This year celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Marine Corps Marathon. I was thrilled when I got into the Marine Corps 17.75k earlier this year because I knew that if I finished that race, I would earn the right to run the MCM, my home marathon. I’d been looking forward to this race for months and it many ways it was incredible. In other ways…there was something left to be desired. I’ve been writing and re-writing this recap in my head for the past few days, but let’s just get on with it. Settle in…this Marine Corps Marathon Race Recap ain’t short (seriously…it’s kinda long – you’ve been warned)!
You might recall that my goals for the race were: A) 4:30; B) 4:31-4:51; C) sub-5. I knew my A goal would be a stretch but thought a PR was well within reach (that was basically my B goal). As it turned out, I came in just about one minute slower than my B goal. For a variety of reasons that I’ll discuss it was not my day race wise, but it was still a great day! After a fun Saturday of lunching and a shake out run with my Oiselle gals, I was feeling ready for race day. Julie and Caitlin had driven up from NC to cheer and we enjoyed a lazy day of college football and food.
Race day dawned warm and rainy, which was somewhat consistent with the forecast. I asked Julie and Caitlin to bring my hat in case the rain continued during the race, since I would first see them around mile 5.5. Once I got over to the Pentagon, I was treated with an outrageous line for security. I (along with thousands and thousands of others) waited for almost an hour. The race had actually already started by the time I got through security. I’ve heard that the problem was that the medal detectors didn’t work in the rain…and it was raining. This is kind of ridiculous in my opinion – no one foresaw this being an issue?
Anyway, the security snafu led to an extremely stressful start. By the time they started letting more people into the gates, I had to rush over to drop my bag and then find my training friends. They were kind enough to wait for me (they went into the race on the Rosslyn side where the lines were much shorter) before starting the race. This was definitely not how I planned to start marathon number 6, but you can only control what you can control, right?
And so, we were off. Almost instantly, my group broke off into two groups. I was with my friends Deb and Christina and off we went. As you can see below, the course is mostly flat with a hill in the first couple miles, but then relatively flat after that with a small incline going up to the 14th Street Bridge and of course, the final .2 miles.
Miles 1-6.2: The race was so crowded. We started very far back (about 18 minutes after the race officially started because I was delayed) and it was just jam packed. I was constantly weaving between walls of folks and knew that all the weaving would come back to bite me in the butt. We passed the 5 hour pacer at some point during these miles. It was also still raining, so the road was slick and I was trying to be very careful not to fall. I saw Joyce and Becca of the Oiselle team at mile 2 (right in the middle of that hill) and that was awesome. Then I saw Julie and Caitlin at mile 5.5 and was able to get my hat from them since the weather was gross. Luckily, it stopped raining somewhere around these time. Unluckily, the humidity (around 90%) then became very apparent. (10:47, 11:19, 10:16, 10:23, 10:22, 10:04)
Miles 6.2-13.1: As was the theme for the day, the race continued to be crazy crowded and we lost some time trying to find Deb after losing her at a water stop. We ended up running into her about a mile later so all was well. I got to see Prianka from the team during these miles and that was fantastic. We came upon the blue mile with the pictures of fallen soldiers and I teared up as I was running. I’m a military brat and was really really moved during this mile. The rest of Haines Point was terrible because I lost both Deb and Christina. Deb was a bit behind me and Christina needed to pull back. While I’m very used to running races and marathons alone, I was really looking forward to running with my girls at least until mile 20 and when I found myself alone at mile 12.5, I was really distraught. I was also starting to get tired, which is a very bad thing 12 miles into a marathon. In retrospect, I think I should’ve started taking Gatorade at this point. It was warm and humid and I think I was rapidly becoming dehydrated. Hindsight, right? I crossed the halfway mark in 2:18, which was on target for a 4:36ish finish. Of course, that was not how the day turned out. (11:03, 10:04, 10:14, 10:03, 10:33, 10:20, 10:25)
Miles 13.1-20: The only thing I really remember during these miles are all the times I spotted friends. Julie and Caitlin were at mile 15.5 and so I got company for about a mile. I told them I was tired and lonely. I’m sure I was pretty pitiful because I really was just lonely at that point. At mile 17, I saw a couple of friends from my training group and gave them a huge hug, which was awesome. Then at mile 18, my husband was waiting for me. Another huge hug and it pumped me up! I keep going around the Capitol and then around mile 19 ran into another friend from my training group who was having a rough day. Shortly after that, my friend Laura from law school was there and I was able to say hi. Seriously, these miles were full of friends and that was a great distraction for what was to come – the awful bridge. (10:30, 10:31, 10:36, 10:56, 10:59, 10:35, 11:41)
