RACE REPORT: Marine Corps Marathon #3

Submitted by: Elaine Weisner. A letter to her mom.

Dear Mom,

The day before the Marine Corps Marathon, Misty and I checked into our hotel room, and Brad picked us up and took us to Arlington National Cemetery to visit Dad’s grave. As I knelt beside his grave, tears came to my eyes, and I knew it would be an emotional week-end.

We went to the Expo to pick up our race packets, and then went to an early dinner with Joan, Roy and Misty’s family. We got back to the hotel early to get everything ready. I made sure I had Dad’s dog tag with my gear. I pinned my number onto my shirt that said; Running in memory of Capt. George J. Pidgeon, USMC Ret. “Dad”

The next morning we got up at 5:00 AM. We walked to the runner’s village to check our bags in. Before we headed to the start, I took a few quiet moments on the grass beside the Potomac River, to say a pray to God, and to talk to Dad. I asked Dad to be with me during the race, and again my eyes teared up. As I got up from the grass in the predawn darkness, I saw two marines walking toward me, one male, and one female. One of them said, “We just wanted to make sure you’re alright.” I said, “Yes. I’m fine. I just wanted a moment of peace.” I felt like Dad had sent those marines to check on me, and to let me know everything would be alright.

The starting line was very crowded with much excitement in the air. There was a flyover from two jets, the Star Spangled Banner was played, and the cannon from WWII signaled the start of the race! Misty and I stood there, because the crowd around us was not able to move. It would be 20 minutes, before we would cross the start line. (Our individual time is measured by an electronic chip attached to our shoe.)

We felt good as we started jogging. I had Dad’s name on the back of my shirt, and there were many others who were running in memory of a loved one, some with pictures on the back of their shirts. There were marines everywhere, passing out water and cheering us on. We were able to spot Brad and Misty’s family at several spots along the course. The course was beautiful as it ran along the Potomac, the Washington monument, Jefferson Memorial and the sites of DC.

Misty’s knee started bothering her in the first half of the race. She had done so well during our training without any significant problems. Surprise! You never know what a marathon will bring. She told me to go on ahead, but I said we were fine. We walked a while, and then resumed jogging. Her knee continued to give her trouble from time to time, and again she would tell me to go on. She always seemed to find the strength to get back into a good jogging pace.

At mile 17, we saw the White House, but I saw something even better. Brad was there, and said, “Would ya’ll like some company?” At this point in the race, you’re as tired mentally as you are physically. We jogged along with Brad, and listened when he told us we could take a walking break, and when we needed to jog.

The bottoms of my feet were so tired at mile 20. I felt for Dad’s dog tag several times during the race, and it gave me strength. I questioned would I ever want to do a marathon again. I saw a sign that said “Pain is Temporary, Pride is Forever.” I’m sure Dad must have had a lot of painful moments when he was in the Marines, but what I remember, is the great pride he had in being part of the Marines.

After we crossed mile 25 Misty was ahead of me, with Brad ahead of her. I saw Misty’s leg bobble, and thought she might fall. She said her knee was giving way, and for me to go on. I said we could walk. She could hold on to me, and I could be a crutch. She said no. I said the most moving thing I could think of, “You never leave a fallen marine corps marathoner!” She still said no, and that this was my race, and she wanted me to go on. I offered to have Brad and I on both sides of her, but she said she would go in at her pace, and wanted me to finish strong. When Brad looked back, I waved for him to come back, and asked him to stay with Misty.

As I jogged ahead, I thought to myself, I’m finishing the race with Dad, and I felt again for his dog tag. I heard someone say, “We have less than ½ a mile to go.” I soon saw the 26 mile marker. (Only two tenths of a mile to go.) I scanned the crowd looking for Joan, Roy, and Misty’s family. I saw the big arch with Finish. I high fived the good looking marine and I crossed the finish line with a smile on my face. I looked ahead and saw the Iwo Jima Memorial, and tears came to my eyes.

I finished in 5 hours, 8 minutes and 8 seconds, a new personal record. Misty moved as quickly as she could with one stiff leg, with the crowd cheering her on. Wounded, but not defeated, she finished 2 minutes behind me. We went to get our metals, and felt a sense of pride not only in ourselves, but in the marines who put them on us, and what they represent.

