Another awesome running experience here in the Nation’s
Capital, it is Cherry Blossom time here in DC…even though the full bloom
happened a couple of weeks ago it was still a wonderful run. Unfortunately, I really
don’t have any sights to report on. I always enjoy the costumes, funny clothes
that people will wear for the different racing events I attend.
Now onto the race. I was up early; I had my normal oatmeal,
coffee. I know this was not a marathon but I wanted to keep my routine the
same. After breakfast I packed up my things and headed to the metro. I did add
a marathon snickers bar (Left over from the Rock and Roll Marathon DC style)…that
thing rocked! I padded my time just in case I encountered huge crowds at the Metro
(I am in DC right!). I arrived early surprisingly. This gave me some extra time
to stretch and just clear my mind. I then headed for the starting location. As
with the Rock and Roll marathon they spaced our corrals out to start 90 secs
apart. This really helps to get my rhythm going quickly. After several miles I
was feeling really good. I was moving quickly and just felt strong. The 5 mile
marker seemed to come quick and I realized I was already half-way home J. As I reached mile 7
the bathroom monster rose its ugly head, but I quickly put a squash to that and
told myself I was going to finish before going to the bathroom…there was no time
to waste. As I reached mile 9, I noticed that a man was being given medical
assistance on the sidewalk. This was no ordinary medical treatment, he was
being given chest compressions…you can’t imagine what goes through your mind
when you see this in person. Yes, we hear it on the news or read it online, but
seeing it right in front of you is to put it lightly SCARY. I am still not sure
if the older gentleman survived, but it brought back memories of the Route 66
marathon a few years ago. I had reached mile 7 or 8 of that race and noticed
again on the sidewalk a lifeless body. I would later learn the young man (23
yrs of age) died…massive heart attack. At mile 9 I was pushing hard. As I
rounded the last turn for the finish, I was in a full sprint. What a finish!
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