I don't recap many races but this one turned out to be special in so many ways. First of all, both of my kids were with me. My daughter was at my very first half marathon and it was fitting that she was there as I crossed my 10th half marathon finish line. My son, who has never been able to come to a race, was able to come. Sadly, Dan was the only one missing. My friend from college, Beth and Richie were cheering me on as well. Also, I started to run for a very special young boy named Julius. He and I were matched at the end of March. It really helps to know that I am running for someone who will not be able to run. Julius was born premature at 26 weeks gestation. He is a little fighter which give me the spark to push harder for him when runs get tough.
I originally chose the race because I would be able to run with the Red Felt Running Club. For those who don't know, I met this awesome, motivational and caring group of runners while training for my first full marathon in 2011. I was one of the original Marine Corp Marathon First Timers ( now called RFRC). We have grown by leaps and bounds since then. I have a goal to run either a full or half marathon in all 50 states and that is another reason I chose VA. However, after I had registered for the race, I began to really look at the elevation chart. I can honestly say that I became more concerned as the time drew near regarding the hills. I live in a flat part of Ohio. I tried to train for the hills by doing hill repeats on the bridge. But I did decide that I would have 3 goals I want to accomplish during this race. 1. To have fun 2. To run up and down all the hills. No walking. 3. Come in under 2:30.
I would like to thank Marie for helping ease my fears before the race by giving me tips and encouragement. You have no idea how much you helped me. I believe it was because of you that I got up all those hills including the last one. I will also remember to sing the song from "Santa Claus is coming to Town. Put one foot in front of the other'" as I run up hills. The weather was absolutely perfect for running.
The Marine Corp Marathon series did not disappoint. There were lots of Marines and enthusiastic crowds. There was a fly over before the race began, someone dressed up as the Town Cryer announce the opening of the race and the cannon sounded.
I ran with Marie for about 1/2 mile but I knew that she had a goal in mind so we parted ways. My Garmin had decided not to work so I had nothing to keep track of my pace. I was running only on feel. I was having fun looking around, reading the signs and taking everything in. I saw 2 miniature horses, 2 tequila stations (no I did not take any shots) and a sprinkler in the road (of course I did). The coarse was really hilly. I really don't remember running any flat areas. I am sure there were some. I took the time to high 5 the Marines, kids and an elderly gentleman which I ran up on the sidewalk to get. I almost fell getting back on the road. Thankfully, a runner behind me grabbed a hold of me so I didn't hit the ground. I LOVE RUNNERS!!
Hospital Hill was not as horrible as I thought it would be. I kept Marie's advice and powered up the hill. She had warned me about the hill after. That last hill was a challenge. There was a couple running in front of me. His buddy was struggling so he was chanting over and over again , "We own this hill! We own this hill!" That pushed me and I ended up passing them. As I was at the crest of the hill, the VA Runners were coming down high 5 us and encouraging us to keep on pushing. I don't know why a high 5 is a powerful motivator but it is. That was all I needed to get to the top. I was so excited at that point because I knew that all the hills were behind me. About mile 12, I started to lose steam. As I looked out in the distance, I saw one of the Red Felters walking towards me. Jeremy, you could not have been in a better place. Another high 5, he ran a couple steps with me and gave my some encouragement. Again, I am amazed on how supportive runners are to each other. Around mile 13, struggling a little again. I look over to the right and see my son smiling at me. My friend Beth is cheering. Another push. There was two runners in front of me. One was really having a hard time. He was literally being held up by his buddy as they ran along. A third runner came along and started to call cadence. I have never ran to cadence but I watched as the runner who was being held up, break free from his buddy and finish. The cadence was great. It caused me to run faster and finish strong. I finished at 2:27.
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