With all my love,

Elaine

RUN RSVP: Saturday 10/31

Not sure how many of you are looking for a group run this weekend, but it would probably be fun to get the RMEC together and talk about the MCM as well as the upcoming OBX and Richmond races.

I just picked a 10 mile route that is on our regular roads. It is easy to add or subtract to meet your own needs. Please RSVP if you are coming. I need to mix the proper amount of fluids. We are starting a 7:00 am this week. It is too dark to start any earlier and be safe with a large group.

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 7:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes at the Tracks
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 10 Miles

EXTRA GUS: We have left over GU and GU Chomps (similar to Shot Bloks) from Medoc that we would like to get rid of. If purchased in bulk, GU is normally about $.50 a piece, and GU Chomps are about $1.75 a bag. They are far more if bought individually. If you are interested in any of these we are trying to get rid of them at a discount.:

• 3 GUS for $1
• 1 Bag of GU Chomps for $1

The money collected will go back into the Medoc race budget for the 2010 race. It obviously is not a large amount but it is better then letting the GUs go to waste. I will have the GUs with me at group runs for anyone who is interested. We have a variety of flavors.

RACE REPORT: Marine Corps Marathon #2

Submitted by: Ron Fleming

Everything about the Marine Corps Marathon was huge...The long walk from the hotel to the start, the Pentagon which we passed along the way, the many port-o-johns and UPS trucks at the bag drop, the thousands of runners standing in the start corrals, the huge monuments and buildings we passed, the thousands and thousands of spectators along the way and the many many marines that volunteered to provide support along the course, and finally, the long walk back to the hotel (that was self-inflicted, i know...)

For all the hype and enormity of this event, I was somewhat relaxed, yet eager to get started. Sometime over the past couple of months between training runs and a few races, I had gained this huge level of confidence in my ability and was setting out do really really well in this race. I think I can even be quoted as saying "breaking 4 hours will not be a problem".

Scott and I lined up in the 3:45 corral and after getting a pep-talk from veteran Marine (and talk-show host) Montel Williams, we were off...It took us 2-3 minutes to get across the starting line. In the first mile, Scott and I became separated and I was on my own...(well, besides the other 1000 people I was running shoulder-to-shoulder with). I was really interested to see how this thick crowd would thin out...

After a slow climb and winding through the streets of Arlington, we were dumped out on a more desolate stretch of the course with very few spectators. After crossing Key Bridge into Georgetown, which was beautiful, we started back up the river and it wasn't long before we saw the two leaders meeting us in the opposite direction. They were literally side by side with no one else around them...I don't think I can comprehend the level of intensity and competition those guys feed off of.

The course took a u-turn to the right and climbed a hill, pointing us back in the direction of the city. At the top of the hill I could see a sea of runners going in both directions. This was about mile 7 and where I started feeling good and settled in. In retrospect, this is where I let myself get too settled in and instead of throttling my pace, I went with it. I remember the converstations I had with myself.."It's okay, you feel good now...run with it, you will be able to push through if it gets rough near the end, you are trained for this" and then immediately after, "alright damnit...you're making this bed, you are gonna lay in it.". That is exactly how it went through my head and the latter is more closely how it played out...

After Georgetown, course details start getting a little foggy and I remember seeing a golf course on my left and realizing I was on Haynes Point...The half marathon point was at the very tip of Haynes Point. I was at about 1:55 half marathon pace and it was at this point where I knew I was in trouble...I was not comfortable. I tried to ignore that and push through this boring strip of course and hope the upcoming crowds and sites would provide a lift, and they did. I could not believe the amount of spectators that lined the course along the mall and around the monuments, meanwhile, I am still in a very thick crowd of runners...It was people everywhere!

At mile 20, my goal time was out the window and it was time for the "fall back" goal (is that even allowed?)...It wasn't long after cossing the bridge into Crystal City where time was irrelevant and it became a mission just to finish. We passed our hotel twice during this Crystal City out-and-back...Do you know how hard it was to not just bail on the race and go inside and get a beer??? (things were bad).