Miles 20-26.2 (or 26.61 according to my watch): Ah. Well, the bridge. There’s not much to say other than it’s long and it sucked. It was so much harder than it was when I ran it during the Army Ten Miler two weeks prior. Of course I knew that would be the case but dang. On a positive note, I ran into another Oiselle teammate, Kelly, on the bridge and she basically got me over it. I really was not feeling it but chatting with Kelly helped so much! And then after the bridge, I came around the corner to see the Oiselle Cowbell Corner set up. It was maybe the BEST.THING.EVER. This is how I felt at mile 22 upon seeing my Oiselle gals:
Yeah, basically. I was so wiped after that bridge that seeing my girls just gave me life. My one disappointment was that Julie and Caitlin weren’t there. Well, not to fear, because I quickly saw them about five minutes later. And then, those sweet sweet girls literally ran with me the rest of the race. First Julie ran me a mile and then Caitlin ran the last three miles of the race with me. I can’t even say how much this meant to me. I was tired, my thighs were cramping like whoa and I was feeling really desperate for company. I got it and I will be eternally grateful. I honestly don’t know if I could’ve finished under five hours without the push from both of them. They were the most incredible support crew. #friendship. I also got a hug from Coco from Got 2 Run 4 Me at mile 22.5 and that was fantastic! Finally, we approached the Iwo Jima Memorial and the finish. Now, let me say something about that final hill. I have run that thing probably ten times this summer in training. It felt SO different and SO much harder during the race. It was brutal. But…I made it! (12:03, 11:55, 12:28, 12:20, 12:37, 11:54, 11:21). I crossed the finish in 4:52:06, just short of a PR.
I also have to shout out my girl Mar. She ran the 10k, then went and hung out with the Oiselle crew to cheer. I gave her a huge hug at mile 22 and then she waited and found me after the race. It was extra nice because I did the same for her when she ran MCM last year. #friendship (and no, I don’t know why my hat was all askew in these pictures. I mean, the race was rough, y’all.)
What I wore: Oiselle Distance shorts, Oiselle singlet, Oiselle arm warmers, Injinji socks, Zensah calf sleeves and (not pictured) Adidas Boost Glide sneakers. I carried my Nathan handheld and had my phone in my back pocket of my shorts. Same as Wineglass – just with different colored shorts.
Fueling: I used the same strategy as Wineglass and ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before then race and then I drank water with Nuun in it for the first couple hours. Around mile sixteen, I started taking Gatorade when it was offered and stopped and had volunteers fill my bottle with water a couple of times. I took four salt sticks while running (on the hour mark) and ate a few pretzel sticks and gummies. I also ate sports beans that were offered at about mile 19 and 1 Dunkin Donuts Munchkin at mile 24. It was glorious. Unfortunately, as I mentioned, I did experience cramping during this race and I think I waited too long to start taking Gatorade.
Final thoughts: I absolutely loved seeing so many friends on this course. I’ve never had the type of course support I had at this race and it was simply amazing. I’m so grateful to all my friends and Oiselle teammates. However. I did not love the race. The hectic start, the crowded course and the lack of organization at both the start and the finish turned me off. I also hated running the bridge and the finish is just cruel, haha. I’m not sure if I want to run this again to show this course who’s boss or if I never EVER want to run it again because it kicked my butt. I think that if this was a first marathon, it might be great. I also think that if you don’t live in DC, it would probably be incredible. Since I train here, the National Mall and the Monuments weren’t a distraction from pain. It honestly felt like a normal Saturday running except I wasn’t with my group of girls (after mile 12.5). So I think I would recommend this to a first timer (there were a TON of them) or to someone from out of town. It is special to run among monuments for sure. But if you train in DC, it’s not quite special enough to distract from marathon pain. 🙂
I definitely have thought that but for the crowding, the late start, etc, I could have PRed the race. My watch (and the watches of many others) recorded 26.61 miles which is a HECK of a lot of weaving. But playing the coulda woulda shoulda game is never helpful and it doesn’t matter anyway. I’m proud that after trying to come in under five hours for two years, I was finally able to do it twice in one month. I am looking forward to choosing my next marathon and training plan.
