MCM Marathon take
#3! This was the 41st running of this
amazing race and my 21st marathon...amazing! The weather was a bit
warm and as the day progressed it did get rather hot. It reminded me of the heat and humidity during
the USAF Marathon from just a month ago. The Metro here in Washington DC has
been doing track repair throughout the city and because of that the race
started later than normal at 7:55. The
race gave us until 8:55 to get to the start line due to the track repair. With that, I finally made it to the start
line about 8:20.
The MCM didn't
disappoint for the sights. Yes, I ran
through the part of Washington with the monuments and Smithsonian's, but I was
able to see Michael Jackson dancing and performing his famous songs. I was able to give a thumbs up to Chewbacca
and Princess Leia (Yes, full Comic-Con style :)). I saw Superman at least 5 times during the
race...kind of scared me and wonder woman was sighted multiple times throughout
the race. All the Incredible's made it
to the race too. So the Hollywood and
California superstars were well represented this year.
Now back to the
race. The first several miles were
crowded. This is one thing I really
don't like about the MCM. They do have
people setup in corrals, but with the mass humanity it still makes it difficult
to get into a good rhythm. I really
didn't get comfortable until Mile 10. With
the amount of zigzagging back and forth to dog runners, running on the grass
off the road or slowing to a walk at times, I was surprised when I reached the half
way point at 1:58. Mile 13-19 seemed to move quickly (Well that is what I was
telling myself). As I made the turn
toward Mile 20, thoughts of the finish were starting to come to mind. My body was feeling good, legs were holding
up, but I was slowing a bit. I made it
to Mile 23 and I met up with a friend who was running his first marathon. He was struggling with cramps in his legs
(Had been for several miles), so I decided right there that I was going to get
him to the finish line. We walked and
talked for about 2 miles and when we made it to the final mile, we both
said...lets run it in. My time was no concern anymore, it was about making sure
he finished his first marathon.
The MCM continues to
impress. All the support along the race
was incredible. The Marines were out in
full force and did great at the Aid stations.
So another MCM complete!
Now onto my last race
of the year The JFK 50 miler. Find out
in the next few days who I am running in honor of...
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