Shortly after the turn around loop part of Crystal City, someone hit me on the shoulder...It was Scott. We were literally shoulder-to-shoulder and I don't think I would have ever noticed if he hadn't said something...22 miles later we were running together again...No telling how many times we passed each other during the race and didnt even know it. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention how bad the cramping was at this point...It started on the bridge (hence the desire to go in the hotel and get a beer). Cramping in the calves, hams, and inner thighs...I don't ever cramp when I run. I don't know why I was cramping so bad then. I was doing a lot of walk>run with an emphasis on walk...Scott moved ahead.

The night before the race, my parents called me at 8:00pm and said they were in the car on the way to DC...this was a surprise to me. I had no idea where to tell them to go on the course and didn't want them running all over the place, so I just suggested they hang out at the finish. As I closed in on the finish, I figured I had either missed them along the way or that I would just meet up with them after the finish. About 20 yards from the finish I heard someone yell my name and I turned around and there they were...I had just passed them and it was a great surprise to see them there right before I crossed the finish line. Mom even got a great picture as I passed by them. I was thrilled they were able to see an event of this size, see me finish, and see first-hand how I am spending all of my spare time these days. I hung out with them post-race and even dragged them along with me on the 2.5-3 mile walk back to the hotel in Crystal City.

As far as my personal goal for the race, I was very disappointed at first. I think I've learned from this that physically, there are things I need to do to become stronger as a runner. As far as racing smarts, this is the first race where I can honestly say "I went out too fast". It was bound to happen and I hate it happened at this race, but given the pre-race confidence level I had, the post-race humbling will hopefully sharpen my pace-management skills.

I don't think enough can be said about the amount of support provided by the Marines and the crowds and also the amount of planning and coordination that must have been done to pull off an event like this. The effort and numbers are enormous...For those who may have not read or seen this in the race program, I think these are some interesting stats:

• $7,000,000 raised through charity programs
• 1,888,000 ounces of Mixed Berry Blast Powerade
• 850,000 cups
• 401,243 photos taken by MarathonFoto
• 381,470 total MCM finishers in 34 years
• 207,500 safety pins
• 156,000 feet of heat sheets
• 34,500 finisher medals
• 30,000 bags of pretzels
• 30,000 gallons of water
• 28,000 race programs printed on eco-friendly paper
• 26,000 CLIF shots
• 25,000 bags of Sport Beans
• 16,400 pounds of ice
• 10,000 orange slices
• 5,662 marines, sailors, civilians and volunteers
• 5,520 feet of snow fencing
• 5,000 traffic cones
• 2,888 tables & chairs
• 1,168 law enforcement personnel
• 724 Port-a-johns
• 446 awards
• 253 2nd Lieutenants placing finisher medals on runners
• 200 vendors
• 84 laptops
• 74 shuttle buses
• 45 countries represented
• 35 UPS trucks
• 17 mile marker spinners
• 1 finish line

More Weekend Race Results & NYC

Columbus: While the majority of the RMEC was running in DC, Levi Moore snuck off to Columbus Ohio where he ran the Columbus 1/2 Marathon. This is a good size event and had over 7,000 half marathon finishers. Levi placed 590 overall and had a big PR time finishing in 1:43:15. Great job Levi!

Raleigh: This past weekend also had another event that is part of the Second Empire Grand Prix quest. This was the Run For Healthier Babies, and is the fourth event in the eight race series. Ashley Bass was once again on fire, setting a new PR of 17:37 and placing 7th overall. Brian Lankford still managed 15th overall with a time of 18:41 despite fighting the flu. This time earned Ashley first in his age group and Brian was second in his. Ashley now sits in first place in the Series and Brian is in second. Keep in mind, this is their overall standings, not their age group standings! It is pretty cool to see a Raleigh race series, and have Nashville and Rocky Mount at the very top!

New York: I also wanted to post a reminder that John and Derek and both racing New York this weekend, and seeking Boston Qualifying times. Derek qualified at Shamorck this year, and John is now focused on joining him on his trip. New York is a spectacular event. It draws one of the most competitive fields of any race in the world. NBC will show two hours of coverage of the marathon beginning at 2:00 pm. You can also watch the race live online in several places. I highly recommend tuning in to watch.