Up next for me: Richmond Half Marathon and the Annapolis Running Classic Half Marathon (come run with me – use code CCREF15 to save 10%).
Did you race the Marine Corps Marathon this year? If you’ve run it, would you do it again?
Oh,girl! Congratulations! I think if the word “Marine” is in the name, it’s just going to be awful. Amazing, but awful. You did so great – the delay at security would have thrown me into a tailspin. I don’t do well with unplanned and uncontrollable issues on race day and that would have totally knocked me out of the zone.
I’m sorry it wasn’t as amazing as you were hoping, but you should still be very proud of yourself!
Jenn recently posted…race report: pink up the pace {10.3.2015}
Thanks Jenn! I am proud – running a marathon is always something to be proud of but I do regret some of the confusion at the beginning of the race 🙂
Not to be dramatic but MCM is dead to me 🙂 GREAT WORK out there!!
LNRB recently posted…What Now?
LOL. I hear ya! 🙂
🙂 I was happy to be there and glad to see you and give you a hug!! it is definitely a good race for first timers and those not from the area. MCM will always be special to me in that regard. I understand what you’re saying though as I run the DC streets all the time as well. Last year security was long too – not as bad it seems as this year but I was so stressed for my first marathon I think I didn’t notice some of the same things you did – but they were definitely there! You did awesome lady – 2 sub-5 hours in a months time. PROUD OF YOU!!! #friendship
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Race Recap: MCM10K!
Yes, I think if this was my first marathon I would’ve had a more positive impression of the race. It’s big and exciting and lots of crowd support and the Marines are incredible. That alone makes for a good first race, I think. I don’t think the security lines have EVER been as bad as they were this year, according to friends who’ve run it a bunch. We literally didn’t move and I didn’t cross until 18 minutes after the race started. So cray. But having friends there was THE.BEST.
You looked so strong when we saw you! Even if you felt it wasn’t your day, you definitely were amazing, especially given Wineglass just a couple of weeks before! You are a rockstar, without a doubt! I ran MCM as my first marathon and it was amazing for me, but I can TOTALLY see where you are coming from not being so sure you “love it.” And I arrived like 2 hours before the race…b/c I get so nervous about lines and timing. That security situation would have TOTALLY ruined me, without a doubt!
Thanks for being out there – I very MUCH appreciated it!!
Way to go, Courtney! Despite the hectic start (and I agree, they didn’t think about the metal detectors being an issue prior to race day?!?), you still showed MCM who was boss. When so many DC races have overlapping courses, it can definitely make a race a bit underwhelming. But you had a great group of supporters, and I absolutely LOVE the picture of you at mile 22. It truly shows just how much you appreciated your support squad.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…My Goal for Saturday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
Thanks! I did have such awesome course support and that definitely was the highlight of my day! Mile 22 was just great with seeing my gals!! 🙂
Amazing, Courtney! You should feel so proud of your accomplishment and what a wonderful race to be a part of! Love all the pictures!
Angie @ Pace with Grace recently posted…Liebster Award
Thank you so much, Angie!! 🙂
The security lines at the beginning sound horrible this year 🙁 I’ve heard about that from multiple people. But the 2 sub 5 hour marathons within a month is impressive!
Chaitali recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon 10k
Yes, it was a hot mess. Oh well, what can you do?
I think you did awesome considering you just ran a MARATHON a few weeks ago! I ran on Sunday too, and my watch said 26.7 by the end. I was supposed to do another full next month (by accident, not planned!) but I am going down to the half – I just don’t have it in me physically or mentally to do a full again so soon. Congratulations on your sixth marathon and way to pull through in that second half!
Thanks! Congrats to you on running Sunday as well! What half are you running next month?
Philly!
