Am I insane? I have booked my first true Mileage Run!
What is a Mileage Run and why would one go on a Mileage Run? One “does” a mileage run, not to go somewhere, per se, but rather to accrue extra miles (usually at a good price) so as to attain or maintain elite status on a particular airline.
This weekend, I am going to Washington, D.C. to run the Marine Corps Marathon. Despite having run 88 marathons, I have never run MCM – and its supposed to be a fantastic marathon! So, I’m pretty psyched. Add to that, I really like the DC area, and I’m also looking forward to seeing a lot of friends.
I was planning to travel to D.C. on Saturday and return on Sunday evening. Long ago I booked my flight home for Sunday night after the marathon (Sunday night flights can get very expensive unless you book early). As for my travel Saturday morning, I was undecided between going by plane or train.
A few weeks ago, I heard of a special of “good priced” flights between SFO (San Francisco) and BWI (Baltimore) on Delta. I played around online, and saw that I could fly to Baltimore, by first taking a flight friday afternoon at 4 p.m. from JFK to SFO, spending 3 hours there, then taking an 11 p.m. “redeye” flight back to JFK, with a connecting flight to BWI – arriving Baltimore at 10 a.m. Saturday morning. WHAT?? Wow, talk about taking the long route! The cost – $200. The MQMs – over 5,000.
I primarily travel on Delta Airlines, and for many years have attained Silver Medallion Status, by flying at least 25,000 miles per year. This year, I’ve “stepped it up” a bit. With 2 flights to Europe (one to Ireland last February, and one to Istanbul this November) combined with a short hop (ha!) to Singapore this November, as well as two trips to Miami, New Orleans, Chicago, etc., – I’ll clearly reach over 50,000 miles flown on Delta, giving me Gold Medallion Status for 2014.
Not only will my miles be over 50,000, I’ll actually be very close to reaching 75,000 miles – Platinum Medallion Status. Lions and tigers and bear, OH MY. Should I go for it? Delta lets you “roll over” your extra miles (so, if, for example, I finished the year with 73,000 miles flown (called MQMs in Delta jargon), in 2014, I would be Gold Medallion, with 23,000 MQMs carried over for the following year.
Or…. I could jump on another flight for no reason other than to accrue another 2,000 MQMs and be Platinum Medallion in 2014. The benefits of each class of elite status are set forth HERE.
So, I booked this crazy trip to nowhere, and the following day will be running 26.2 miles. Yowza. Part of me is excited, another part thinks I should have my head examined, or at the very least, thinks I should cancel the flight, or better yet, get bumped and compensated.
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| Am I crazy or am, as these socks say, a badass? (photo: www.WillRunForMiles.com) |
Help me out. What should I pack for a mileage run? I really hope to sleep on the redeye flight back east. What should I have handy – such as toothbrush, cleansers, clothing for comfort – so as to make this more tolerable, especially knowing I’ll need to keep my legs limber for the run the next day. Any tips and suggestions – serious or funny – are welcomed.
The best response will get a free Gogo WiFi pass. –>
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
You definitely need an eye mask, noise canceling headphones, and a pashmina (or something to cover up with). Drink lots of water and try to avoid the alcohol on the redeye since you will actually only have the opportunity for about three to four hours sleep.
Have fun!
You are nuts!!! Instead of asking people for the time, you’re going to be asking ‘What time zone is it?’ Maybe bring a couple of extra watches! Looking forward to seeing you again, Kathy. Watch out DC!
Pack some compression socks or sleeves to keep the blood flowing in your legs on the flights (preferably in some obnoxious color – I prefer to look like a rainbow exploded on me when I run). If you have time and can sneak into San Francisco, plan a destination short run to keep your legs loose. I mean, how cool would it be to say you did your pre-race short run on Lombard Street or the Golden Gate Bridge before running the Marine Corps Marathon?
Also, bring clothes for running in any condition. I showed up to the Toronto Half Marathon last year with shorts, but it was rainy and cold during the race. Lululemon was closed by the time I thought, “Hey, I should probably get some tights for tomorrow.” Wearing running tights during flights is super comfy anyway.
Skier Girl, please contact me. You have won the GoGo wifi pass. will you be flying before the end of the year – it is valid through 12/31.
For my short trips the long way (and mileage runs) I ALWAYS carryon everything. I also wear compression socks and bring my own water bottle so I can stay plenty hydrated. I actually prefer the longer hauls like this one – last year, on my way to Cleveland from Rochester (for the NorthCoast 24 Hour), I flew Rochester-ATL-IND-CVG-DTW-CLE to get the extra miles (and it actually brought the cost down by 80%!). That is very hard to even get comfortable since you are shortly getting off again!
Good luck with your race and trip!
Don’t forget hand Sanitizer!! I’m in the middle of doing some MRs myself to try for Chairman status. If you want a snack. Go to Walgreens or CVS and get a cranberry trail mix. Filling and tasty!’) Off to do my first 15k run ever!
My advice for a mileage run: take as little as possible. Make security easy by having just a large bag/laptop bag with essentials (including a tooth brush if you have a long layover), but otherwise just wear your jacket or choice of warm clothing. Traveling light for mileage running is always a good idea!