RACE REPORT: Marine Corps Marathon

Submitted by: Michael Forrester

After sending an email to a friend about the Marine Corps Marathon, I realized I had essentially written a race report, so I decide to tweak it a bit, and put it on the blog. As normal, I am not short of words. . .

The MCM was a unique race to do. I have done several mega-marathons now (Disney, Chicago, New York, and Grandma's), but MCM had something "different". You really felt like you were part of something special. . .

• 22,000 people screaming OH RAH before the race was cool.
• Having the Marines every step along the way was a unique experience.
• Finishing at Iwo Jima is amazing
• The patriotism was strong.
• The Finisher's coin and what it represents is something I will treasure

These are all things that are unique to this marathon. You will not find them anywhere else.

The race was kind of odd/good for me. I never really felt like I "settled in". The entire time I was waiting hit the wall so I could give up, and was thinking of my excuses along the way. I ran the first five miles or so with Ryan. The parts heading towards Georgetown are beautiful! Probably my favorite section of the course. Lots of fall colors overlooking the Potomac. Eventually we caught the 3:20 pace group. I explained to Ryan that "I have no business passing them". I knew I had not trained for that pace.

Running in a pace group can be good, but it can also be hot, stuffy and crowded. I decided to hang behind it while Ryan went ahead. After a while I caught up to the pace group again, and found out Ryan was sticking right with them. I continued to drift back and then up on the pace group, but never really ran with it. I also never let Ryan know I was so close. At times I was 150 yards back, and at other times 15 feet back. I felt like we both needed our space, and did not want to mess up his rhythm.

Coming back by Georgetown the second time, I got to see Ursula going in to the loop. I was shocked she found me in the crowd. I was scanning like crazy, and could not find anyone until she shouted my name. I did however manage to see a girl dressed as Madonna (golden cones and all) on the way.

Around mile 17 we were on the Mall and I let Ryan know I was there. We pulled out to the side of the pace group where it was less crowded and easier to breathe. We really did not talk too much (except for some complaining) but ended up running together from there forward. I think we were both waiting for the other one to break, so we could both give up. We did not say it, but we both knew it. Through emails after the race we confirmed this was the case.

Crossing the main bridge was horrible. It was long, boring, and there were no fluids (which I needed for my GU). When I saw the grim reaper I was not amused at the time (now I can enjoy the humor). When we finally got to Crystal City we walked through the fluid station to get well hydrated. This was an out-and-back part that I thought would be horrible. It was a struggle, but turned out to be great. The streets were lined with about 1,000 colorful teardrop flags, plus we got to see Jeff on his way back to the finish. We knew he was on a Boston qualifying pace.

We made it through that section, and then started the two mile finishing stretch from the Pentagon to Iwo Jima. I was in "shuffle mode" now, although my pace never went above 8:30. There was a water stop at mile 25, which I did not need, but it gave me an excuse to grab a cup and walk a few steps again (I wish I had those 10 seconds back now).

Somehow around 25.5, I found my stride again and really started running. I put my head down, said the Lord's Prayer and pushed all that I had. I said Amen just as I heard Sarah and Tessie cheering. The final short/steep hill towards Iwo Jima is a pain. This killed my stride, but I was able to finish still moving at a good pace. Ryan and I congratulated each other and limped for our medals and pictures. It was great to see Jeff smiling at the finish line. We knew he had made it.

It took several minutes for it all to sink in, and I am very proud of my time, but more proud that I did not give up.

RACE REPORT: Medoc Trail Marathon

Submitted by: Eric Pate

I can’t think of one thing that Michael, Scott & Frank could have done to improve the race (short of removing the roots, rocks and hills!). As many of you know, I started this race feeling pretty ill and couldn’t hope to finish feeling much better. I ignored much well-intentioned advice and ran the race anyway. The great part is I felt safe the entire time. The race was so well supported that I never felt that aid was too far away in the event that I did crash. There were friendly faces around every corner. At every aid station the volunteers went out of their way to make sure all runners had the bottles filled and knew where the gels and snacks were. I questioned my ability to finish this race many times this morning, and these positive factors were instrumental in getting me through.