Congrats on the finish! This was my second year running MCM, for my second marathon, and this year was definitely more chaotic to start. The security lines were very frustrating and I hated having to essentially sprint to the start line for the official kick off. But in a way, I appreciated that I was distracted from my nerves and being on the course felt great. Even with the rain, the crowd support was incredible and I’m so grateful to everyone who lined the race course to cheer. I live down here so I think there’s a benefit to being able to train on the course, but I do understand what you mean about it just being another long run.
Bethany recently posted…A Runner in the Rain: a RNR DC Recap
I don’t mind running in the rain, but once the rain stopped, the humidity was tough! Congrats on MCM!
I’m not a fan of running races where I train because I know how far things are (/how far they feel) and it kind of gets in my head. It sounds like the weather was pretty gross for this time of year (I’d hope humidity wouldn’t be an issue in October!). Great job powering through and what a great photo from Mile 22! I’m so glad it’s make the rounds in the Oiselle groups / Instagram. 🙂 Congrats on two marathons in a matter of weeks! What an accomplishment! Your upcoming half marathons are going to fly by.
Elizabeth recently posted…Travel Tuesday: The Great Smoky Mountains
I have to say, when I finished I was so excited to realize that my next races were half marathons! 🙂
It was a rough race- weather, stomach felt a little funny. A lesson for me was that I got a little dehydrated early in the race because it was packed and I just wanted to keep moving. Which meant I paid for at mile 13, and had to walk at least a half mile because of side stitches. I spent the whole back half in pain, never being able to run more than 5 minutes without the stitches coming back. And maybe overcompensated with liquids. Sigh, lessons learned. It was great to run with you for the first half though!
Yes, I think I was dehydrated as well. Definitely a lesson learned and I can’t wait to cheer you on at Richmond!!!
Congrats on the finish!!! Whether or not you’re 200% happy with the race it still doesn’t undermine the fact that you ran a flipping marathon! 🙂
I do agree with your criticism of the race – MCM was my first back in 2007 – its a great race for first timers but i can’t fathom those issues at the Pentagon before a race considering also how far the pentagon is from the actual starting line. Another factor to consider if you want to run it again is that they’re moving the expo next year to National Harbor.
,…
Let that one fester 🙂
Either way – congrats! See you in a month at ARC!!!!
Yeah, the move over to NH is not awesome for locals. I doubt I’d do this one again, although I sort of want to go back and crush it since I had such a meh race. See you in a few weeks!
Congratulations on such a great race! I am sorry the logistics of the race were not great, that is such a bummer. MCM was my first marathon in 2010, so it will always hold a special place in my heart – but I do remember the crowds for the first 6 miles being CRAZY! Congrats, again! I hope you get some much deserved rest this week.
Marilyn recently posted…5 PEOPLE WHO MOTIVATE ME
Thank you – I think it would be an incredible first marathon!
A huge congratulations for going sub-5 on a really tough day. Between the stressful start, losing your friends, the extreme humidity, and the early cramping, it sounds like you really kicked butt with giving it your all. You really should be proud of yourself! And that’s a really good point about running your goal race where you train isn’t good for helping with the distractions. I will keep that in mind, for sure. Congrats again!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…What’s Next–Now and Next Year
Yeah there was definitely a bit of monotony because I run past the monuments all the time. However, for out of owners, this must’ve been incredible!
Congrats on your finish! Awesome! Marathons are my nemesis distance. Los Angeles Marathon is my local big marathon, which I have never had a good or even decent experience. I registered for my third time because I’m determined to rock it at least once!
Wendy recently posted…Hitting Reset
woohoo on signing up for #3! way to go 🙂
Congrats again on a fantastic finish! I’m really impressed by your finish times with back to back marathons. I bet you got a shot of adrenaline when you saw your flock! Keep smiling, Courtney!!!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Falling for…food and family #hemphearts #sweatpink
thanks wendy! i really did love seeing them on the course. clearly, lol. 🙂
They needed to think that weather through. I know it’s for everyone’s safety, but long security lines put a damper on a race. Congrats on getting under 5 hours again 🙂
Lesley recently posted…My Yoga for Running
thank you so much!!
Congratulations on your marathon!! Great recap – it must have been so wonderful to be surrounded by friends and loved ones along the course. I may have to add this race on my list!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Annapolis Half Marathon Training Week 2 Recap
I think it’s great for out of town folks and first timers. I’m sure you’d love it!
