Monterey Bay Half Marathon Training
Race along the stunning Monterey coastline with confidence. Get VO₂ max tested in Santa Cruz and train with precise zones for this beautiful half marathon.
The Monterey Bay Half Marathon showcases the best of the Monterey Peninsula with ocean views, the historic Cannery Row, and coastal scenery. The course typically features rolling terrain with ocean breezes.
VO₂ max testing helps you prepare for the rolling hills and potential wind exposure-conditions similar to training in Santa Cruz, making our facility an ideal testing location for this race.
Spring timing typically offers good conditions, but coastal weather can be unpredictable. Proper training zones ensure you're prepared for any conditions.
Variable Pace Strategy: Learn to adjust effort on rolling hills while maintaining overall race pace.
Hill-Adjusted Zones: Understand your power output on climbs vs. flats for even effort distribution.
Tempo Runs on Rollers: Practice sustained threshold efforts on variable terrain.
Coastal Wind Training: Build mental toughness and pacing discipline for wind exposure.
Santa Cruz and Monterey share similar coastal training conditions:
- Ocean breezes and marine layer
- Rolling coastal terrain
- Sea-level elevation
- Mild temperatures year-round
Testing in Santa Cruz provides data directly applicable to Monterey racing. Just 45 minutes away, making pre-race testing convenient.
10-12 weeks out: Initial test to establish training zones for your preparation cycle.
3-4 weeks out: Optional retest to confirm fitness gains and finalize race day pacing.
Many Monterey-area runners test in Santa Cruz to access our equipment and natural environment.
NOHRd SprintBok Treadmill: Self-powered running for the most specific assessment of your half marathon fitness.
WaterRower: Full-body cardio assessment if you're coming back from running injury.
Jacob's Ladder XL: Low-impact climbing motion for endurance without running impact.
After your test, you'll have:
- Target pace for flat sections of the course
- Effort guidelines for rolling hills
- Heart rate targets for pacing in wind
- Realistic finish time prediction
- Fueling strategy based on your metabolic profile
Fit Evaluations
311 Soquel Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Contact:
Phone: 831-400-9227
Email: info@fitevals.com
Test in Santa Cruz, race in Monterey. Perfect location for Monterey Bay Half Marathon training.
Race the Monterey Coast with Confidence
Book your VO₂ max test in Santa Cruz-perfect location for Monterey race preparation.
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