Wow. What an experience. Two years ago when I started walking and wandered onto a running thread on a Weight Watchers message board, I never imagined I would complete a marathon. I can still remember being out before dawn with our dog Indy and running for 20 or 30 seconds between long walk breaks. Slowly I pieced it together and got up to a mile without walking. I thought I had arrived when I finished my first 5K. Funny thing, there is always a longer distance out there!
The Marine Corps Marathon is a great event. We went into DC on Saturday afternoon to go to the expo and drop me off at my hotel. We had stayed with my sister-in-law the night before and Lee was going to stay there Saturday night as well. I opted to head to a hotel near the start to make the morning a little easier and take the travel variables out of the equation. I scarfed down a pizza for supper while watching football. Then hit the sack about 10:00.
I could not believe I was standing on the starting line... Well, I guess I was about 1/4 of a mile or so from the starting line, but the feeling was still amazing. I ran into my buddy Allan before the start and that helped calm my nerves. I got there about 40 minutes before the start and was in line for the port-o-johns when I saw everyone else heading for the trees. That seemed like a good idea and without going into more detail, I'll just say it was the first coed outdoor bathroom I have visited. The scene did repeat itself at mile 3 though...
I took a conservative approach and lined up with the 5 hour crowd. It was interesting talking to those around me. Many were multi-marathon finishers and some were first timers like me. I started getting a little concerned because I made a decision to not carry any hydration with me and everyone around me seemed to be carrying some. I hoped I hadn't made a mistake. Of course, I couldn't imagine needing any after all the water I had consumed in the previous 48 hours!
They fired a howitzer to start the race, so I could hear the starting gun even as far back as I was. I was so excited, I almost forgot to start my Garmin as I crossed the line, but seeing everyone else reach for their wrist reminded me. The first mile was surreal with the huge crowds cheering us on. I would consider the course flat, but you have to remember where I live. Most folks thought it was too hilly. The big hill was in Georgetown and it was a big hill. It was pretty early in the race though and didn't bother me. I was grabbing water and Powerade at every stop. Other than that, I plugged along at a steady, if not fast, pace. I really enjoyed the Georgetown band and cheerleaders. There were several bands on the course and all were very much appreciated!
The water stops were extremely long and well organized. It was great to be able to get water and food without having to fight a crowd or wait for it to be poured. The marines and other volunteers were tremendous. The only mistake I made on the food was taking in a mocha clif shot... My stomach cramped up for about a half mile after that. I was pretty concerned but it quickly settled down. That old rule about not trying anything new during the race came to mind.....
Mentally I held up pretty well until the halfway mark. I felt good, but mentally started questioning if I could hold up for another 13 miles. Fortunately we hit some good crowds around that point and it lifted my spirits. The crowds around the mall area were really great. It was so cool to have people truly cheering you on. I am going to make it a point to go out and cheer at some races soon.
There is a bridge at the 20 mile point that takes you back into Virgina (I think). You have to be over it by a certain time or your day is done. I wasn't close to the cutoff, but it was a relief to cross the 20 mile point. Then all the people that always told me "It's only a 10K from there" came into my mind. 10K seems a lot longer after 33K is already in the books!
We hit some cool areas in Crystal City after this, at least I think it was Crystal City. Lots of folks out and they were cheering even if they hadn't planned on seeing a marathon that day. I got a real lift from a crowd handing out pretzels and dixie cups with beer in them. That perked me up again. Then we headed out around the pentagon and onto highway for the lonely final miles. That is when the emotions really started welling up in my eyes. I had moments of smiles and moments of tears. I was really in a zone as we started onto an off ramp that circled down to the final stretch. That is when it happened. My left knee gave out with a pain on the outside... Pretty sure it was my IT band. It was tough to even walk down the ramp. When I hit the straight away, I was slowly able to stand up straight and pick up the pace. As I approached the finish I was back to my normal stride (thank goodness!). The course actually finishes on a very steep, yet short, uphill. You turn the corner and hit the hill. As I was sprinting (yeah, right) up the hill, I heard my name and turned to see Lee and her sister, Cindy, holding up a sign and cheering for me. From there, I crossed the line with emotions boiling over. I never planned on crying in front of a 2nd Lt, but I am sure I wasn't the only one.
I keep getting asked, do you want to run another one? My answer is absolutely, but I don't know if I want to train for it!
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