Great job Courtney despite the hectic start and crowds! Wonderful to have so much support along the course – it really can make all the difference.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Recovery Week 3 – Gaining Perspective
Thank you! It really did make a HUGE difference 🙂
I cannot imagine how frustrating missing the start of the race must have been. It seems silly because the rain was clearly going to happen. I don’t know what they could have done though, set up tents outside? Either way I love that photo of you at mile 22. It’s one of my favorite race photos.
Hollie recently posted…JCC 5k (19:15)
Thanks Hollie. It WAS really frustrating and then having to weave so much sucked but what can you do, right? 🙂
Even though it was a disappointing race, you should be very proud of yourself for gutting it out after everything (chaotic start, hills, etc.) that was thrown in your way. You are a warrior. Courtney! And I hope you use that photo of yourself at Mile 22 forever. 🙂
Molly @alsoranagain recently posted…Top 10 Experiences at Ragnar Napa with Team Nuun
Thanks, Molly. Means a lot to hear your kind words. I never expected I’d run multiple marathons and it’s fun to see how far I’ve come!
You need to join the cheer squad next year! We honestly had a blast!!
By the way, I realized that we are marathon PR twins! My 4:51 is from last year’s NYC Marathon!
Sounds like we should run together!!! What’s our next marathon? 🙂
Gah! How about a nice half?? 😉
How great to have so many friends running with you and out there on the course for support! I can imagine how much of a difference that made for you! You’ve logged in some serious miles this year! Congrats!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Monster Dash-Just Run & Have Fun
Thank you! Having that course support was the BEST thing I’ve experienced in a race. So incredible.
Congrats, and great recap as always! I felt like I was running along side of you. And like I said before, I LOVE the picture of you when you saw your Oiselle teammates!
Things are usually so organized with the marines that it’s a shame there was such a mess-up with the security check-point.
I always loved this race, so I’m sure if I were still running the marathon distance, I’d run it again.
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…It All Depends On The Perspective
I’ve heard that it has never been this hectic, which is a good thing. Now that I’m a few days out, I’m still wavering on if I want to do it again. 🙂
I’m sorry you were one of the people who had trouble getting in. That sucks. I’m sure that totally messed with your head. I’m going to guess you probably passed me at some point as I was back in the 5 hour group.
I love this race, but I don’t love the effort it takes to get there and get out. I feel the same way about ATM. I had a great time – so many people and things to occupy my mind, but I was purposefully running at an easy pace. I think it’s just really hard to PR at these big congested races, so it’s better just to run them for fun.
I won’t be running it again anytime soon (mostly because we all know how much I love summer training LOL), but I do plan to cheer next year.
Good luck finding your next marathon!
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Marine Corps Marathon 2015 Race Recap
were you with the 5 hour pacer? i did pass them and was looking for friends and am sorry i missed you. you know, ATM was crowded but i guess because i started with the right group, i was able to have some pace and even set a new PR. i have such mixed feelings about this race – and the move for the expo to national harbor doesn’t excite me!
Congratulations on finishing your race! It is always nice to see familiar faces along the course. It really does pass the time and help w the pain. Even though that it wasn’t the race you were hoping for, you pushed thru and stayed strong. That security in the beginning would have stressed me out too! Enjoy your accomplishment!
Thanks Lacey – seeing friends along the way was the absolute best 🙂
Congrats! That sounds like such a tough race for so many reasons, but you did it! I’m so impressed you ran two marathons so close to one another and are still walking around.
Kristen recently posted…Columbia Gorge Half Marathon Race Recap
Haha, Monday and Tuesday were touch and go on the walking front 🙂
Congrats Courtney! Sounds like a tough day but YOU PREVAILED! I ran MCM and it is my PW but I still love the race. So much to meditate on. Remember you’re just coming off of WIneglass too. I’m sure your body does. When I ran in 2012 there was no security pre-race. Sounds like a total cluster and oh don’t get me started on that evil bridge. I’m proud of you. girl!
