and prepare for Avenue of the Giants' beautiful redwood course.
Train Smart for the Giants
Book your VO₂ max test and prepare for a memorable race among the redwoods.
Schedule Your Test🌲 Race Uniqueness
The Avenue of the Giants is a bucket-list marathon for many runners. The combination of ancient redwoods, small-town charm, and a fast course makes it special. Proper training with accurate zones ensures you can fully enjoy the experience while running your best.