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 14th 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!