Marcia recently posted…How to Master the Mental Aspects of Running
Hahaha, the bridge sucks. I’d run it two weeks before during the Army Ten Miler and POWERED over it. That was NOT the case on Sunday. It is not awesome, that’s for sure. Thanks for the encouragement 🙂
CONGRATS!!!! It may not be a PR, but you still did an incredible job in less than ideal running conditions. I love that you had so many friend with you along the course. It sounds like you have surrounded yourself with the most amazing, supportive community, and that is something really special!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…The Boyfriend Chronicles: The Maxi Dress
Thanks Nicole, I really do have great people in my life and in grateful for it!
Wow Courtney! That looks like an amazing experience. And I have to say that I <333 your face expression in that one photo. It makes me think of what I felt like inside when I approached the finish line of my two marathons. ;-D
Emily recently posted…Why Exercise can be Obsessive
Great recap. I totally feel you. My race started to unravel at mile 12 too and I couldn’t figure out why. I had been drinking Nuun since the race started so I’m not sure what I blame that on. The security line was horrible and I have to say that it was NOT like that the last two years, but then again it didn’t rain either. But still, the fact they let everyone and their brother in that line was BS I think. A runner not being able to get in their corral in time to run a race they payed for because of letting every family member in as well is not cool to me. I’m burnt out on this course, not going to lie. 3 years in a row for me, you can bet I will NOT be running this next year. But not because I hate the race, just because it’s time to take a break 🙂 Congrats lady!
Congratulations Courtney! I have read and heard many horror stories of the start line and it seems like it messed all my friends (bloggers and IRL) up. It has to be stressful because a marathon is stressful enough without things like this coming up. Like you said it’s really weird that the metal detectors didn’t work in the rain… it rains at a lot of races and they are still held, so the organizers should have thought about that?
I don’t blame you not to want to run it again, if you live in DC and can run these roads any time, it doesn’t sound like it is worth the hassle to do each year. Still, you did a great job and regardless of the time, you finished another marathon and that’s pretty awesome. Hope you have a good post-race recovery!
Amy Lauren recently posted…James Island Connector Run 5K (22:17)
Even despite the tough conditions, YOU RAN A MARATHON ! And that is a fantastic accomplishment !
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…Vincennes Half Marathon Race Recap
Congratulations, Courtney!!! You should be so proud! It’s so hard to run a race alone. I trained solo and ran MCM solo, but I was so grateful to have my husband and TFH team there for support. I love that you had a group of friends to run with it. It makes a difference when you need that push. I didn’t get stuck in those crazy security lines, but I heard a lot of others talk about them. I totally understand how you feel about running in your city.I feel the same way about Birmingham. I loved touring your city! I hope to come back stronger. Well done, lady!
Artney @ My Pretty Brown Fit recently posted…MISSION Reflections: 2015 Marine Corps Marathon
great recap and great job! the start of the race sounds super upsetting and flustering but you still did well! It is so crazy we train so long for these races and then race day has so many uncontrollable factors.
I will agree they corral horribly. I ran it in 2013 and am hoping for NYC or Chicago next year, but MCM is my 3rd choice because I had a rough race a kind of want a redo.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Best PlugIns
Oh I’m thinking about Chicago for next year!!
I saw you on the course!! I’ve been a long time reader, and it looks like we finished within a minute of each other- I was admiring your oiselle tank near the capitol and then caught your face and was too surprised to say hello.
This was my second ever full marathon, and first time at MCM- Security was a cluster, and it was SO CROWDED on the rock creek out/back, but I was pretty happy for most of the run. See you out there!!
Oh how awesome!!! Congrats on your second and way to go!!!! What’s next for you?
Courtney you are a rock star. Your photos look like how I felt about the first time I ran Chicago. Way to go! Congrats friend!
Oh Courtney, I am so sorry about the stressful start. Being behind a huge crowd of slower runners can ruin a marathon race and especially since it was not your fault. There are a couple things that need to be changed about MCM and one is to have starting corrals assigned and not chosen on the day. Also there should be no non runners in the athletes village which can cause huge security line problems. Last year, I lined myself up with the correct pace for my speed and I must have passed 2-3,000 runners. I was so frustrated after the first 5 miles I wanted to cry. But I saved that for my family right after my finish. I hope you can look back on the race and find some things to love about it, but honestly it took me a while. This year, a friend from my running group who hoped to break 4 hours was running her first MCM. I told her about the corrals and she lined up with the 3:30 group (after rushing through security and jogging to the start). She did meet her goal, but starting earlier probably helped her tremendously.
