Marine Corps Marathon Preview

For those of you running the 41st MCM on Sunday, I thought I'd share some thoughts leading up to the race from the perspective of someone who has run the race five times and finished four (a mid-race injury cut short last year's effort at mile 18). I've run the race in times ranging from 3:23 to 3:42 and will be shooting for a 3:25-3:30 race this year.

So, let's get to it. This marathon is an experience race that for many runners is a bucket list run. Yes, you can be serious about your time, but be sure to enjoy and appreciate the effort that the Marines put in to making this a well-organized and special day. Even so, well organized, does not mean it's a snap to get to the start. This is no roll up 15 minutes before the gun, stretch, pee and go race. Start time is 7:55am and your alarm clock is probably 5:00am (though I've gotten away with 5:45).

This year, the logistics are potentially worse with the Washington metro refusing to open early. The start line will remain open for an hour to help, but if you want to be there at 7:55--and you should--plan ahead. I'll get to the start in a moment, but be sure to allow not only time to get to the shuttles and for the ride, but also to get through security. Last year was a debacle with runners held up for an hour trying to get through the metal detectors. They've promised a smoother operation this year, but best to plan on that process taking 30 minutes. And that's after a 10-15 minute walk from the Pentagon.
Okay, to summarize, leave early.

Runners village is honestly like every other large marathon runners village--lots of porta-potties with lines in front of them no matter how many there are. There is little cover, so bring an umbrella or poncho if rain is in the forecast. Once you've checked your bag, head to the start. Depending on your pace, that could be a 3 minute or ten minute walk. Remember to look up. This is the Marines after all. There will be sky divers and flying tech. A loud boom will signal the start.

So, you're finally running. That was the point, right? For most runners, you can start on either side of route 110. I honestly have no idea if there's any advantage to one side or the other--they merge before mile 1--but I always start on the left side running against traffic. The first mile along route 110 is filled with spectators and really gives you a great opening kick. It's hard to go slow because your adrenaline is pumping, there is a little dip downhill and heck hundreds of people are telling you how awesome you are. Try to rein it in nonetheless. You're going to need "it" pretty quickly.

The toughest hill--except for the one at mile 26--comes right away at mile 2 and it is a HILL. If this was mile 16 there would be tears, but it's only mile 2, so suck it up and run. I've heard the race director say the hill creates a perfect opportunity to ease back your pace and get yourself under control. While I can't really argue with his logic, my approach is to grind it up that SOB at a good clip knowing I have an almost two mile downhill right afterwards that is good for the soul.

And it is, good. Flying down the exit ramp onto the GW Parkway will probably be one of your fastest miles of the day. Take what the course gives you and enjoy gravity. There's no one around except runners peeing in the woods (does that answer a philosophical question) and you are approaching Georgetown, which is one of the best cheering sections of the race. Mile 4 takes you across the Key Bridge and onto M Street. A short 1/2 mile later runners make a sharp right onto Wisconsin. This two blocks is a steep downhill and then a sharp turn to the left. Be careful.

Leaving Georgetown, you start to realize that you're really doing this. The 10K mat your about to cross on the Rock Creek Parkway is not the finish line. Rock Creek itself is a gradual uphill until the turnaround, which this year is about a half mile closer. Once you make the turn, you can settle into a nice rhythm along a flat, ever so slightly downhill, stretch that leads you into West Potomac Park.

About halfway through the park, be prepared for the inspiration and emotion of the tribute to fallen soldiers as volunteers hold American flags next to photos of the fallen. And, all you are doing is running 26.2 miles. Perspective, right?

All of West and East Potomac Parks is flat and sparsely cheered. Keep an eye out for a series of humorous signs that usually line the back stretch. There’s also usually a medical station at the end of the park, but you won’t need that.

Crossing the halfway point and leaving the park, you will head back towards the Lincoln Memorial along Independence Avenue. The crowds are with you for the next 5 miles, so enjoy. There’s a slight uphill coming out of the park that can be a bit of a kick in the ass after 14 miles and another one on the way back to the Washington Monument near mile 15, but once you are on the mall its mostly flat-city. I strongly recommend you use these miles (17-18) to restore and refresh as much as possible. Drink an extra water. If you’ve been hording gels, down one.  You are approaching the bridge.

The 14^th Street Bridge is a long, quiet, mostly runners-only stretch of inner thinking that requires you to stay focused and keep running. This might sound obvious, but it’s where many runners start to hit the wall and there’s no one around encouraging you to keep going. There are lots of spots to pull over and lean against a railing for a while. Fight it. If you can make it to Crystal city—you’re home.

Except that this year they have added 1.5 miles to this part of the race to make up for the shorter distance in DC, so we will get to run through a parking lot before heading into Crystal City. That should be fun. But, now it’s just a 10K to the finish line. Come on, people. We run 10Ks in our sleep.

The good news is that miles 20-23 are rocking with spectators and noise. The bad news is you’re tired and if these people have so much energy, why don’t they get their asses out here and do some running. It’s basically an out and back through Crystal City, but the end is near. After a few twists and turns, you are back on Route 110 and running for the Iwo Jima Memorial and the finish. Trust me when I say this road will feel like it goes on forever. You’ll finally get to the where the Runner’s Village was in the morning and think, hey, almost there. And then you’ll remember how far you walked to get to the start line, and how far you ran before you saw the finish line, and realize you have another mile to go.

With a half mile to go, though, the crowds will pull you home. As the spectators increase, your head will tick up slightly and you’ll maybe see runners ahead veering sharply left. The hill awaits. Take it at as fast a pace as you’ve got. High five people if you can. Wave, raise a fist. You earned this part. By the time you come to your senses, the finish line will be in sight. Good luck, Sunday!