I met many people along the run and had some interesting conversations; this always helps to get me through. I had one tumble as I was approaching the Start/Finish area on the 2nd loop. Got through it with just some small scratches and was uplifted when Tracy Proctor informed me that I only had 5 laps left! Thanks Tracy.

As is my norm, around mile 17 I started feeling shaky and lost a lot of energy. Around mile 18 I was stung by a yellow jacket (thankfully only one this time). It didn’t hurt that bad, but it did dampen my spirits some (and made me feel like I have some sort of insect target on me). Again the volunteers at the next aid station went above and beyond, digging out the First Aid kit and keeping my spirits up. About a mile later I ran into Ron and William’s Travelin’ Aid Station (which was an absolutely great idea) and they gave me Cortisone ointment for the sting and provided some laughs and mental support.

The next miles were tough. My throat and ears really started aching and my coughing fits came more frequently. Luckily there were some other guys in the race who were battling infirmities of their own and we all tried to push each other through. The long stair descent was especially tough and I truly almost through in the towel at this point. I wrestled Medoc at the base of the stairs and kicked his butt. I kept run/walk/running and got to Mile 25. It took me approximately a million and a half minutes to complete Mile 25, maybe longer. I finished, I made it and I feel good about it. The trails are beautiful and running is great at Medoc. Thanks to all Race Staff and Volunteers.

What is Next?

Now that 28 of us have crossed the finish line at the Iwo Jima Memorial, many of us are asking, "What's next?" For some of you one marathon a year is enough. For others, one marathon a life is enough. And there are several of you who don't want to see all that training go to waste and you plan to squeeze in more marathons!

I will update this post occasionally as people reply. This is what I know of so far (this is just what people are planning):

• 11/01 New York: Derek, John
• 11/07 OBX Half Marathon: Half: Leigh Anne, Scott, Ryan, Ingrid, Michael S, Sean, Jennifer, Mike V, Laura
• 11/14 Richmond: Full: Amber, John, Jeff H, Abraham, Levi
• 12/12 Thunder Road: Frank, Steve, Dave, Ron
• 01/09 Frosty 50k: Ron
• 01/10 Disney: Amber?, Jon?
• 02/13 Myrtle Beach: Steve, Levi, Jeff H
• 03/06 Umstead: Scott, Michael, Eric?
• 03/13 Roanoke Canal Half: Kim, Larry, Ted, Liz, Cliff, Ralph, Scott, Leigh Ann, Arthur, Matt, Sarah, Ron, Amber, Jon, Kinnie, Eric, Steve, Indie
• 03/21 Shamrock: Michael?, Ryan?, Gerry?
• 04/25 Big Sur: Ron?
• 05/02 Eugene: Michael?, Brian?
• 06/19 Grandma's: Tracy P

Here is my two cents. . . If you want to use the next two weekends as a taper and race again, I highly recommend Richmond. There is already several RMEC runners going. It is one of my favorite races. If you can get by with only one weekend off, you can try OBX. The half is already sold out, but several Rocky Mount runners are going.

Thunder Road is another affordable and drivable option to race. Frank, Dave, and Scott raced it last year and had high praise of the event. It is a "bigger city" event, but does not draw the immense crowds like MCM. Plus you get a nice medal! It also allows ample recovery time for most of you.

If we want to get a big group to do a spring race, our best option is Myrtle Beach. The course is the easiest you will find in my opinion, the weather is normally very favorable, and there is both a half and a full option. Plus you can get cheap hotels with fun for the family in the off season. Shamrock is another flat beach marathon option as well with nice swag.

If you want a challenging marathon, and one you will feel proud to have completed, I strongly suggest the Umstead Marathon. It will sell out within 24-72 hours after it opens for registration on 11/02.

There are some new marathons in North Carolina this March as well, but I really hope the RMEC will support the Roanoke Canal Half Marathon on 03/13/10 if you plan to race in the month of March. However. . . I ultimately want you to pick whichever races get you excited and motivated to stay active!

So lets start the ball rolling now. What half/full marathons are you planning to run? If it is not on the list still post a comment!