Pam and Christine recently posted…Goals for NYC Marathon
Sounds like you had a pretty good race despite all the hiccups. Nice job on your finish. MCM is still my bucket list race. 🙂
Rachel recently posted…5 Things I’ve Learned About Myself Through Recovery [Friday Five]
I say, go for it! Everyone should experience it for themselves 🙂
Courtney, congratulations on your two marathons in October! It is really frustrating when your race starts off in that manner and no doubt that threw you off. How frustrating! And all of the weaving too… That reminds me of Disney when I consistently wind up running up to a mile extra.
Recover well!
Leana recently posted…Five Friday Favorites
I can’t stop laughing at your comment about your hat being “askew;” I mean, seriously? WHAT A DAY! The weather…that is all. You did great, Courtney, no matter what; those are horrible conditions and that start was ridiculous. I was really getting worried because I was tracking several of you; somehow, Sue started ahead of many of you and I kept wondering what was wrong. I was relieved when you all finally started logging miles, but I could tell there was something going on. Way to get it done!! I’m dreaded my 18-miler in the wind and rain tomorrow; I’ll channel my inner Courtney. 🙂
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Tuesday Intro – Gold Fame Citrus
I too, did not have the day go as planned–starting with the ridiculousness of the security line. I actually didn’t start until nearly 23 minutes after the gun went off, and had to immediately revert to my B) goal; my A) goal was a 4:05 and absolutely not going to happen that far back (clocked in at 26.75 miles…eeek).
This is the third time I’ve tried to run that stupid bridge well from start to finish, and the first time I’ve succeeded!! I *hate* *hate* *hate* that bridge. This year, I finally made myself stop hating, start running, and the mental boost of beating that bridge in on-pace miles (even faster than the previous 3!) gave me a lot of confidence for those last few miles. I mean, it doesn’t get worse than that stupid bridge 🙂
Great job on your race and hitting your B goal, even if it didn’t go as planned. There’s always next year or the next race!
heather recently posted…Review of United Business/First IAH-LIM and Return
I finished MCM saying, I loved the race, but I would NEVER run a marathon again. And, most know, NEVER is a powerful word, that I have learned really means “I will”. Many people have said to me, “Do you know how many people say never again, and then find themselves lining up year after year at MCM”. I don’t like the marathon race (I like to run fast). I would encourage anyone who had only one marathon to do, or had a marathon bucket list, to put MCM on that list. The crowd, the city, the course, the Marines-all make it a great experience. Just keep in mind it is a BIG race with ALOT of runners!! But, the course is amazing-something new at every mile, DC is beautiful, and it is relatively flat. If someone wanted me to run MCM with them, hands down, I would not think twice about doing it. Who knows, I may find myself crossing the MCM start wondering how the heck did I get here, AGAIN.
Even though the race itself wasn’t the best, at least it sounds like you had a good support system!! I have never run in the MCM and I’m not sure I could do it 🙂
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola recently posted…Foot Update: 2.5 Weeks of Non-Weight-Bearing
Congratulations on a strong finish! This was actually my 6th MCM (2004, 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014 and now 2015), and it was by far the worst I have done. The security was absolutely horrible–I came in from the Rosslyn side and still waited in a security line for over an hour. There were also major issues with water stops not being ready when I came through, which is super frustrating. While I’d love to be able to say that I’ll register my complete disappointment by skipping it next year, I likely won’t. It’s a nice, flat course and a good Boston qualifier for me. Plus, as a local, I love being able to sleep in my own bed the night before. I just genuinely hope they can get the snafus worked out for next year. I hope you’ll give it another shot–when they do it well. It really is amazing!
Yes, I do think I’ll give it another shot. Not sure about next year but definitely again. 🙂
In my eyes, you crushed racetober. I can’t imagine running two marathons that close together. I agree to with a lot of the commenters saying this a good first timer event (that’s me!) but the crowding was unreal. And, I can’t believe that they had issues at the start filtering folks through metal detectors. For a race of this size, that’s so surprising. Hopefully they sort that out for next year!
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