The Marine Corps Marathon is the nation’s 4th largest marathon. It is known as “The People’s Marathon”, meaning it’s for recreational runners like me. It is also known for its amazing crowd support, which should be helpful.
I ran my numbers from my previous half marathon (2 weeks ago). It gives my projected marathon time as 4:35. And this might even be a conservative time, as my half marathon was extremely hilly, compared the the flat Marine Corps Marathon. I would be extremely happy with a 4:30 marathon. Really, at this point, I will be quite happy if I can just finish.
The coolest feature of the Marine Corp Marathon is their tracking system. It is possible to set it up so you get an email or text message as a runner crosses certain landmarks. For example, I will be getting a text message every time I (or several other people I know) cross the halfway mark and the finish line. Of course, this is a mute point because I will not be running with my cell phone (although I am tempted, because this technology is just so cool!). But at least when I get back, I can immediately see my exact finish time, as well as my split times.
I am finding myself surprisingly excited about this marathon. I remember what a big deal is was when I ran my first half marathon. But the novelty has worn off, as I run that just about every weekend now. I wish I still had that excitement. But I must admit, there is still a twinge of that excitement when I think about running a full marathon.
And finally, I have been watching the weather report. I am almost afraid to say it, but it is looking good! It is raining all this week, which is not ideal, but we need the rain. It is supposed to clear up on Saturday afternoon. Then on Sunday it will be mostly sunny, with a high of 65. That is almost as good as I can ask for!
I am looking forward to the marathon experience: from the expo to the after-party. I know I have been too harsh on myself. And really, I will be happy just to have completed a marathon. I am also looking forward to being out, running through all our national monuments with a bunch of cool people.
And right now I can’t imagine doing this all again. But I wouldn’t be surprised if next year I am back in my training club, getting ready for some other crazy run.
October 26, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Good luck man! You’re right, you should be just happy to finish. Marathons are tough. Actually, the races aren’t too bad. It’s all that training that makes it tough.
Go Rockies!