This weekend is the 38th Marine Corps Marathon.
5 years ago, I ran it as my first marathon. It was an amazing experience!
My decision to run a marathon was not a long thought out one. Instead, it was the result of an off the cuff remark to a friend. But once it was out there, I realized I really wanted to do it. I wasn’t a distance runner at that point. I’d run the Army 10 Miler once (and hadn’t been able to walk for days.) But I put in the time and the training and did it.
It’s an accomplishment I’ll always be proud of. I have no desire (at this point) to run a 3rd marathon, but the Marine Corps Marathon was such an amazing experience that I get nostalgic and wish I was running. (Here are my very long recaps (yes plural): Pre-Race to Mile 9, Miles 10-20, Miles 22-26.2)
What did I love about it (and why should it be on your bucket list)?
- The organization – I have never before or since experienced such a well run race. And when you think about the sheer number of runners that were kept on track, it’s kind of mind blowing.
- The energy – There was not a single moment in the race when I was alone. When I was in my worst moments of the race, there were spectators just waiting to lift me up. I can’t tell you how many kids’ hands I high-fived. It.was.awesome.
- The course – MCM is my “hometown” marathon. I was able to train on the very hills that I raced on. (Admittedly, the course also goes past monuments, but I can’t say I noticed LOL.)
- The men – call me shallow, but having good looking men in uniform hand me water? Yes, please.
I can’t believe it’s been 5 years!
Good luck to everyone running this weekend! I’ll be with you in spirit and wishing I was running along with you.
Hi-i’ll be racing my 4th marathon and first MCM this weekend. Nervous, excited, scared but really looking forward to it. Thanks for your wonderful blog, look forward to reading it often.
Good luck this weekend! MCM is really a wonderful marathon + the weather is supposed to be perfect for it this weekend.
My first was the exact same one! Woo hoo! 🙂
Of course you’re not shallow for enjoying having good looking men in uniform hand out water. You’re human.
I always hear great things about this one, but marathons are not for me. I bet it would be just as fun to spectate!
Fun TT! This race is a must-run on my bucket list.
Congratulations to you! I know several folks running the MCM this weekend. I cheer all of you on while I work my way up to running a marathon. Brava!
Congrats! I am running a half soon, and I think that is as far as I want to go, but I am so impressed with those who can do 26.2!
That is very cool that you wrote about reliving your first marathon.
I will always remember mine (Memphis) but wasn’t blogging then and only have the photos taken by the race photographers.
I do remember a lot about it (especially remember how tough it got at a certain point and going out too fast 🙂 ) but it would be nice to have had written more down at the time… well at least I can be assured (as long as I keep blogging) that I will have future races well documented!
I have heard only good things about MCM.. well I have heard about the hills.. Ha!
Chris
http://www.mavrocatstrength.com