So, here's something new. A precap. Having run the Marine Corps Marathon 4 years in a row (2015 will be #5), I thought I'd share some musings on the race in the days leading up to it. I know first hand how obsessive runners can be in the days before a race, so maybe this will provide you a helpful nugget or two.
I'll divide this post into three parts -- things to think about before the race, during the race, and after the race.
Pre-race
The Marines say get there early and they are not kidding. Now, I say this as someone that tries to cut it as close as possible, because I hate sitting around in a cold parking lot waiting for the start. But, consider a few realities. It is at least a 1/2 mile walk from the Pentagon metro to the runners village and then another 1/4 mile to the start. There is security that needs to be passed through. One year it was a breeze, barely even slowed people down. One year it took forever and people were literally running for the start line as soon as they passed through. Twice in my four years running it took some time, but not a big deal. Point is, you just don't know--and believe me the Marines are as efficient as possible.
It is cold, colder than you think it's going to be, colder than the forecast tells you it is. Wear a throw away sweatshirt or two and pants. Forget fashion. Forget being that tough guy/gal. It amazes me every year that I see runners shivering for 30-45 minutes before the start because they didn't think about the standing around time before the race. Clothes left at the start area get donated to charity. It's all good.
Race
I'll keep this relatively brief, but there are some key points along the route that are worth some planning.
The Hill--mile 1-2. Most people I've heard give advice on how to handle this early obstacle point out that it is a great forcing mechanism to make you slow down and not go out too fast. While I acknowledge that as rational, I'd like to make two other points. It's a great time to pass all those people who shouldn't have lined up in your pace group and put yourself in clearer space. There is an almost 2 mile downhill right after this hill, so sucking a little wind won't kill you and there's ample time to recover.
Rock Creek--miles 6-10. A less steep, longer version of the "the Hill" scenario. Don't kill yourself running north towards the zoo, but keep in mind, you have a 3 mile net downhill leading you into West Potomac Park, so push the pace a bit uphill and let gravity be your friend on the way back.
West/East Potomac Park--miles 10-15. Awful. Skip, if possible. Okay, seriously, they are flat, sparsely spectatored, and if you train in DC, you've run this stretch a million times...BUT...mile 12 is the Blue Mile, which features the pictures of fallen soldiers and volunteers holding large American flags for hours on end. Whatever pain, angst or fatigue you are feeling, just isn't that important, relatively speaking. Suck it up, run.
3 Small Hills--mile 15, mile 17 (2). They don't look like much. They aren't much. But, you're getting tired and for many the wall beckons like Ahab to his crew. Coming out of East Potomac is a slight uphill that can surprise you after 5 miles of flat running. And, running alongside the Washington Monument is deceptively uphill. And, then right as you enter the mall is a driveway length hill that can be a punch to the gut. Know they are all there and be ready.
The Bridge--miles20-21. Not only do you have to beat the bridge, but the damn thing goes on for freakin ever. Pick a pace, stick to it. If you have a song that shoots adrenaline into your veins, I'd use it here. There will be people walking, gasping for air, swearing at the running Gods. You have to tune this out and just run.
After that, it's less than a 10K. Come one, we've all run a 10K.
Post Race
No matter how badly you feel, try to run up the hill at the end and cross the finish line strong. Not only are the crowds great, but there is video of the finish you may want to look at later and not cringe.
Keep walking. The Marines will insist on this anyway, but you are a long way from your bag. Take any food and water offered. You will want it eventually, even if the sight if it makes you sick. Take the space blanket if it's offered. You will also want that eventually, especially if the lines for bag pick up are long and/or in the shade, which they can sometimes be.
Warn your family and friends who are trying to meet you at the finish line that it will take you 10-15 minutes to get to them after you cross the line.
That's it for now. Hope to see you all there... B
