Marine Corps Marathon Recap

RAN THE FULL, BABYYYYYYY!

MCM was a blast. The weather was about 10-15°F warmer than I had hoped for. The race started at 63°F and rose to 67°F. It started to rain on us about five miles into the race. The clouds kept me cool enough, and the rolling hills broke the course up into an enjoyable challenge.

Peace!

The course was special for a few reasons: the history, the size, the spectators, the marines. The course was lined with historical landmarks, spectators, and marines - EVERY. SINGLE. MILE. I thoroughly enjoyed the attractions along the road and the overall vibe. The energy on race day was infectious. Seeing DC during the marathon was an experience. I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as a “patriotic” American, but I felt plenty of gratitude and proud to call the United States home while running in this event. I’m grateful for our armed forces and for my parents, my grandparents, my uncle, and aunt for their service.

The only time I felt a little down (and even let a few tears shed) was during the section of the course called the Wear Blue Mile - which is a quiet mile between 12 and 13. The mile is lined with pictures of fallen military service members. Most of them were young when they passed - many not even 40 years old, most not even 30. 18 year olds. 19 year olds. That mile hit hard.

All smiles!

A few of my favorite people showed up to cheer me on at miles 10, 17, and at the finish. They even helped me put petroleum on my shoulders at mile 17 because - LOL - of course my shoulders were beginning to chafe. I announced “I hit the wall!” when I saw Jin-Lin and Steph at mile 17. They were so encouraging and helpful. Good news: there was only one wall this race!

At mile 20, I had to run over the bridge. The sun was beginning to show up and the race was starting to get a bit harder. I walked aid stations and sipped water leisurely. I would make up the time, I thought to myself... I was in the second race.

If you haven’t run a marathon, here’s my tip. There are 2 races: the first 20 miles is one race, and the last 6 miles are another. The first 20 is easy. The last 6 is a complete gamble. The last 6 are when you find out what you’re really made of. And, on October 29th, 2023, I was made of steel!

The race directors of MCM planted a nice little hill at mile 26. One of the best compliments I’ve received was, “you looked SO STRONG running up that hill” after I finished. I felt like crap, but I pushed the last 400m. My Sunday morning spin instructor, Alison, says, “get mad at it!” when we’re pushing against our peak resistance. I took her advice and let myself get angry on that last hill. It paid off! I PR’d by almost 15 minutes and hadn’t intended on a PR at all! Thank you, Miley Cyrus, for “Party in the USA” because I feel like that launched me over the wall at 17 and into a good mood for the finish.

For those of you wondering: no, my tongue did not stay in my mouth.

THE BEST FACES

In setting up this site and choosing pictures to post, my big takeaway was that my tongue does its own thing. I make a lot of faces, and my tongue likes to waggle.

Thank you to everyone who is supporting me on this wacky running journey. I love seeing progress almost as much as I love high-fiving you on these courses.

WOO DOGGIE! Let’s go get a nice, cold beer. See you all at the Space Coast Marathon on November 26th!